scholarly journals Taking Students on a Strengths Safari: A Multidimensional Pilot Study of School-Based Wellbeing for Young Neurodiverse Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6947
Author(s):  
Lauren H. Naples ◽  
Elizabeth D. Tuckwiller
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Private School ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
School Based ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

There is a robust body of psychological research linking youth mental health and academic achievement. However, students in early childhood are rarely represented in this research, and children with disabilities and/or neurological differences are virtually absent. Thus, the present pilot study explored the effects of a structured psychoeducation program designed to enhance school-based wellbeing (SBWB) for young students who are neurodivergent (ND). This study utilized a quasi-experimental design to investigate the effects of the Student Strengths Safari intervention on (1) students’ self-reported covitality and (2) teacher-rated executive functioning to (3) examine data for evidence of a dual-factor model of SBWB. Two classrooms in a suburban, Mid-Atlantic private school were randomly assigned to the waitlist control group (n = 14) (1st grade) and the intervention group (n = 10) (2nd grade), and quantitative data were analyzed at pretest and posttest to determine intervention outcomes. Key findings produced evidence to support (a) a statistically significant interaction effect for improvements in executive functioning relative to the waitlist control group (p = 0.011), and (b) the utility of a new theoretical dual-factor model to advance SBWB for ND students in early elementary education.

scholarly journals Implementation and Effects of an Information Technology-Based Intervention to Support Speech and Language Therapy Among Stroke Patients with Aphasia: Protocol for a Virtual Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Kim ◽  
Laura Laird ◽  
Carlee Wilson ◽  
Till Bieg ◽  
Phillip Mildner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lexical Retrieval ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Treatment Assessment ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

BACKGROUND Mobile application-based therapies are increasingly being employed by speech-language pathologists in the rehabilitation of people with aphasia (PwA) as an adjunct or in lieu of traditional in-person therapy approaches. These apps can increase the intensity of treatment, and have been shown to result in meaningful outcomes across several domains OBJECTIVE VoiceAdapt is a mobile therapy app designed with user and stakeholder feedback within a user-centered design framework. VoiceAdapt uses two evidence-based lexical retrieval treatments to engage PwA to improve their naming abilities through interaction with the app. The purpose of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) proposed here is to examine the feasibility and clinical efficacy of training with VoiceAdapt on the language and communication outcomes of people with aphasia. METHODS A multicenter RCT is being conducted at two locations within Canada. A total of 80 people with aphasia will be recruited to participate in a two-arm, waitlist-controlled, crossover group RCT. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomized into an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Intervention group participants will engage in five weeks of training with the app, followed by post-treatment assessment and follow-up assessment after an additional five weeks. Those in the waitlist control group will have five weeks of no training, followed by a pre-treatment assessment, training for five weeks and post-treatment assessment. All aspects of the trial are being conducted remotely given the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Recruitment of participants started in September 2020 and the study is expected to be completed by March 2022. Publication of results is expected within six months of study completion. CONCLUSIONS Results of the RCT will provide data to inform evidence-based practice on the use of technology-based solutions to treat aphasia. If positive results are obtained from this RCT, the VoiceAdapt app can be recommended as an efficacious means of improving lexical retrieval and communicative functioning in PwA within an easily accessible, cost-effective manner. Moreover, the implementation of this RCT through remote assessment and delivery can inform the profession on telerehabilitation practices and monitoring app-based home therapy programs. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04108364; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04108364

scholarly journals Randomized Trial of the Feasibility of ED-Initiated School-Based Asthma Medication Supervision (ED-SAMS)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn B Gerald ◽  
Joe K Gerald ◽  
John VanBuren ◽  
Ashley Lowe ◽  
Cecilia Guthrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Persistent Asthma ◽  
Medication Administration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Participant Satisfaction ◽  
School Based ◽  
Safety Endpoint ◽  
School Supervision

