Evidence-based Intervention Programs Research Articles

The Lived Experiences of Plea-Bargaining Agreement Grantees among Selected Residents of DOH-Treatment and Rehabilitation Center

Plea bargaining agreements (PBA) for drug rehabilitation residents in the Philippines seek to strike a balance between criminal justice and public health approaches, allowing individuals to avoid harsh penalties while accessing voluntary, evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation programs. However, the implementation of PBA necessitates a careful design and monitoring system ensures that the well-being of the individuals involved are protected. Our qualitative study explored the lived experiences of selected grantees of plea-bargaining agreement among six in-house program residents of DOH- Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Bataan to identify the significant changes it has on their lives, given their current situation. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, responses were interpreted, analyzed, and categorized according to primary patterns. To ensure the reliability and validity of the written protocols, member checking, together with spending prolonged time and description were employed. Results revealed that the participants have generally gained positive insight and were able to attain motivation towards their recovery from drug dependence. They employed various coping mechanisms such as acceptance of their current situation; drawing strength from family; and their pursuance in attaining a better future. The in-depth analysis of the lived experiences and actual accounts of selected residents granted with plea-bargaining agreement generally provides an enriched overview of the recovery pattern of persons who used drugs (PWUDs) inside the treatment and rehabilitation center. This research may serve as a basis for extension services and collaboration among policymakers and society in improving PBA interventions align with human rights principles.

The use of technology and mobile health apps in child maltreatment interventions: Perspectives of TF-CBT therapists and SafeCare providers

BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated positive effects of using technology as an augmentation to evidence-based youth mental health treatment and parenting programs, however, limited research has examined the use of technology in evidence-based child maltreatment (CM) prevention and treatment. ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is twofold: 1) to understand the application of technology and mobile health apps in CM prevention and treatment programs and 2) examine the acceptability of CM programs with an evidence-informed app, JoyPop™, developed to promote resilience through emotion regulation. Participants and SettingTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) therapists (N = 12) and SafeCare© providers (N = 12) were recruited and participated in virtual semi-structured interviews. MethodParticipants tested the JoyPop™ app over one week and were interviewed to assess their perspectives about and experiences using technology and mobile health apps in practice (aim 1) and the potential use of JoyPop™ as a program augmentation (aim 2). Data collection and analysis was guided by qualitative descriptive analysis. ResultsParticipants reported that technology and apps supporting positive coping strategies, including JoyPop™, are relevant to the goals of CM programs and can be used enhance client engagement and skill uptake. Participants noted that JoyPop™'s features more strongly align with the components of TF-CBT than Safecare. Limitations of technology use in practice are discussed. ConclusionsSupplementing CM programs with technology and mobile health apps may be used to bolster client engagement and positive outcomes. Future research is needed to address the efficacy and client acceptance of technology and app usage in practice.

Increasing digital equity to promote online smoking cessation program engagement among rural adults: a randomized controlled pilot trial

BackgroundCigarette smoking prevalence is higher for rural than urban adults, yet digital access to cessation programming is reduced. We aim to investigate digital access interventions to promote engagement with an online evidence-based cessation treatment (EBCT) program among rural adults.MethodsThis pilot trial used a pragmatic, three-arm, randomized, parallel-group design (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05209451). Inclusion criteria included being aged ≥18, Mayo Clinic Midwest patient, rural residency, and currently smokes cigarettes. All participants received an online, 12-week EBCT program and were randomized to receive one of three digital access interventions: print materials (control, n = 30); print materials + loaner iPad device with data plan coverage (n = 30); or print materials + loaner device + up to six, 15–20-minute motivational interviewing-based coaching calls to support technology needs (n = 30). A composite score of trial engagement (primary outcome) and self-reported smoking abstinence and use of EBCT resources (secondary outcomes) were assessed online at 4 and 12 weeks. Qualitative interviews were used to assess patient experience. Neither participants nor outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment.ResultsResults are reported for all 30 participants in each group. The average age of participants is 51.0 years and 61% are women. We show no significant arm differences for the trial engagement composite score (p = 0.30). We also find coaching support is significantly (p < 0.05) associated with enhanced smoking-related treatment response, including cigarette abstinence and use of EBCT resources, and participants reported positive experiences with the intervention.ConclusionsThe coaching intervention to support technology needs is acceptable and shows preliminary evidence of its efficacy in smoking-related treatment response. Further studies could refine and implement the coaching intervention for trial engagement and long-term cessation.

