Intervention Effects Research Articles

Health Coaching Impacts Stage-Specific Transitions in Multiple Health Behaviors for Patients at High Risk for Coronary Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A Multigroup Latent Transition Analysis.

Multiple behavior change interventions have gained traction in the behavioral health space. Yet, previous studies on health coaching (HC) focused on testing its effect on stages of change for individual health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of HC on stages of change across multiple health behavior domains among patients at high risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial included 200 primary care patients (mean age of 47.7 years, 49.0% women, 60.5% Whites) who completed transtheoretical model-based questionnaires related to weight reduction, exercise, healthier eating, and stress management. Multigroup latent transition analysis was used to compare the stage of change distributions and transitions over time between HC and controls at baseline, midpoint of the intervention (3 months), and postintervention (6 months). Three distinct categories of behavior change were identified ("Contemplation," "Preparation to Action," and "Action"), and membership in these categories changed over time as a function of intervention exposure. Both groups exhibited positive transitions through stages of change from baseline to 3 months. Pronounced intervention effects emerged from 3 to 6 months, revealing larger differences in transition probabilities between the groups. In particular, HC increased patients' likelihood of transitioning from "Contemplation" to both "Preparation for Action" and "Action," as well as from "Preparation for Action" to "Action." The control group remained stagnant during the same period. Although HC produces changes across multiple behavioral domains, it was most effective for patients who were reluctant or ambivalent about changing their behaviors.

Trauma-informed acceptance and commitment therapy with peer coaching for college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

The current pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a mental health promotion intervention for college students based on trauma-focused acceptance and commitment therapy (Harris, 2021). This hybrid intervention combined web-based modules with peer coaching in a research lab setting. Seventy-eight students were randomized to either the intervention group, "Present and Open for Values" training, or an active control group, "Crash Course" training. Psychological distress and life satisfaction levels were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months postintervention. Open-ended feedback, rating scales, and completion rates suggested that both conditions were well-received and feasible. Longitudinal mixed-effects regression models with subject-specific intercepts were used to examine intervention effects. Participants in the Present and Open for Values condition reported significantly greater reductions in psychological distress levels compared to the control group, both at the end of the intervention and 3-month follow-up. Additionally, they reported significantly greater improvements in life satisfaction levels at these same intervals compared to baseline measurements. No significant changes in these outcomes were observed for the control condition. These findings suggest that the Present and Open for Values intervention with peer coaching is a promising approach for addressing mental health issues among college students, with the potential to be scaled up for broader implementation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Parenting Practices to Prevent Childhood Obesity Among Hispanic Families: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Childhood obesity disproportionately affects Hispanic families and remains an unresolved public health concern. Interventions to enhance health-related parenting practices may be a promising strategy to lower the risk for childhood obesity. However, there are scarce data on which parenting practices would be culturally relevant and contribute to lower the risk for childhood obesity among Hispanic families in the United States. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. An electronic database search of records was carried out in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus to synthesize studies assessing associations or intervention effects of parenting practices on child BMI or other anthropometric measure among Hispanic parent-child dyads aged ≥18 and 2-12 years, respectively. Results: Of 1055 unique records identified, 17 studies were included. Most of these studies used a cross-sectional design (n = 10) and child BMI z-scores or BMI-for-age-sex percentiles as the outcome variable. Parenting practices to lower the risk for child overweight/obesity among Hispanic families included setting limits and providing routines (e.g., limited screentime), supporting a healthy lifestyle and physical activity (e.g., providing transportation to places for children's physical activities), and parenting feeding or diet-related practices (e.g., control the foods that children eat). Conclusion: Parenting practices that support healthy behaviors may be components of interventions to lower the risk for childhood obesity among Hispanic families.

A Pilot Controlled Trial of Relaxation Training Combined with a Video Game Reinforcing Emotional Regulation to Improve Anger Management in Children and Adolescents.

