scholarly journals Smartphone Apps Targeting Hazardous Drinking Patterns among University Students Show Differential Subgroup Effects over 20 Weeks: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne H. Berman ◽  
Claes Andersson ◽  
Mikael Gajecki ◽  
Ingvar Rosendahl ◽  
Kristina Sinadinovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Drinking Patterns ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Excessive Drinking ◽  
Positive Effects

Overconsumption of alcohol, from hazardous to excessive, heavy, and harmful levels, is common among university students. Consenting Swedish students were assigned to one of two smartphone apps offering feedback on estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC; Promillekoll/PartyPlanner) or assessment only (n = 2166; 1:1:1 ratio). App participants with excessive drinking according to public health criteria (>9/>14 drinks/week for women/men, respectively) at a 7 week follow-up were additionally assigned to the skills-based TeleCoach app or waitlist (n = 186; 1:1 ratio). All participants were followed at 14 and 20 weeks. At 7 weeks, Promillekoll users showed higher risk of excessive drinking (odds ratio (OR) = 1.83; p ≤ 0.01; n = 1558). Students in eBAC app groups with only hazardous use showed fewer binge drinking occasions at 14 weeks and lower eBAC levels up to 20 weeks compared to controls (n = 1157). Also, more highly motivated participants at baseline in both eBAC app groups drank less compared to controls at 7 and 20 weeks. Hidden Markov model analysis revealed a frequent-heavy drinking group (n = 146; 4.6 days/week, SD = 1.4), where those with access to TeleCoach had fewer drinking days compared to assessment-only controls (p < 0.001). eBAC apps showed positive effects up to 20 weeks, particularly for motivated students, and a skills-based app can reduce consumption for those with frequent-heavy drinking patterns.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Text Messaging�Based Intervention Targeting Alcohol Consumption Among University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Thomas ◽  
Ulrika Müssener ◽  
Catharina Linderoth ◽  
Nadine Karlsson ◽  
Preben Bendtsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
University Students ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Excessive Drinking ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Text Message Intervention

BACKGROUND Excessive drinking among university students is a global challenge, leading to significant health risks. However, heavy drinking among students is widely accepted and socially normalized. Mobile phone interventions have attempted to reach students who engage in excessive drinking. A growing number of studies suggest that text message–based interventions could potentially reach many students and, if effective, such an intervention might help reduce heavy drinking in the student community. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of a behavior change theory–based 6-week text message intervention among university students. METHODS This study was a two-arm, randomized controlled trial with an intervention group receiving a 6-week text message intervention and a control group that was referred to treatment as usual at the local student health care center. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at 3 months after the initial invitation to participate in the intervention. The primary outcome was total weekly alcohol consumption. Secondary outcomes were frequency of heavy episodic drinking, highest estimated blood alcohol concentration, and number of negative consequences attributable to excessive drinking. RESULTS A total of 896 students were randomized to either the intervention or control group. The primary outcome analysis included 92.0% of the participants in the intervention group and 90.1% of the control group. At follow-up, total weekly alcohol consumption decreased in both groups, but no significant between-group difference was seen. Data on the secondary outcomes included 49.1% of the participants in the intervention group and 41.3% of the control group. No significant between-group difference was seen for any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The present study was under-powered, which could partly explain the lack of significance. However, the intervention, although theory-based, needs to be re-assessed and refined to better support the target group. Apart from establishing which content forms an effective intervention, the optimal length of an alcohol intervention targeting students also needs to be addressed in future studies. CLINICALTRIAL International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN95054707; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN95054707 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70Ax4vXhd)

scholarly journals The importance of maternal pregnancy vitamin D for offspring bone health: learnings from the MAVIDOS trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1759720X2110069
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Moon ◽  
Elizabeth M. Curtis ◽  
Stephen J. Woolford ◽  
Shanze Ashai ◽  
Cyrus Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Bone Development ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
Positive Effects

Optimisation of skeletal mineralisation in childhood is important to reduce childhood fracture and the long-term risk of osteoporosis and fracture in later life. One approach to achieving this is antenatal vitamin D supplementation. The Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study is a randomised placebo-controlled trial, the aim of which was to assess the effect of antenatal vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day cholecalciferol) on offspring bone mass at birth. The study has since extended the follow up into childhood and diversified to assess demographic, lifestyle and genetic factors that determine the biochemical response to antenatal vitamin D supplementation, and to understand the mechanisms underpinning the effects of vitamin D supplementation on offspring bone development, including epigenetics. The demonstration of positive effects of maternal pregnancy vitamin D supplementation on offspring bone development and the delineation of underlying biological mechanisms inform clinical care and future public-health policies.