Community stakeholder feedback for development of a volunteer-coached behavioral activation for youth in a low-resource community

Youth in low-resource communities have limited access to mental health (MH) services. This exploratory study reports community stakeholder feedback for stressors affecting youth MH and development of a volunteer-coach provided behavioral activation (BA) program for youth in a low-resource community. Eight focus groups with youth (n = 7) and adults (n = 35) were conducted during January-September 2023. Data analysis followed the inductive thematic analysis steps. Participants attributed the high prevalence of youth MH problems to high-pressure environment, lack of support, hopelessness about the future, and negative impact of social media. Youth participants expressed mistrust of MH professionals and were hesitant to endorse a volunteer-coached BA program. They stated the non-professionals will be better than professional therapists but mentioned the stigmatization of mental-health help-seeking and related fear of bullying. Adults were more supportive of the program but pointed out such practical barriers as lack of parental support and availability of youth time due to after-school extracurricular activities. Participants also provided suggestions to increase parents’ buy-in of the program. Stakeholder feedback illustrated multiple challenges for developing and implementing an evidence-based MH intervention program for youth in a low-resource community. MH literacy education and alleviation of stigma about MH help-seeking are essential steps.

Development of a breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program for couples with primiparas: a program development process study

BackgroundThe exclusive breastfeeding rates is low in some countries. Low breastfeeding rates results in higher healthcare expenses and adverse health outcomes for individuals and society. Co-parenting is effective in promoting breastfeeding as it involves shared responsibility and collaboration between parents in raising children. However, the current breastfeeding co-parenting intervention programs exhibits significant variations in components, timing, and duration across studies. An evidence-based breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program is essential for enhancing breastfeeding-related outcomes.ObjectiveTo develop an evidence-based breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program for healthcare providers to guide parents with primiparas on breastfeeding.MethodTo form an initial version of the intervention program, a systematic literature review was conducted to consolidate information on current intervention programs. Two rounds of Delphi method were followed to gather expert comments for the program modification to establish the formal version.ResultsFourteen articles published between 1995 and 2022 were screened. Details of these researches, including starting and ending time, duration and specific contents, were integrated to developed the initial program. Then, six experts completed the two rounds consultation with a positive coefficient of 85.71%, coefficient judgment basis of 0.93, familiarity coefficient of 0.87, authority coefficient of 0.90 and the Kendall’s W of 0.62. Finally, an evidence-based breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program was constructed in this study, consisting of breastfeeding co-parenting courses, individual counselling and a father’s support group.ConclusionThis research developed a breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program for healthcare providers to guide primiparous parents to improve breastfeeding rates. Through a systematic literature review and Delphi method with good reliability, the program integrates breastfeeding courses, individual counseling, and a father’s support group. Future research will focus on evaluating its impact and scalability to benefit maternal and infant health globally.Trial registrationChiCTR.org.cn (ChiCTR2300069648). Registration date: 2023-03-22.

Effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive function in adult cancer survivors: A systematic review.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nutritional interventions (i.e. nutritional support, dietary patterns and dietary supplements) on cognitive function in cancer survivors. Systematic review. A systematic and comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL was conducted from the inception until March 10, 2023. The last search was conducted on December 10, 2023. PRISMA. A total of 59 randomized controlled trials were included for analysis. Nutritional support, dietary patterns and dietary supplements improved cognitive function in cancer survivors with no apparent safety concerns. The anti-inflammatory diet, the fasting-mimicking diet and the web-based diet significantly improved cognitive function. Whereas the ketogenic diet or dietary advice to consume more soluble dietary fibres and less insoluble dietary fibres and lactose could not. There was evidence from dietary supplements to support the beneficial effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements, traditional herbal medicines and other supplements. Nutritional interventions have great promise for improving cognitive function in adult cancer survivors. Further validation of the nutritional interventions supported in this study in other survivors and exploration of more effective nutritional interventions are needed. This work can support the construction of nutritional support interventions and dietary guidance programs to prevent cancer-related cognitive decline. This work filled a gap in preventive strategies for cancer-related cognitive decline from a nutritional perspective. Nutritional support, dietary patterns, and dietary supplements can prevent cancer-related cognitive decline without serious safety concerns. This work highlighted nutritional interventions that have the potential to improve cognitive function in cancer survivors, benefiting the further construction of evidence-based nutritional intervention programs. PROSPERO. No patient or public contribution.

Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Learning Intervention Programs for Preschool Children: An Important Key to Development and Learning

Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Learning Intervention Programs for Preschool Children: An Important Key to Development and Learning

Dialectical behavioral therapy for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (DBT-PTSD): an evidence-based disorder-specific treatment program

Dialectical behavioral therapy for complex posttraumatic stress disorders (DBT-PTSD) is amodular treatment program that was developed at the Central Institute for Mental Health at the University of Heidelberg, Germany in 2005-2021. DBT-PTSD is designed to meet the needs of patients with complex PTSD related to sexual or physical trauma in childhood and adolescence. It is specifically designed for patients suffering from severe emotional dysregulation, persistent self-injury, chronic suicidal ideation, severe dissociative symptoms and amarkedly negative self-concept with a high level of guilt, shame, self-loathing and interpersonal problems. To address these different core symptoms, DBT-PTSD combines evidence-based therapeutic strategies: principles, rules, and skills of DBT, trauma-specific cognitive and exposure-based techniques, imaginative interventions and procedures for behavioral change. The treatment program is designed to be carried out in an outpatient (45weeks) or residential (12weeks) setting. The results from two randomized controlled trials showed large effect sizes across very different symptom domains and a significant superiority of DBT-PTSD over Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Based on these results, DBT-PTSD is currently a promising evidence-based treatment program for all features of a complex PTSD after sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence.

A Systematic Review of Effective Interventions and Strategies to Support the Transition of Older Adults From Driving to Driving Retirement/Cessation.

In most western countries, older adults depend on private cars for transportation and do not proactively plan for driving cessation. The objective of this review was to examine current research studies outlining effective interventions and strategies to assist older adults during their transition from driver to driving retirement or cessation. A search was completed across 9 databases using key words and MeSH terms for drivers, cessation of driving, and older adult drivers. Eligibility screening of 9,807 titles and abstracts, followed by a detailed screening of 206 papers, was completed using the Covidence platform. Twelve papers were selected for full-text screen and data extraction, comprising 3 papers with evidence-based intervention programs and 9 papers with evidence-informed strategies. Three papers met the research criteria of a controlled study for programs that support and facilitate driving cessation for older adults. Nine additional studies were exploratory or descriptive, which outlined strategies that could support older drivers, their families, and/or healthcare professionals during this transition. Driving retirement programs/toolkits are also presented. The driver retirement programs had promising results, but there were methodological weaknesses within the studies. Strategies extracted contributed to 6 themes: Reluctance and avoidance of the topic, multiple stakeholder involvement is important, taking proactive approach is critical, refocus the process away from assessment to proactive planning, collaborative approach to enable "ownership" of the decision is needed, and engage in planning alternative transportation should be the end result. Meeting the transportation needs of older adults will be essential to support aging in place, out-of-home mobility, and participation, particularly in developed countries where there is such a high dependency on private motor vehicles.

Readiness for re-entry among pre-release prisoners in Sarawak, Malaysia

PurposeRe-entry refers to the process of transitioning back into society after incarceration, and it is a complex phenomenon that requires further exploration. Therefore, this study aims to identify the readiness for re-entry among pre-release prisoners in Sarawak, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachUsing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory as the theoretical foundation, quantitative place-based research was conducted among 384 pre-release prisoners in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu and Limbang prisons.FindingsThis study’s results indicated that most respondents were Malay male offenders between the ages of 25 and 29, Malaysian citizens, single and had completed their education up to the upper secondary level. Most respondents had multiple prior convictions (52.3%), were convicted for drug-related offences (50.3%), had served sentences ranging from two to five years (56.0%) and were scheduled for release in 2023 (60.7%). The findings also demonstrated that factors such as personal development, perceived employability, social development and health development significantly predict readiness for re-entry among pre-release prisoners [F(4, 379) = 96.269, p < 0.01].Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide place-based evidence for the state government to understand the prisoner profile for further policy intervention measures and to enhance the personal development, perceived employability, social development and health development of pre-release prisoners. Given that most offenses were drug-related, it is crucial to highlight the state government’s need to invest in evidence-based drug treatment programmes. Synergy among different stakeholders is important to devise appropriate drug treatment programmes tailored to the current needs of the prison population to ensure successful reintegration into society and to actualise their potential.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research study conducted in Sarawak, Malaysia, that examined re-entry readiness among pre-release prisoners. It contributes to the knowledge pool by providing place-based evidence that takes into account readiness for re-entry among pre-release prisoners in Sarawak, Malaysia, from an Asian perspective to promote the attainment of SDG16.