Untreated anger and aggression in youth confer heightened risk for subsequent psychosocial problems. However, engaging youth in treatment for anger can be difficult given barriers to accessing care and high rates of attrition. This study examined whether learning relaxation skills and practicing them using a videogame, whose operation was contingent upon keeping heart rate close to baseline levels, could help children learn to manage anger and aggression. Youth ages 7-17 with elevated levels of anger (N = 39) were randomized to receive the active video game condition or a control game that displayed heart rate but did not stop the game if heart rate became elevated. Youth underwent baseline screening, 6 treatment sessions, and follow-up assessments at 2-weeks and 3-months. Compared to the control condition, children in the active condition demonstrated significantly greater improvements in clinician-rated aggression severity (d = 1.48) and youth-rated emotion dysregulation (d = 3.46) at 2-weeks post-treatment. The active group maintained these improvements at 3-month follow-up, but no longer significantly differed from the control group. Intervention effects were nonsignificant for parent-reported emotion dysregulation and aggression. In addition, the intervention group youth, but not control group, experienced increased time with heart rate below baseline over the course of the 6 sessions. Findings suggest a promising brief intervention for reducing aggression and emotion dysregulation in children while they are waiting for longer-term outpatient therapy. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03270813.

Strengthening anthrax outbreak response and preparedness: simulation and stakeholder education in Namisindwa district, Uganda

BackgroundAnthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that poses a significant threat to both human health and livestock. Effective preparedness and response to anthrax outbreak at the district level is essential to mitigate the devastating impact of the disease to humans and animals. The current diseaae surveillance in animals and humans uses two different infrastructure systems with online platform supported by established diagnostic facilities. The differences in surveillance systems affect timely outbreak response especially for zoonotic diseases like anthrax. We therefore aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing a simulation exercise for a potential anthrax outbreak in a local government setting and to raise the suspicion index of different district stakeholders for a potential anthrax outbreak in Namisindwa District, Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a field-based simulation exercise and a health education intervention using quantitative data collection methods. The study participants mainly members of the District Taskforce (DTF) were purposively selected given their role(s) in disease surveillance and response at the sub-national level. We combined 26 variables (all dichotomized) assessing knowledge on anthrax and knowledge on appropriate outbreak response measures into an additive composite index. We then dichotomized overall score based on the 80% blooms cutoff i.e. we considered those scoring at least 80% to have high knowledge, otherwise low. We then assessed the factors associated with knowledge using binary logistic regression with time as a proxy for the intervention effect. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence intervals (95%CI) have been reported.ResultsThe overall district readiness score was 35.0% (24/69) and was deficient in the following domains: coordination and resource mobilization (5/16), surveillance (5/11), laboratory capacity (3/10), case management (4/7), risk communications (4/12), and control measures (4/13). The overall community readiness score was 7 out of 32 (22.0%). We noted poor scores of readiness in all domains except for case management (2/2). The knowledge training did not have an effect on the overall readiness score, but improved specific domains such as control measures. Instead tertiary education was the only independent predictor of higher knowledge on anthrax and how to respond to it (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.07–2.31). Training did not have a significant association with overall knowledge improvement but had an effect on several individual knowledge aspects.ConclusionWe found that the district’s preparedness to respond to a potential anthrax outbreak was inadequate, especially in coordination and mobilisation, surveillance, case management, risk communication and control measures. The health education training intervention showed increased knowledge levels compared to the pre-test and post-test an indicator that the health education sessions could increase the index of suspicion. The low preparedness underscores the urgency to strengthen anthrax preparedness in the district and could have implications for other districts. We deduce that trainings of a similar nature conducted regularly and extensively would have better effects. This study’s insights are valuable for improving anthrax readiness and safeguarding public and animal health in similar settings.

Effects of a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention on brain morphology in women with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy: a sub-study of the EPICC trial

ObjectivePhysical exercise may increase brain volume and cortical thickness in late adulthood. However, few studies have examined the possibility for exercise to influence brain morphology in women treated for breast cancer. We conducted a nested sub-study within a randomized clinical trial to examine whether 6 months of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer influences brain morphology.MethodsWe included twenty-eight postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with Stage 0-IIIa breast cancer (M age = 62.96 ± 5.40) who were randomized to either 45–60 min of supervised aerobic exercise 3 days/week (n = 16) or usual care (n = 12). Before beginning aromatase inhibitor aromatase inhibitor therapy, and the exercise intervention, and again at 6-month follow-up, volumetric and cortical thickness measures were derived from magnetic resonance imaging scans.ResultsThere were no significant intervention effects on brain volume and cortical thickness. However, greater average exercise intensity (%) during the intervention was associated with greater post-intervention cortical volume, mean cortical thickness, precentral gyrus thickness, and superior parietal thickness (all p < 0.05). Finally, total supervised exercise time was associated with higher precentral gyrus thickness after the intervention (p = 0.042, R2 = 0.263).ConclusionThe exercise intervention did not significantly affect brain volumes and cortical thickness compared to the control group. However, positive associations were found between exercise intensity and brain morphology changes after the 6-month intervention, indicating that exercise may reduce the vulnerability of the brain to the deleterious effects of breast cancer and its treatment.