Reward-Related Attentional Capture Moderates the Association between Fear-Driven Motives and Heavy Drinking

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Chang Liu ◽  
Murat Yücel ◽  
Chao Suo ◽  
Mike E. Le Pelley ◽  
Jeggan Tiego ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Attentional Capture ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Drinking Motives ◽  
Drinking Patterns ◽  
Cognitive Mechanisms ◽  
Problematic Drinking ◽  
The Past ◽  
Motivational Profile

Background: To date, there has been little investigation on how motivational and cognitive mechanisms interact to influence problematic drinking behaviours. Towards this aim, the current study examined whether reward-related attentional capture is associated with reward, fear (relief), and habit drinking motives, and further, whether it interacts with these motives in relation to problematic drinking patterns. Methods: Ninety participants (mean age = 34.8 years, SD = 9.1, 54% male) who reported having consumed alcohol in the past month completed an online visual search task that measured reward-related attentional capture as well as the Habit Reward Fear Scale, a measure of drinking motives. Participants also completed measures of psychological distress, impulsivity, compulsive drinking, and consumption items of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Regression analyses examined the associations between motives for alcohol consumption and reward-related attentional capture, as well as the associations between reward-related attentional capture, motives, and their interaction, with alcohol consumption and problems. Results: Greater reward-related attentional capture was associated with greater reward motives. Further, reward-related attentional capture also interacted with fear motives in relation to alcohol consumption. Follow-up analyses showed that this interaction was driven by greater fear motives being associated with heavier drinking among those with lower reward-related attentional capture (i.e., “goal-trackers”). Conclusion: These findings have implications for understanding how cognition may interact with motives in association with problematic drinking. Specifically, the findings highlight different potential pathways to problematic drinking according to an individual’s cognitive-motivational profile and may inform tailored interventions to target profile-specific mechanisms. Finally, these findings offer support for contemporary models of addiction that view excessive goal-directed behaviour under negative affect as a critical contributor to addictive behaviours.

Evaluating the effects of a mindfulness mobile application on student pharmacists’ stress, burnout, and mindfulness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Chu ◽  
Tyler M Rose ◽  
Danielle A Gundrum ◽  
Tressa E McMorris ◽  
Eytan A Klausner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Application ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose Pharmacists report high levels of burnout. Mindfulness approaches have been demonstrated to have positive results in the general population and in other healthcare professions. However, limited studies have been performed evaluating mindfulness approaches in student pharmacists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of daily use of a mindfulness mobile application in improving student pharmacists’ perceived stress, burnout, and mindfulness. Methods This study was a randomized, longitudinal, waitlist-controlled trial. The intervention group was asked to meditate using the mindfulness application Headspace daily for at least 6 weeks. The waitlist control group was asked to abstain from using the application for the entire study. Stress, burnout, and mindfulness were assessed using validated survey instruments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks. A secondary outcome was to assess the persistence of application use after the intervention period. Results Fifty-six participants completed the study. The intervention group reported significantly lower scores on stress and burnout at 6 weeks compared to the control group. The intervention group also reported significantly higher scores on mindfulness. The differences in stress, burnout, and mindfulness persisted at follow-up. The mean percentage of students in the intervention group who used the application each day was 90% over the intervention period and 62% over the follow-up period. Conclusion A mindfulness mobile application significantly improved student pharmacists’ stress, burnout, and mindfulness with daily use. Most participants continued to use the application for 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. Positive effects on stress and mindfulness persisted even with decreased use.

scholarly journals Long-term outcomes of trauma-focused treatment in psychosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 212 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
David van den Berg ◽  
Paul A. J. M. de Bont ◽  
Berber M. van der Vleugel ◽  
Carlijn de Roos ◽  
Ad de Jongh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Functioning ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Emdr Therapy

SummaryWe present 12-month follow-up results for a randomised controlled trial of prolonged exposure and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in 85 (78.8%) participants with psychotic disorder and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Positive effects on clinician-rated PTSD, self-rated PTSD, depression, paranoid-referential thinking and remission from schizophrenia were maintained up to 12-month follow-up. Negative post-traumatic cognitions declined in prolonged exposure and were stable in EMDR. A significant decline in social functioning was found, whereas reductions in interference of PTSD symptoms with social functioning were maintained. These results support that current PTSD guidelines apply to individuals with psychosis.Declaration of interestM.v.d.G. and D.v.d.B. receive income for published books on psychotic disorders and for the training of postdoctoral professionals in the treatment of psychotic disorders. A.d.J. receives income for published books on EMDR therapy and for the training of postdoctoral professionals in this method. A.v.M. receives income for published book chapters on PTSD and for the training of postdoctoral professionals in prolonged exposure. C.d.R. receives income for the training of postdoctoral professionals in EMDR therapy.

scholarly journals Heavy Drinking and Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs among University Students: A 9-Year Follow-Up

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Busto Miramontes ◽  
Lucía Moure-Rodríguez ◽  
Ainara Díaz-Geada ◽  
Socorro Rodríguez-Holguín ◽  
Montserrat Corral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
University Students ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Identification Test ◽  
Cannabis Consumption