Coalition for Global Hearing Health Hearing Care Pathways Working Group: Guidelines for Clinical Guidance for Readiness and Development of Evidence-Based Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs.

Editor's Note: The following article discusses the timely topic Clinical Guidance in the areas of Evidence-Based Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs. This article aims to discuss areas of services needed, guidance to countries/organizations attempting to initiate early hearing detection and intervention systems. Expert consensus and systematic/scoping reviews were combined to produce recommendations for evidence-based clinical practice. In Ear and Hearing, our long-term goal for the Point of View article is to stimulate the field's interest in and to enhance the appreciation of the author's area of expertise. Hearing is an important sense for children to develop cognitive, speech, language, and psychosocial skills. The goal of universal newborn hearing screening is to enable the detection of hearing loss in infants so that timely health and educational/therapeutic intervention can be provided as early as possible to improve outcomes. While many countries have implemented universal newborn hearing screening programs, many others are yet to start. As hearing screening is only the first step to identify children with hearing loss, many follow-up services are needed to help them thrive. However, not all of these services are universally available, even in high-income countries. The purposes of this article are (1) to discuss the areas of services needed in an integrated care system to support children with hearing loss and their families; (2) to provide guidance to countries/organizations attempting to initiate early hearing detection and intervention systems with the goal of meeting measurable benchmarks to assure quality; and (3) to help established programs expand and improve their services to support children with hearing loss to develop their full potential. Multiple databases were interrogated including PubMed, Medline (OVIDSP), Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Web of Science and One Search, ERIC, PsychInfo. Expert consensus and systematic/scoping reviews were combined to produce recommendations for evidence-based clinical practice. Eight essential areas were identified to be central to the integrated care: (1) hearing screening, (2) audiologic diagnosis and management, (3) amplification, (4) medical evaluation and management, (5) early intervention services, (6) family-to-family support, (7) D/deaf/hard of hearing leadership, and (8) data management. Checklists are provided to support the assessment of a country/organization's readiness and development in each area as well as to suggest alternative strategies for situations with limited resources. A three-tiered system (i.e., Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced) is proposed to help countries/organizations at all resource levels assess their readiness to provide the needed services and to improve their integrated care system. Future directions and policy implications are also discussed.

Abstract PO2-19-04: Trial in Progress: The REJOIN Trial to Use Exercise and Education to Relieve Joint Pain in Older Breast Cancer Survivors Taking Aromatase Inhibitors