Abstract Background: While using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in the weeks after an ED visit reduces repeat visits, few children receive a needed prescription. Because a prescription may not be filled or used, dispensing ICS at discharge and supervising its use at school could overcome both barriers until follow-up care is established. To assess the feasibility of such an intervention, we conducted a pilot study among elementary-age school children with persistent asthma who were discharged from the ED following an asthma exacerbation. Methods: Eligible children were randomly assigned to (a) ED-dispensing of ICS with home supervision or ED-dispensing of ICS with home and school supervision. The primary outcomes were ability to recruit and retain participants, ability to initiate school-supervised medication administration within 5 days of discharge, and participant satisfaction. Results: Despite identifying 437 potentially eligible children, only 13 (3%) were enrolled with 6 being randomized to the intervention group and 7 to the control group. Eleven (85%) randomized participants completed the 90-day interview (primary outcome) and 8 (62%) completed the 120-day interview (safety endpoint). Four (67%) intervention participants started their school regimen within 5 business days and 2 started within 6 business days.Conclusion: While our pilot study did not meet its recruitment goal, it did achieve its primary purpose of assessing feasibility before undertaking a larger, more intensive study. Several major recruitment barriers need to be mitigated before EDs can successfully partner with schools to establish supervised ICS treatment. Clinical Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03952286. Registered May 16,2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03952286?term=ED+SAMS&draw=2&rank=1

scholarly journals Effectiveness of an Internet- and App-Based Intervention for College Students With Elevated Stress: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Harrer ◽  
Sophia Helen Adam ◽  
Rebecca Jessica Fleischmann ◽  
Harald Baumeister ◽  
Randy Auerbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

BACKGROUND Mental health problems are highly prevalent among college students. Most students with poor mental health, however, do not receive professional help. Internet-based self-help formats may increase the utilization of treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based, app-supported stress management intervention for college students. METHODS College students (n=150) with elevated levels of stress (Perceived Stress Scale 4-item version, PSS-4 ≥8) were randomly assigned to either an internet- and mobile-based stress intervention group with feedback on demand or a waitlist control group. Self-report data were assessed at baseline, posttreatment (7 weeks), and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was perceived stress posttreatment (PSS-4). Secondary outcomes included mental health outcomes, modifiable risk and protective factors, and college-related outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted in students with clinically relevant symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies’ Depression Scale >17). RESULTS A total of 106 participants (76.8%) indicated that they were first-time help-seekers, and 77.3% (intervention group: 58/75; waitlist control group: 58/75) showed clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline. Findings indicated significant effects of the intervention compared with the waitlist control group for stress (d=0.69; 95% CI 0.36-1.02), anxiety (d=0.76; 95% CI 0.43-1.09), depression (d=0.63; 95% CI 0.30-0.96), college-related productivity (d=0.33; 95% CI 0.01-0.65), academic work impairment (d=0.34; 95% CI 0.01-0.66), and other outcomes after 7 weeks (posttreatment). Response rates for stress symptoms were significantly higher for the intervention group (69%, 52/75) compared with the waitlist control group (35%, 26/75, P<.001; number needed to treat=2.89, 95% CI 2.01-5.08) at posttest (7 weeks). Effects were sustained at 3-month follow-up, and similar findings emerged in students with symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS Internet- and mobile-based interventions could be an effective and cost-effective approach to reduce consequences of college-related stress and might potentially attract students with clinically relevant depression who would not otherwise seek help. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00010212; http://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00010212 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6w55Ewhjd)

scholarly journals Impact of a Brief Family Skills Training Programme (“Strong Families”) on Parenting Skills, Child Psychosocial Functioning, and Resilience in Iran: A Multisite Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11137
Author(s):  
Karin Haar ◽  
Aala El-Khani ◽  
Gelareh Mostashari ◽  
Mahdokht Hafezi ◽  
Atoosa Malek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Relationships ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Parenting Practices ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

Caregivers have a key role in protecting children’s wellbeing, and, with appropriate skills, can prevent a multitude of negative social outcomes, particularly in challenged or humanitarian settings. Accordingly, the Strong Families programme was designed as a light touch family skills programme, with a focus of supporting caregiving during stressful situations. To evaluate the short-term impact of the Strong Families programme, we performed a time-convenience, randomized, controlled trial in Iran. A total of 292 families (63% from Iranian decent, 39% from Afghan decent, and 1% other), with children aged eight to twelve years, were recruited through ten centers in Iran and allocated to an intervention (n = 199) or waitlist/control group (n = 93). The two groups did not differ demographically at baseline. We assessed families prospectively, through three scales, PAFAS (parenting and family adjustment scales), SDQ (strengths and difficulties questionnaire), and CYRM-R (child and youth resilience measure). Caregivers in the intervention group improved (highly) statistically significantly on all but one PAFAS subscales (parental consistency, coercive parenting, positive encouragement, parental adjustment, family relationships, and parental teamwork), which was not noted in the waitlist group. On the SDQ, there were (highly) significant positive changes in scores in the intervention group on all sub-scales and the “total difficulty scale“, whereas the waitlist/control group also improved on three (prosocial, conduct problems, and hyperactivity) of the five SDQ subscales. Children originating from Afghanistan improved significantly on the overall resilience scale of the CYRM-R in the intervention group, but not in the waitlist/control group. Overall, all our stratified results of the different scales reflect an accentuated improvement in families with higher levels of problems at baseline. Our comparative results indicated a strong alignment of the strong families programme with its intended short-term impact, per its logical frame on parenting practices and family management skills, children behaviour, caregivers and children mental health, and capacity to cope with stress. We postulate that the potential nudging or diffusion of knowledge (cross-contamination between intervention and waitlist/control group) at the community level could explain improvements in the waitlist/control group on some indicators, however, further research on this is recommend.