Purpose: Investigations suggest non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is associated with heavy drinking and polydrug use among university students. Our aim is to determine the prevalence of NMUPD among university students and to analyze its association with alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use, and to study the role of the age of drinking onset. Methods: Cohort study among university Spanish students (n = 1382). Heavy drinking (HED) and risky consumption (RC) were measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Questions related to tobacco and cannabis consumption were also formulated. NMUPD refers to sedative, anxiety, or pain medication intake within the last 15 days without medical prescription. All variables were measured at 18, 20, and 27 years. Multilevel logistic regression for repeated measures was used to obtain adjusted OR (odds ratios). We analyzed the results from a gender perspective. Results: Prevalence of NMUPD were higher in students who already partook in NMUPD at the beginning of the study. NMUPD in women at 27 is 3 times higher than at 18, while in men it is twice. Among females, RC (OR = 1.43) and cannabis consumption (OR = 1.33) are risk factors for NMUPD, while later onset of alcohol use (OR = 0.66) constitutes a protective factor. No significant differences were found for males. Conclusions: NMUPD is prevalent among university students. RC and early onset of alcohol use were associated with higher prevalence of NMUPD in females. The prevalence of NMUPD increased with age in both sexes. Strategies for reducing risky drinking and delaying onset of drinking should be provided for university students. Pharmacists and parents should be alerted to the risk of NMUPD.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention on Acculturation

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia-Yan Pan ◽  
Petrus Ng ◽  
Daniel Kim-Wan Young ◽  
Schoepf Caroline
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
University Students ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Positive Effects

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) in improving mental health and promoting postmigration growth for Mainland university students in Hong Kong. Methods: Thirty-six Mainland students with mild-to-moderate levels of psychological distress have completed a 8-session CBI group. Various mental health measures have been administered at the pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up tests. Results: The levels of psychological distress, acculturative stress, and negative emotions and negative thoughts of the participants were significantly reduced, while their positive emotions and postmigration growth were significantly increased upon completion of the CBI group. The positive effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: CBI group appears to be an effective intervention approach for improving the mental health and promoting postmigration growth for Mainland university students in Hong Kong. Implications for social work practices when engaging with Chinese international students were provided.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masumeh Ghazanfarpour ◽  
Paymaneh Shokrollahi ◽  
Talat Khadivzadeh ◽  
Nosrat Baharian Sharghi ◽  
Khadijeh Mirzaii Najmabadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Vaginal Atrophy ◽  
Foeniculum Vulgare ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Higher Doses ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Paired T Test

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of orally administered fennel on vaginal atrophy. Materials and methods In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 60 postmenopausal women living in Mashhad, Iran, were randomly divided into an oral fennel group (n = 30) and a placebo group (n = 30). The Maturation Vaginal Index and maturation values were measured once at baseline and again upon a three-month follow-up. Results The paired t-test showed statistically significant changes in the Maturation Vaginal Index (i.e. a decline in the parabasal cells and an increase in the intermediate and superficial cells) and maturation values in both the fennel and placebo groups at the end of the trial compared to at baseline. Nonetheless, no significant differences were observed in the percentages of the parabasal (P = 0.191), intermediate (P = 0.219) and superficial (P = 0.82) cells, which was also the case for the maturation values (P = 0.64). Conclusion Fennel had no significant positive effects on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Nonetheless, more studies are recommended to be conducted using higher doses of fennel and larger sample sizes so as to verify the results of this study.

scholarly journals Mindfulness-based and cognitive-based stress prevention in student teachers (startklar): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e021941
Author(s):  
Jasmina Eskic ◽  
Sophie Merle Kuhlmann ◽  
Katharina Kreinbihl ◽  
Florian Hammerle
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Stress Prevention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionTeachers and student teachers in Germany are a high-risk population for stress and stress-related mental health problems. This often leads to early retirement in subsequent professional life. Various trials have demonstrated positive effects of stress prevention training on the perceived stress and stress-related symptoms of teachers. Although many studies show positive effects of mindfulness-based stress interventions, there is not yet any mindfulness-based intervention for teachers or student teachers in Germany. The aim of this trial is to evaluate a training that combines mindfulness-based and cognitive interventions into one programme, addressing to the specific burdens of student teachers.Methods and analysisThis study protocol presents a prospective block-randomised controlled trial. Assessment will take place at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up) for an intervention and waiting control group, and at a fourth assessment point for the waiting control group after receiving the training. The aim is to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based stress prevention on stress, psychological morbidity, burnout and self-efficacy using validated measures. Participants are student teachers from German teacher training colleges and participation will be voluntary. The targeted total sample size is 96 at 3-month follow-up. The training will comprise three 4-hour sessions conducted every 2 weeks. The control group will participate in the training after the 3-month follow-up. The allotment will be randomised with a stratified allocation ratio by gender. After descriptive statistics have been evaluated, inferential statistical analysis will be conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance with interactions between time and group. Effect sizes will be calculated using partial η2values.Ethics and disseminationResults will be disseminated at conferences, in specialist magazines and through peer-reviewed publications. The trial has been approved by the ethics review board of the local medical association, Mainz, Germany, under the reference number 837.192.16 (10511).Trial registration numberDRKS00010897.

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