Abstract Background: Physical activity (PA) is a recommended part of breast cancer survivorship. PA promotes survival and mitigates symptoms in older breast cancer survivors (BCS), especially in reducing joint pain associated with Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs). The purpose of the study is to test if a self-management intervention (including education and exercise instruction) improve joint pain management better than standard care. Trial Design: This two-armed randomized controlled pilot trial (NCT03955627) includes insufficiently active BCS, 60 years and older, diagnosed with stage I-III hormone-sensitive breast cancer, who have completed primary cancer treatment and are within 6 months of initiating AIs. We adapted an evidence-based PA program for older adults (Fit and Strong!) that includes bi-weekly, supervised exercise sessions plus education (90 minutes total). The 16-week, evidence-based intervention program includes: 8-weeks of supervised sessions delivered remotely plus 8-weeks of self-guided home sessions with periodic phone coaching. We are conducting select geriatric assessments (e.g., cognitive assessment, polypharmacy) plus measurements of exercise (both self-reported and objectively measured by accelerometer), joint pain (brief pain inventory), and AI adherence (confirmed by self-report and prescription records) assessed four times (baseline, 4, 6 and 12 months). Eligibility Inclusion criteria: • Female, aged ≥ 60 years at enrollment • Planning to initiate (or are &amp;lt; 24 weeks from initiating) AIs • Diagnosed stages I-III breast cancer • ER+ tumor (at least 5% of cells) • Completed surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy • Independent ambulator (verified by treating clinician/staff) • Physician approval to start an exercise program • Insufficiently active (less than 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity or less than two sessions per week of strength training) • Able to complete surveys and forms/understand English • Agree to random assignment to treatment or control group • Can commit to 8 weeks, bi-weekly classes offered by Zoom video and 8 Weeks of at-home exercise. • Must have internet access or data plan to support video conferencing software • Minimum cognitive impairment (verified by cognitive screening questions administered by phone) Specific Aims: The primary aim is to test the efficacy of a self-management intervention (exercise plus education) on AI-associated arthralgia. Hypothesis: Participants in the treatment group will report less pain than the control group. –A secondary aim is to test the effect of the pilot intervention on adherence to AIs. Hypothesis: Participants in the treatment group will report better AI Adherence than controls. Statistical Methods: We will use the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney t-test to assess the effect size from the start to the end of the trial, assuming a power calculation of 80%, a two-sided alpha of 10%, and a pooled standard deviation of one between the outcomes of the two groups (usual care and treatment) being compared. Present Accrual and Target Accrual REJOIN enrolled 12 participants in 2022, but two withdrew after randomization. We now have data on 10 participants with a target accrual of 24 overall. The original 12 were accrued at Penn State College of Medicine. We subsequently opened a second site at Wake Forest University and are recruiting the remaining participants. Contact information: For more information about REJOIN, please contact the study director, Dr. Shirley Bluethmann at sblueth@wakehealth.edu or the REJOIN project manager, Angela Grubb, at agrubb@wakehealth.edu Citation Format: Shirley Bluethmann, Peri Newman, Cristina Truica, Nancy Olsen, Heidi Klepin. Trial in Progress: The REJOIN Trial to Use Exercise and Education to Relieve Joint Pain in Older Breast Cancer Survivors Taking Aromatase Inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-19-04.

자폐 조기중재의 부모 코칭에 대한 사례 연구

This case study explores the factors that may influence the parent coaching fidelity and intervention fidelity in a parent-implemented intervention within the context of early intervention for autism. Drawing from Stahmer et al.’s (2020) research, the study involved one early intervention provider, two parents, and two toddlers either diagnosed with or at a high likelihood of autism. Video behavior coding was used as the primary method for data collection, focusing on (1) the duration spent on each coaching strategy, (2) the frequency of feedback types, and (3) the frequency of toddlers’ behaviors that were challenging to address. The study data, parent coaching fidelity, and intervention fidelity outcomes were analyzed and compared, and implications and recommendations for early intervention settings were summarized based on the results. The discussion focuses on the importance of adopting the implementation science framework for promoting effective parent coaching and parent-implemented intervention practices, the significance of support for early intervention providers and families, the need for factor analysis in studies with larger sample sizes to facilitate more statistically meaningful outcomes, and the importance of implementing cultural adaptation processes when introducing evidence-based parent-implemented intervention programs from other countries to South Korea.

What would you do? Developing, implementing and evaluating a coach bystander intervention to prevent sexual violence in youth sports clubs

With current estimates of up to one in three children experiencing some form of sexual violence in sports, the need for effective measures to prevent sexual violence in sports is high. Survivors’ narratives of sexual violence in sports uncover the lack of (adequate) bystander action and the urgent need for stakeholder education to effectively prevent sexual violence in youth sports. This study presents the “All Aboard” educational program, targeting youth sports coaches in Flanders (Belgium). The program aimed to stimulate the intentions of youth coaches to engage in positive bystander behavior to adequately detect, assess, and respond to signs of sexual violence toward young athletes. After two pilot studies, this program was implemented in nine Flemish sports clubs. Coaches’ readiness to change, intentions and attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control were measured before and after they participated in the program using the “And what would you do?” questionnaire, constructed according to the Reasoned Action Approach. After the program, positive change was found in coaches’ intentions to be a positive bystander, e.g., they acknowledged the value of being a positive bystander, felt more comfortable being a positive bystander and believed that doing so would improve the situation. This article is one of the first to report on an evidence-based intervention program to prevent sexual violence in sports by fostering positive attitudes toward positive bystander behaviors by coaches. Opportunities and challenges of implementing education to prevent sexual violence in local sports clubs are discussed. Lay summary: Sexual violence is very common in youth sports and therefore education about this topic is crucial. The “All Aboard” program teaches youth coaches how to act as a positive bystander in the detection and response to situations of sexual violence. The program has successfully improved coaches’ attitudes and willingness to intervene.