Quercetin ameliorates senescence and promotes osteogenesis of BMSCs by suppressing the repetitive element‑triggered RNA sensing pathway.

Cell senescence impedes the self‑renewal and osteogenic capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus limiting their application in tissue regeneration. The present study aimed to elucidate the role and mechanism of repetitive element (RE) activation in BMSC senescence and osteogenesis, as well as the intervention effect of quercetin. In an H2O2‑induced BMSC senescence model, quercetin treatment alleviated senescence as shown by a decrease in senescence‑associated β‑galactosidase (SA‑β‑gal)‑positive cell ratio, increased colony formation ability and decreased mRNA expression of p21 and senescence‑associated secretory phenotype genes. DNA damage response marker γ‑H2AX increased in senescent BMSCs, while expression of epigenetic markers methylation histone H3 Lys9, heterochromatin protein 1α and heterochromatin‑related nuclear membrane protein lamina‑associated polypeptide 2 decreased. Quercetin rescued these alterations, indicating its ability to ameliorate senescence by stabilizing heterochromatin structure where REs are primarily suppressed. Transcriptional activation of REs accompanied by accumulation of cytoplasmic double‑stranded (ds)RNA, as well as triggering of the RNA sensor retinoic acid‑inducible gene I (RIG‑I) receptor pathway in H2O2‑induced senescent BMSCs were shown. Similarly, quercetin treatment inhibited these responses. Additionally, RIG‑I knockdown led to a decreased number of SA‑β‑gal‑positive cells, confirming its functional impact on senescence. Induction of senescence or administration of dsRNA analogue significantly hindered the osteogenic capacity of BMSCs, while quercetin treatment or RIG‑I knockdown reversed the decline in osteogenic function. The findings of the current study demonstrated that quercetin inhibited the activation of REs and the RIG‑I RNA sensing pathway via epigenetic regulation, thereby alleviating the senescence of BMSCs and promoting osteogenesis.

Outcomes of the Together for Life Program in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Living Alone: A Pilot Study.

The current study developed and tested selected effects of the Together for Life (TFL) program for community-dwelling older adults using an embedded mixed methods design. Nine community volunteers participated in the training program, and 14 people aged ≥65 years, living alone, enrolled in the study. Home visits were conducted by home health nurses every 2 weeks, supplemented by weekly home visits and phone counseling provided by volunteers, for a duration of 20 weeks. This mixed methods study used quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were gathered through a questionnaire survey to assess the intervention's effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), loneliness, and depression. The qualitative component focused on participants' evaluation of the program. Significant changes were noted in HRQOL scores with an effect size of 0.6 (p = 0.01). Results indicated the positive impact of the TFL program on HRQOL among older adults as their health status was continuously monitored by volunteers who provided care and home health nurses who assisted with health management during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In a pandemic, personalized health management, such as regular health check-ins provided by home health nurses and home or phone visits provided by volunteers, is crucial for isolated older adults. This pilot program enhanced participants' HRQOL through continuous health monitoring, volunteer care, and nurse support, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Breaking the cycle of poor critical reading comprehension: A strategy-based intervention

Critical reading comprehension is a crucial skill for lifelong learning, but many learners struggle with effectively extracting meaning from texts. This study aimed to address this issue by investigating how a strategy-based instruction intervention could impact learners’ critical reading comprehension competence. The study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental pre- and post-test control group design. The participants were 155 Grade 9 English first additional language (FAL) learners from two high schools in Gauteng, South Africa. The intervention programme was based on Bloom’s taxonomy categories for learning, teaching and assessing, modified into six strategies: (1) knowledge (pre-reading), (2) comprehension (extracting meaning), (3) application (asking questions), (4) analysis (reflection), (5) evaluation (outlining key concepts and decision-making) and (6) synthesis (summarising). Using a two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) paired sample t-tests, the study found that while both groups’ critical reading comprehension competence increased, the experimental group that received the strategy-based instruction intervention performed significantly better in the post-test, showing a significant improvement compared to the control group. The findings demonstrated that providing clear explanations, instruction and support on reading strategies can enhance learners’ critical reading comprehension, highlighting the mutual reliance between teaching and learning. The teacher’s instructional approach in guiding learners to effectively use reading strategies is crucial for enhancing critical reading comprehension in the English FAL classroom. In conclusion, the results suggest that the intervention effectively enhanced critical reading comprehension competence, and if implemented by teachers, it could potentially help break the cycle of poor critical reading comprehension among English FAL learners.Contribution: The contribution of this study lies in its provision of empirically supported perspectives and insights into the effectiveness of strategy-based instruction interventions. It emphasises the necessity of employing explicit reading comprehension pedagogies and targeted interventions, along with explicit instructional strategies, to address the reading comprehension challenges encountered by English FAL learners in South Africa and beyond.