scholarly journals A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial of an Intergenerational Arts and Heritage-Based Intervention in Singapore: Project ARTISAN

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Hau Yan Ho ◽  
Stephanie Hilary Xinyi Ma ◽  
Michael Koon Boon Tan ◽  
Ram Chandra Bajpai
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
National Identity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

Loneliness has become a global major public health concern, with detrimental effects to the young and old. ARTISAN (Aspiration and Resilience Through Intergenerational Storytelling and Art-based Narratives) is a 5-week, 15-h participatory art and group-based intervention that focuses on resilience building and loneliness alleviation among the young and old through a structured multimodal framework held at a museum space. Developed with a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, this intervention is evaluated using an open-label waitlist randomized controlled trial design (RCT) comprised of community-dwelling youth and older adults randomized into an intervention group (n = 35) or a waitlist-control group (n = 33). Participants were assessed on standardized self-reported psychometric measures including loneliness, resilience, quality of life, social support, life satisfaction and national identity at three time points. Qualitative data generated during each intervention session as well as acceptability focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Linear mixed modeling analyses revealed that participants in the intervention group experienced improvements in life satisfaction compared to participants in the waitlist-control group (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.77, p &lt; 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.53) immediately after the completion of ARTISAN. Subgroup analyses for youth participants indicated improvements in quality of life (95% CI: 0.16 to 0.52, p &lt; 0.001, d = 1.31) and national identity (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.80, p = 0.002, d = 0.43) in comparison to the waitlist-control group. At 5-weeks follow-up, the intervention group participants continued to experience high levels of life satisfaction (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.42, p = 0.017, d = 0.47), enhancements in resilience (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.55, p = 0.011, d = 0.46), as well as a significant reduction in loneliness (95% CI: −0.34 to −0.08, p = 0.001, d = 0.61) compared to baseline, reflecting the effectiveness and positive residual effects of the ARTISAN intervention. Similarly, the qualitative findings provided support for the intervention and additional insights to the quantitative findings. This holistic intervention framework that integrates stories, arts and heritage for bridging and empowering lives fills a critical gap in knowledge and practice between the arts, health and citizenship, paving the way for further research in creating a more caring and inclusive society with the arts.Clinical Trials Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03048708.

scholarly journals Randomized trial of the feasibility of ED-initiated school-based asthma medication supervision (ED-SAMS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn B. Gerald ◽  
Joe K. Gerald ◽  
John M. VanBuren ◽  
Ashley Lowe ◽  
Cecilia C. Guthrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Persistent Asthma ◽  
Medication Administration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Participant Satisfaction ◽  
Link Type ◽  
School Based ◽  
Safety Endpoint ◽  
School Supervision

Abstract Background While using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in the weeks after an ED visit reduces repeat visits, few children receive a needed prescription. Because a prescription may not be filled or used, dispensing ICS at discharge and supervising its use at school could overcome both barriers until follow-up care is established. To assess the feasibility of such an intervention, we conducted a pilot study among elementary-age school children with persistent asthma who were discharged from the ED following an asthma exacerbation. Methods Eligible children were randomly assigned to ED-dispensing of ICS with home supervision or ED-dispensing of ICS with home and school supervision. The primary outcomes were ability to recruit and retain participants, ability to initiate school-supervised medication administration within 5 days of discharge, and participant satisfaction. Results Despite identifying 437 potentially eligible children, only 13 (3%) were enrolled with 6 being randomized to the intervention group and 7 to the control group. Eleven (85%) randomized participants completed the 90-day interview (primary outcome) and 8 (62%) completed the 120-day interview (safety endpoint). Four (67%) intervention participants started their school regimen within 5 business days and 2 started within 6 business days. Conclusion While our pilot study did not meet its recruitment goal, it did achieve its primary purpose of assessing feasibility before undertaking a larger, more intensive study. Several major recruitment barriers need to be mitigated before EDs can successfully partner with schools to establish supervised ICS treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03952286. Registered 16 May 2019,