Conduct problems, hyperactivity, and screen time among community youth: Can mindfulness help?

IntroductionWhile technology continues to evolve and the prevalence of screen-based activities is rising, limited studies have investigated the effect of various types of screen time on youth behavioural problems. Further, the influence of mindfulness intervention programs on behavioural problems beyond hyperactivity is largely understudied.ObjectivesThis study aims to address a research gap by examining the associations between four types of screen time and hyperactivity and conduct problems among community youth during the pandemic. The current study also aimed to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention in reducing hyperactivity and conduct problems.MethodsCommunity youth aged 12-25 from Ontario, Canada, were recruited between April 2021 and April 2022 (n=117, mean age=16.82, male=22%, non-White=21%). The Mindfulness Ambassador Program, a structured, 12-week, evidence-based intervention program, was offered live, online and led by two MAP-certified facilitators. We conducted linear regression analyses using pre-intervention data to examine the unique association between the four types of screen time and behavioural problems (hyperactivity and conduct problems). The efficacy of the MAP on adolescent hyperactivity and conduct problems was examined considering the three survey time points (pre-, post-, and follow-up) using a series of linear regression models utilizing the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) Maximum Likelihood (ML), unstructured model.ResultsThe average score for conduct problems was classified within the normal range, while the average score for hyperactivity was considered borderline at baseline. More than 5 hours of playing video games were significantly associated with increased conduct problems [β= -1.75, 95% CI=-0.20 – 3.30, p=0.03]. Accounting for age, sex, baseline mental health status, and screen time, the mindfulness intervention program significantly contributed to decreased hyperactivity at post-intervention compared to the baseline [β=-0.49, 95% CI=-0.91 to -0.08, p=0.02]. It was maintained at follow-up [β=-0.64, 95% CI=-1.26 to -0.03, p=0.04].Conclusions Our findings suggest an adverse impact of excessive video gaming on behavioural problems among community youth and confirm that the trend remains the same. Considering the simplicity, brevity, non-invasive nature and other mental health benefits of the mindfulness intervention, we argue that the results are promising and worthy of further study and larger-scale implementation. Clinicians, parents, and educators should work collaboratively to provide developmentally appropriate strategies to moderate screen time spent on video games among youth.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Effectiveness of Robotic Intervention on Improving Social Development and Participation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Evidence-based robotic intervention programmes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been limited. As yet, there is insufficient evidence to inform therapists, teachers, and service providers on effectiveness of robotic intervention to enhance social development and participation of children with ASD in a real context. This study used a randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of robotic intervention programmes in enhancing the social development and participation of children with ASD. 60 children with ASD were included. The participants were randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) robotic intervention programme (n = 20), (2) human-instructed programme (n = 20), and (3) control group (n = 20). Both the performance-based behavioural change in social communication and parent-reported change in social responsiveness were evaluated. The participants in the robotic intervention group demonstrated statistically significant changes in both the performance-based assessment and parent-reported change in social participation. Significant differences were found in the communication and reciprocal social interactions scores between the experimental group and the control and comparison groups in the performance-based assessment (p < 0.01). The effectiveness of robotic intervention programme to enhance the social communication and participation was confirmed. Future studies may also consider adding a maintenance phase to document how the effects of the intervention carry over to the participants over a longer period. (Clinical trial number: NCT04879303; Date of registration: 10 May 2021).

Factors affecting nursing practice of patient physical restraint among nurses

BackgroundThis study was aimed to identify perception, knowledge, attitude and nursing practice toward use of physical restraints among clinical nurses.MethodsThe research participants were 180 nurses from general hospitals located in Korea. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires regarding perception, attitude, knowledge, and nursing practice on application of physical restraints and analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression.ResultsThere were significant negative relationships attitudes towards the use of physical restraints with knowledge (r = -.32, p < .001). Knowledge showed a positive correlation with nursing practice (r = .28, p < .001). Factors affecting nursing practice of clinical nurses were identified as knowledge (β = .23), education experiences on physical restraints (Yes) (β = .18), and work unit (ICU) (β = .43). The explanation power of this regression model was 22% and it was statistically significant (F = 7.45, p < .001).ConclusionThis study suggests that knowledge, education experiences on physical restraints, and work unit were the strongest predictor on nursing practice toward use of patient physical restraints. Therefore, developing and applying evidence-based educational intervention programs by work unit to reduce the inappropriate use of physical restraints in hospitals are required.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Sexual Violence and Assertive Behavior in Young Spanish Adults