Intervention effects of Naoxintong capsules on psychological and cardiac status in depressed rats after heart failure

Abstract Background Depression is a common clinical phenomenon in the patients with heart failure (HF). In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diseases in the brain and heart are thought to be correlated and interact. Naoxintong capsules (NXT) has been used for treating cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, while its therapeutic effect on depression after HF remains unclear. Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the intervention effect of NXT on depression after HF. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into the following 5 groups: sham, model, NXT (250, 1000 mg/kg), and valsartan (8 mg/kg). Coronary artery occlusion was performed to induce HF and subsequent depression in rats. The cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson trichrome staining. The sucrose preference test and Morris water maze test were carried out to assess the depressive behaviors in rats. The ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 neurons was observed and the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus, brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the cortex, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid in the hippocampus were measured by UPLC-QQQ-MS. Results NXT reduced myocardial injury and pathological changes in the cardiac tissue and increased the left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, and cardiac output. NXT increased the sugar preference rate and number of crossings and shortened the escape latency. Furthermore, the NXT treatment restored the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid to the baseline values. Conclusions NXT not only demonstrates cardioprotective effect but also attenuates depression in the rats after HF. It may exert the antidepressant effect by inhibiting the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and recovering the levels of neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters.

The effect of recreational therapy application on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that often leads to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), necessitating hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom among HD patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. Recreational Therapy (RT) is a therapeutic recreational service designed to maintain and restore a person’s level of performance and independence in daily activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a smartphone-based recreational therapy intervention on fatigue in hemodialysis patients.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted on HD patients at a hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The intervention group received a custom-designed recreational therapy mobile application, including music, comedy, exercise, and educational content. The control group received standard care. Fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) before and after the 30-day intervention.ResultsA total of 72 patients (36 per group) participated in the study. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in overall fatigue scores and improvements across various fatigue dimensions, including general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, reduced activity, and reduced motivation, compared to the control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe smartphone-based recreational therapy intervention effectively reduced fatigue in hemodialysis patients. This approach could be a valuable complementary strategy for managing fatigue in this population. Further research is needed to explore the long-term sustainability of these benefits and the intervention’s impact on other patient-reported outcomes.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (no. IRCT20220803055608N1) on 29/08/2022.

Hypertonic Saline Nasal Rinse Intervention: Immunomodulatory Effects in Dairy Workers

ABSTRACT Objective Increased risk of occupational exposure to bioaerosols has long been recognized in livestock operations including dairy facilities. Spanning the inhalable fraction (0–100 μm), dairy bioaerosols comprise a wide variety of inflammatory components that deposit in the nasopharyngeal region. The resultant inflammatory response from bioaerosol exposure is likely driving the increased prevalence of respiratory disease observed in dairy workers. It is also thought the microbiome of the upper respiratory system may help mediate this inflammation. We investigated the viability of a low-cost hypertonic saline nasal rinse intervention in modulating inflammatory responses in bioaerosol exposed dairy workers and its impact on microbial diversity. Methods Pre- and post-shift nasal rinses were administered and collected alongside full shift inhalable personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples for each participant for up to 5 consecutive days. Treatment group participants (n = 23) received hypertonic saline rinses while control group participants (n = 22) received normotonic saline rinses. Particulate matter (PM) and endotoxin concentrations were quantified from PBZ samples using gravimetric and enzymatic analytical methods, respectively. Pre- and post-shift rinses were analyzed for pro- and anti-inflammatory markers and microbial diversity using a multiplex assay and 16S rRNA sequencing, respectively. Results PM and endotoxin concentrations were comparable between groups indicating similar exposures. Post-shift pro-inflammatory markers were significantly higher than pre-shift for IL-13 (p = .047), IL-1β (p < .001), IL-6 (p < .001), IL-8 (p < .001), and TNF-α (p = .024). There was no evidence of a difference in log concentrations between intervention group or day among any of the measured inflammatory markers. Anti-inflammatory IL-10 concentrations increased across the 5 sample days, independent of treatment group suggesting tonicity may not be driving the change. However, this result was not significant (p = .217). Nasal microbiome alpha (within sample) and beta (between sample) diversity metrics did not differ significantly between group or day demonstrating no adverse washout intervention effects. Conclusion This study provided encouraging results that warrant future research to further evaluate saline nasal rinses as a workplace intervention.