Piloting a parenting skills program in an Australian rural child protection setting

2010 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemaria Flaherty ◽  
Rodney Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Child Protection ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Parenting Skills ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Waitlist Control Group ◽  
Rural Community Health

This rural pilot study examined the effectiveness of a brief parenting skills intervention delivered to parents/carers of children who had experienced moderate to severe child abuse. The participants were 35 parents/carers living in rural New South Wales, Australia, who were recruited through referrals to a rural community health service. Participants were assessed pre and post the brief parenting skills education program using a battery of standardised self-report measures. Participants were randomly assigned to an immediate intervention group or a 3-month waitlist control group. The intervention was a three session ‘1-2-3 Magic’ parenting program.T-test analyses indicated that carers who received the intervention reported significant improvements in their mental health and discipline practices, and a significant reduction in child problem behaviour compared to the waitlist control group.The results of the study suggest that a brief psycho-educational parenting group intervention may be effective for carers of abused children in the short-term.

scholarly journals Work-focused therapy for common mental disorders: A naturalistic study comparing an intervention group with a waitlist control group

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ragne G.H. Gjengedal ◽  
Silje E. Reme ◽  
Kåre Osnes ◽  
Suzanne Lagerveld ◽  
Roland Blonk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Naturalistic Study ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

scholarly journals Parental Self-Efficacy to Promote Children’s Healthy Lifestyles: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4794
Author(s):  
Cayetana Ruiz-Zaldibar ◽  
Inmaculada Serrano-Monzó ◽  
Olga Lopez-Dicastillo ◽  
María Jesús Pumar-Méndez ◽  
Andrea Iriarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Parenting Styles ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Parenting Practices ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Positive Parenting ◽  
Parenting Programs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles

Positive parenting programs are a key strategy to promote the development of parental competence. We designed a pilot study based on parental self-efficacy to promote healthy lifestyles in their children aged between 2 to 5 years old. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the effects of a parenting program on parental self-efficacy and parenting styles. Twenty-five parents were allocated into intervention (N = 15) and control group (N = 10). Parents from the intervention group received four group sessions (120 mi per session) to develop a positive parenting, parenting styles and parenting skills regarding to children’s diet, exercise, and screen time, and two additional sessions about child development and family games. Parents from the control group received these two latter sessions. Parental self-efficacy, parenting styles, and meal-related parenting practices were measured before and after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Acceptability and feasibility of the program was also measured. Quantitative data were analyzed using the repeat measures ANOVA and ANCOVA tests and the effect size calculation. Content analysis was used to analyse open questions. Positive trends were found regarding parental self-efficacy and the use of authoritative parenting style. Parents also reported a great acceptability of the program getting high satisfaction. According to the feasibility barriers and facilitators aspects were identified. The positive trends founded in this study support the development of parenting programs to promote healthy lifestyle in children.

The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation in Women Who Had Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sevde Aksu ◽  
Pelin Palas Karaca
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breast Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Documentation Tool ◽  
And Control

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> The research was conducted as a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of reflexology on lactation in mothers who delivered by cesarean section (CS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A single-blind randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with a total of 60 postpartum women in the reflexology application (<i>n</i> = 30) and control groups (<i>n</i> = 30). After the CS, the mothers in the control group were given approximately 3-h routine nursing care after recovering from the effects of anesthesia; the introductory information form was applied, and the Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool (LATCH) and visual analog scale (VAS) for the signs of the onset of lactation were implemented on the first and second days. Reflexology was applied to the women in the intervention group after an average of 3 h following the mother’s condition had become stable and she had recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Reflexology was applied a total of 20 min – 10 min for the right foot, 10 min for the left foot – twice a day with 8-h intervals on the first and second days after CS. After the last reflexology application, the LATCH and VAS for the signs of the onset of lactation were applied. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the women, 70% breastfed their babies within 60 min after delivery; 46.7% of the mothers received breastfeeding training and 81.7% needed support for breastfeeding after the CS. The LATCH breastfeeding scores of the women in the intervention group on both days were significantly higher compared to those of the women in the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). On the first day after the CS, apart from breast pain, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of breast heat and breast tension (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). On the second day after the CS, apart from breast tension, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of breast heat and breast pain (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). In the study, women in the intervention group were found to have higher scores in terms of all three symptoms compared to the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In the study, it was determined that LATCH scores and signs of the onset of breastfeeding increased in the mothers who received reflexology after CS.

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