Abstract Introduction Research on sexual violence is of particular importance because of the prevalence and consequences of such violence in the young adult population. The identification of possible protective factors may be one step towards helping ameliorate this problem. We therefore analyzed the relationship between sexual violence and assertive behaviors in a population of young adults. Method A cross-sectional, correlational study. Data were collected between February 7, 2022, and August 9, 2022, in a population of young adults from Spanish universities. The sample consisted of 473 young adults between 19 and 24 years of age. Results The prevalence of violence perpetrated and experienced in the sample was high. Men reported a higher level of violence perpetration than women. Relationships are indicated between different types of assertive behaviors and sexual violence. In this regard, a higher degree of assertive behavior as a response is a protective factor against experiencing sexual violence in both sexes, while non-assertive behavior is a risk factor. In the case of sexual violence perpetration, overly assertive behavior is a risk factor. Conclusions A number of assertive behaviors were identified that may be considered risk or protective factors for sexual violence. Policy Implications Research enables the development of targeted, evidence-based intervention programs that can lead to a reduction in sexual violence in the young adult population.

PROMOTING HONG KONG ADULTS TO AGE WELL: INTERVENTION EFFECTS ON AGING PREPARATION ACROSS FOUR DOMAINS

Abstract Preparations for old age benefit physical and psychological health in later life. The population in Hong Kong has the longest life expectancy in the world. However, Hong Kong residents prepare less for their old age than their counterparts in the US and Europe. Hence, an evidence-based intervention program was developed to improve old-age preparation in Hong Kong. The program aimed to comprehensively cover the preparation for old age by involving four domains (finance, health, social relationship, and leisure activity). Specifically, the program started with four workshops where participants learned from experts on how to prepare for old age in four domains. Then, participants were grouped according to their domains of interest, and guided planning was provided to empower them to hold their old age-preparation activities for six months. A tracking survey was conducted every two weeks during the period. Finally, 140 adults (31 males; 45-83 years of age, Mage = 65.21, SD = 7.52) finished the intervention program. Findings showed that participants increased their levels of self-control, readiness for, and satisfaction with aging preparation in three domains (all except finance) after joining the workshop. After six months of intervention, a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in meaningfulness were also found in all four domains. These findings suggest that the intervention program motivates individuals to engage more in age-related preparatory behaviors across domains. This has practical implications for training old-age preparation.

IDENTIFYING AND PREVENTING RESIDENT-TO-RESIDENT AGGRESSION IN LONG-TERM CARE: EMERGING GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract Resident-to-resident aggression (RRA) is a widespread form of mistreatment in long-term care facilities, affecting 1 in 5 residents every month. Despite its high frequency and adverse consequences for residents, staff, and family members, RRA remains under-recognized and insufficiently studied. Several reasons exist for this, including challenges in obtaining high-quality data to inform evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. Improved understanding of RRA aligns with recent national policy imperatives to increase nursing home safety and quality of care. To accelerate knowledge-to-practice translation, this symposium highlights expertise from North America and Asia to review the latest evidence and experiences that characterize and improve RRA. Dr. E-Shien Chang will identify the role of racial and ethnic conflicts in RRA using data from the largest RRA prevalence cohort study of U.S. nursing home residents. Dr. Elsie Yan will examine resident and environment risk factors of RRA in Hong Kong, illustrating the needs for improved dementia care training among direct care workers. Dr. David Burnes will discuss barriers, successes, and lessons learned in replicating and adapting a gold standard U.S. based RRA prevalence study in the unique context of Canada. Dr. Karl Pillemer will describe a novel dissemination model to expand program reach of Improving Resident Relationships in Long Term Care (IRRL), an evidence-based RRA intervention program. Finally, Dr. Laura Mosqueda, as policy expert of long-term care services and discussant, will moderate a discussion on translating RRA research to practice and policy changes within the global contexts of long-term care. This is a collaborative symposium between the Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Older Persons and Research in Quality of Care Interest Groups.