Implementing a Positive Behavior Support Program for Young Children with Autism in Public Agencies: A Social Validity Evaluation from Parents, Practitioners, and Administrators.

Challenging behaviors in young children with autism and intellectual disabilities pose significant barriers to learning and inclusion. The Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC) program is an evidence-based intervention that addresses these behaviors according to Positive Behavior Intervention Support principles. It is essential to assess the social validity of an intervention, when implemented into a public service system, to ensure sustainability and relevance to stakeholders. The present study aimed to document the social validity of PTR-YC from the point of view of three key informants: parents, practitioners, and administrators. Sixty-one participants were interviewed about their experience with PTR-YC (9 administrators, 31 practitioners, and 20 families). Semi-structured interviews assessed three fundamental components of social validity (Wolf, 1978): (a) social relevance of intervention goals, (b) social appropriateness of intervention procedures, and (c) social importance of intervention effects. Participants' responses were subjected to thematic analysis. Intervention goals, namely family participation in the clinical process, strategies that focuses on prevention, and teaching alternative adaptive behaviors, were identified as relevant. Participants appreciated the program's clear, structured, and turnkey clinical process, its parent-practitioner collaboration, and its consistency with practices already in place in the field. Positive instrumental outcomes (e.g., knowledge, competencies, self-efficacy) and ultimate outcomes (e.g., decrease in challenging behavior) of the intervention were reported on children, families, and practitioners. This study represents the first in-depth evaluation of the social validity of PTR-YC in specialized public services for autism and demonstrates its appropriateness for universal implementation in this sector.

Ability of clinical data to predict readmission in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

This study addresses the challenge of predicting readmissions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) by analyzing the predictability of readmissions over short, medium, and long term periods. Using health records spanning 35 years, which included 22,643 patients and 30,938 episodes of care, we focused on the episode of care as a central unit, defined as a referral-discharge cycle that incorporates assessments and interventions. Data pre-processing involved handling missing values, normalizing, and transforming data, while resolving issues related to overlapping episodes and correcting registration errors where possible. Readmission prediction was inferred from electronic health records (EHR), as this variable was not directly recorded. A binary classifier distinguished between readmitted and non-readmitted patients, followed by a multi-class classifier to categorize readmissions based on timeframes: short (within 6 months), medium (6 months - 2 years), and long (more than 2 years). Several predictive models were evaluated based on metrics like AUC, F1-score, precision, and recall, and the K-prototype algorithm was employed to explore similarities between episodes through clustering. The optimal binary classifier (Oversampled Gradient Boosting) achieved an AUC of 0.7005, while the multi-class classifier (Oversampled Random Forest) reached an AUC of 0.6368. The K-prototype resulted in three clusters as optimal (SI: 0.256, CI: 4473.64). Despite identifying relationships between care intensity, case complexity, and readmission risk, generalizing these findings proved difficult, partly because clinicians often avoid discharging patients likely to be readmitted. Overall, while this dataset offers insights into patient care and service patterns, predicting readmissions remains challenging, suggesting a need for improved analytical models that consider patient development, disease progression, and intervention effects.

Effectiveness of gluteal control training in chronic low back pain patients with functional leg length inequality

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder and is often accompanied by functional leg length inequality (FLLI). However, little was known about the effects of gluteal muscle control training in patients with LBP and FLLI. This study was designed to investigate the effects of gluteal control training in patients with LBP and FLLI. This is a double-blinded, randomized controlled study design. Forty-eight LBP patients with FLLI were randomized to the gluteal control training (GT) (47.58 ± 9.42 years) or the regular training (RT) (47.38 ± 11.31 years) group and received allocated training for six weeks. The outcome measures were pelvic inclination (PI), ilium anterior tilt difference (IATD), FLLI, visual analogue scale (VAS), patient specific-functional scale (PSFS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), hip control ability, global rating of change scale (GRoC), and lower extremity strength and flexibility. The intervention effects were compared using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and chi-square tests with α = 0.05. The results indicated that the GT group showed greater improvement (P < 0.01) in PI (1.03 ± 0.38∘ vs. 1.57 ± 0.51∘), IATD (0.68 ± 0.66∘ vs. 2.31 ± 0.66∘), FLLI (0.3 ± 0.22 vs. 0.59 ± 0.13 cm), VAS (1.41 ± 1.32 vs. 3.38 ± 1.51), hip control ability (2.20 ± 0.45 vs. 0.89 ± 0.74), GRoC at 3rd and 6th week as compared to the RT group. Hip strength and flexibility also improved more in the GT group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, gluteal control training was more effective in improving low back pain and dysfunctions, and should be integrated in the management plan in patients with LBP and FLLI.

The application effect of preventive nursing intervention in patients with traumatic flail chest: A retrospective study.

This retrospective study explores the intervention effect of preventive nursing on participants with traumatic flail chest caused by multiple rib fractures. In this study, 92 patients with multiple rib fractures from a certain hospital from July 2020 to June 2022 were chosen as the research subjects. They were divided into research group and a control group according to different nursing methods. The control group received routine care. The research group received preventive care on the basis of the control group. Then, questionnaire survey was collected to evaluate the quality of life, pain degree, psychological state, complications, and lung function recovery of patients before and after nursing. In the quality of life score, before nursing, the scores of the research group and the control group were between 52 and 69, and the difference among the participants in the experiment did not possess statistical significance (P > .05). After nursing, the scores of the research group were markedly superior to the control group, and all scores possessed statistical significance (P < .05). In the pain score, the pain scores of the research group and the control group before preventive nursing were 7.87 ± 0.86 and 7.68 ± 0.75, respectively, and the difference among the participants in the experiment did not possess statistical significance (P > .05). After 6 months of nursing, the pain scores of the participants in the experiment were 2.84 ± 0.69 and 3.04 ± 0.72, respectively. The difference among the participants in the experiment possessed statistical significance (P < .05). In the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the psychological state scores of the experimental group and the control group before intervention nursing were 52.87 ± 4.97 and 51.74 ± 4.56, respectively, and the scores after intervention nursing were 22.68 ± 4.69 and 36.87 ± 5.21, respectively. The difference among the participants in the experiment possessed statistical significance (P < .05). Preventive nursing interventions can improve long-term quality of life, significantly alleviate postoperative pain, decrease the incidence of postoperative complications, as well as enhance nursing satisfaction in patients with traumatic flail chest.

Mediterranean Diet-Based Sustainable Healthy Diet and Multicomponent Training Combined Intervention Effect on Body Composition, Anthropometry, and Physical Fitness in Healthy Aging

Background: Diet and exercise interventions have been associated with improved body composition and physical fitness. However, evidence regarding their combined effects in older adults is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined 12-week Mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet (SHD) and multicomponent training (MT) intervention on body composition, anthropometry, and physical fitness in older adults. Methods: Diet intervention groups received a weekly SHD food supply and four sessions, including a SHD culinary practical workshop. The exercise program included MT 50 min group session, three times a week, on non-consecutive days. Body composition and physical fitness variables were assessed through dual X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric measurements, and senior fitness tests. Repeated measures ANOVA, with terms for group, time, and interaction, was performed. Results: Our results showed that a combined intervention significantly lowered BMI and total fat. Also, significant differences between assessments in all physical fitness tests, except for aerobic endurance, were observed. Adjusted models show significant differences in BMI (p = 0.049) and WHR (p = 0.037) between groups and in total fat (p = 0.030) for the interaction term. Body strength (p &lt; 0.001), balance tests (p &lt; 0.001), and aerobic endurance (p = 0.005) had significant differences amongst groups. Considering the interaction term, differences were observed for upper body strength (p = 0.046) and flexibility tests (p = 0.004 sit and reach, p = 0.048 back scratch). Conclusions: Our intervention study demonstrates the potential of implementing healthy lifestyle and sustainable models to promote healthy and active aging.

EFFECT of daily antiseptic bathing with octenidine on ICU-acquired bacteremia and ICU-acquired multidrug-resistant organisms: a multicenter, cluster-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.

Antiseptic bathing has garnered attention in an effort to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Previous studies have shown the efficacy of antiseptic bathing in high-risk environments, such as intensive care units (ICUs), using chlorhexidine. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of octenidine as a potential alternative due to its established popularity and widespread use in Europe. We compared the rates of ICU-acquired primary bacteremia and ICU-acquired multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in a multicenter, cluster-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study using octenidine-impregnated and placebo washcloths. On 44 ICUs in 23 hospitals throughout Germany, we compared individual ICUs with themselves over two 12-month time periods. All data were obtained digitally via hospital information systems as individual ward-movement data and microbiological test results; both endpoints were algorithmically derived. 104,039 ICU episodes from 93,438 patients with 712,784 microbiological test results were analyzed, thereby detecting 1508 cases of ICU-acquired primary bacteremia and 1871 cases of ICU-acquired MDRO. Bathing with octenidine-impregnated washcloths prevented ICU-acquired primary bacteremia; a risk reduction of 17% was seen homogeneously across all participating ICUs (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.75; 0.92], p = 0.0003). This reduction affected predominantly coagulase-negative staphylococci (53%) and enterococci (17%). However, no intervention effect was seen for ICU-acquired MDROs (adjusted HR 0.98, 95% CI [0.83; 1.15]). Heterogeneity among intra-ICU intervention effects on MDRO acquisition was substantial. Antiseptic bathing with octenidine may be effective in preventing ICU-acquired primary bacteremia, particularly due to Gram-positive bacteria and common skin commensals.

Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Delivered by Mobile Phone on Perinatal-Specific Stress and Neonatal Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives Whereas some women may perceive pregnancy as a welcome challenge and a source of satisfaction, self-development, and maturity, others may experience perinatal-specific stress (PSS). Emerging evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for perinatal women. Given the debate about the effects of MBIs on PSS reduction, as well as the limitations of existing studies, such as practical concerns and small sample sizes, the current study aimed to contribute further evidence by utilizing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effects of mobile-delivered MBIs on women’s PSS and neonatal outcomes, compared with outcomes from a mobile-delivered psychoeducation intervention. Method One hundred and seventy-eight adult pregnant women were randomized into two groups––one to receive a mobile-delivered eight-session MBI (n = 93) and the other to receive a web-based perinatal education program (n = 85). Outcomes included perinatal distress, mindfulness, and neonatal outcomes. Results Women in the MBI group showed a significantly greater reduction in their PSS levels from baseline to the follow-up-timepoint (T2) compared with the control group. The MBI group had a significant enhancement of mindfulness, and their newborns had higher Apgar scores compared with the control group. Mindfulness improvement levels after the intervention significantly mediated the intervention effect in reducing the participating women’s PSS levels. Conclusions With a reasonably high participation rate (approximately 75%), the MBI delivered by mobile phone can be a feasible, desirable, and efficacious intervention for reducing perinatal-specific stress throughout pregnancy and enhancing neonatal outcomes.

Pay Attention to Hypertension (PAtH): Findings from a cardiovascular health promotion intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities participating in Special Olympics programming.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects adults globally. People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) may be at higher risk of CVD and associated risk factors (e.g. obesity, hypertension, and diabetes). We developed Pay Attention to Hypertension (PAtH), a cardiovascular health promotion intervention, and tested its impact on changes in blood pressure (BP), lifestyle behaviours and health-related empowerment among PWID. PAtH was developed with a Special Olympics community organisation that supports PWID in developing self-confidence and social skills through participation in sports. The 6-month intervention consisted of 1-h individualised virtual sessions delivered monthly by nursing students/novice nurses. Sessions covered specific themes, including monitoring BP, adopting healthy lifestyles and managing stress, and were individually tailored to the capacities and needs of participants. A single group pre-post-intervention design was used to assess the intervention's effects among participants who completed the intervention and data collection. Data included baseline and follow-up BP measurements from 7-day logbooks and questionnaires assessing lifestyle behaviours [physical activity (PA), screen time and diet], and health-related empowerment. Seventy-four participants were included in the analyses. Between baseline and follow-up, there were no changes in systolic and diastolic BP, PA or leisure screen time. The proportion of participants who reported adding salt when cooking decreased from baseline to follow-up (19.7% vs. 12.7%, P=0.034), and we found improvements for several items measuring health-related empowerment (P≤0.003). Improvements in health-related empowerment were found following PAtH. More intensive interventions may be needed to result in changes in lifestyle behaviours and BP. The integration of adapted cardiovascular health promotion initiatives within well-established community organisations such as Special Olympics is a promising avenue to contribute to cardiovascular health promotion among PWID.