Individual Behavioral Therapy Research Articles

Public Health Benefits From Improved Identification of Severe Air Pollution Events With Geostationary Satellite Data.

Despite improvements in ambient air quality in the US in recent decades, many people still experience unhealthy levels of pollution. At present, national-level alert-day identification relies predominately on surface monitor networks and forecasters. Satellite-based estimates of surface air quality have rapidly advanced and have the capability to inform exposure-reducing actions to protect public health. At present, we lack a robust framework to quantify public health benefits of these advances in applications of satellite-based atmospheric composition data. Here, we assess possible health benefits of using geostationary satellite data, over polar orbiting satellite data, for identifying particulate air quality alert days (24hr PM2.5>35μgm-3) in 2020. We find the more extensive spatiotemporal coverage of geostationary satellite data leads to a 60% increase in identification of person-alerts (alert days×population) in 2020 over polar-orbiting satellite data. We apply pre-existing estimates of PM2.5 exposure reduction by individual behavior modification and find these additional person-alerts may lead to 1,200 (800-1,500) or 54% more averted PM2.5-attributable premature deaths per year, if geostationary, instead of polar orbiting, satellite data alone are used to identify alert days. These health benefits have an associated economic value of 13 (8.8-17) billion dollars ($2019) per year. Our results highlight one of many potential applications of atmospheric composition data from geostationary satellites for improving public health. Identifying these applications has important implications for guiding use of current satellite data and planning future geostationary satellite missions.

Noradrenergic control of neurobehavior in human binge-eating disorder and obesity (NOBEAD): A smartphone-supported behavioral emotion regulation intervention study protocol integrating molecular brain imaging.

The neurobehavioral underpinnings of binge-eating disorder (BED), co-occurring with obesity (OB), are largely unknown. This research project conceptualizes BED as a disorder with dysfunctional emotion regulation (ER) linked with changes in central noradrenaline (NA) transmission and NA-modulated neuronal networks. We expect abnormalities in NA activity in both BED and OB, but most pronounced in BED. We expect these abnormalities to be modifiable through state-of-the-art ER intervention, specifically in BED. To assess the role of NA transmission, we will quantify changes in NA transporter (NAT) availability using the highly NAT-specific [11 C]methylreboxetin (MRB) and positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) that allows measuring molecular and neuronal changes before and after an ER intervention. Individual 12-session smartphone-supported acceptance-based behavioral therapy will be conducted to improve ER. Thirty individuals with OB and BED (OB + BED), 30 individuals with OB without BED (OB - BED), and 20 individuals with normal weight will undergo assessments of NAT availability and neuronal network activity under rest and stimulated conditions, clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires on eating behavior, ER, mental and physical health, and quality of life, and neuropsychological tests on executive function. Afterwards, in an experimental randomized-controlled design, individuals with OB + BED and OB - BED will be allocated to smartphone-supported ER intervention versus a waitlist and re-assessed after 10 weeks. By obtaining biological and behavioral markers, the proposed study will disentangle the involvement of NAT and the central NA system in the modulation of emotion-supporting neuronal networks that influence eating behavior. Neurobehavioral mechanisms of change during an ER intervention will be determined. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00029367. This study investigates the central noradrenaline system by using hybrid brain imaging in conjunction with emotion regulation as a putative core biological mechanism in individuals with obesity with or without binge-eating disorder that is targeted by emotion regulation intervention. The results will provide a molecular signature beyond functional imaging biomarkers as a predictive biomarker toward precision medicine for tailoring treatments for individuals with binge-eating disorders and obesity.

A retrospective study on the clinical use and owner perception of venlafaxine efficacy as part of a multimodal treatment for canine fear, anxiety, and aggression

The serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine is labeled for use in the treatment of several emotional disorders in people and has been steadily growing in popularity for the treatment of aggression, anxiety, and fear-related behavior problems in canine patients. Current publications describing the clinical use of venlafaxine in dogs are limited to a narcolepsy-cataplexy case report and its suggested use for pain and narcolepsy. In this retrospective open-label clinical trial, the records for dogs administered venlafaxine for a minimum of 21 days in combination with an individual management and behavior modification plan for the treatment of fear, anxiety, and aggressive behaviors were reviewed. The following factors were considered: owner-reported efficacy, dose range, diagnosis, number of diagnoses, and previously trialed and concurrent medications. Of the 110 dogs included, 71.8% (N = 79) percent of owners reported venlafaxine as helpful during at least one follow-up and 39.1% (N = 43) found it helpful at all three follow-up points. For those who found it helpful, the median dose used was 1.65 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours (range 0.63-5.91 mg/kg every 12 hours). Venlafaxine was not more helpful in treating any specific diagnosis or number of diagnoses. Due to the efficacy and low frequency of adverse effects (N = 20, 18.2%), venlafaxine might be a useful medication option in dogs showing clinical signs of aggression, anxiety, and fear.

Communicating respiratory health risk among children using a global air quality index.

Air pollution poses a serious threat to children's respiratory health around the world. Satellite remote-sensing technology and air quality models can provide pollution data on a global scale, necessary for risk communication efforts in regions without ground-based monitoring networks. Several large centers, including NASA, produce global pollution forecasts that may be used alongside air quality indices to communicate local, daily risk information to the public. Here we present a health-based, globally applicable air quality index developed specifically to reflect the respiratory health risks among children exposed to elevated outdoor air pollution. Additive, excess-risk air quality indices were developed using 51 different coefficients derived from time-series health studies evaluating the impacts of ambient fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone on children's respiratory morbidity outcomes. A total of four indices were created which varied based on whether or not the underlying studies controlled for co-pollutants and in the adjustment of excess risks of individual pollutants. Combined with historical estimates of air pollution provided globally at a 25×25km2 spatial resolution from the NASA's Goddard Earth Observing System composition forecast (GEOS-CF) model, each of these indices were examined in a global sample of 664 small and 140 large cities for study year 2017. Adjusted indices presented the most normal distributions of locally-scaled index values, which has been shown to improve associations with health risks, while indices based on coefficients controlling for co-pollutants had little effect on index performance. We provide the steps and resources need to apply our final adjusted index at the local level using freely-available forecasting data from the GEOS-CF model, which can provide risk communication information for cities around the world to better inform individual behavior modification to best protect children's respiratory health.

Institutional governance and responsiveness to antimicrobial resistance: a qualitative study of Australian hospital executives

ObjectivesDespite escalating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), implementing effective antimicrobial optimisation within healthcare settings has been hampered by institutional impediments. This study sought to examine, from a hospital management and governance perspective,...

Learnings from Health Behavioural Survey Practices in France and Belgium During the First COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order.

The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled public authorities to establish preventive measures involving individual behaviour modification strategies (mask-wearing, social distancing, etc.) with a view to community protection. In this context, documenting people’s behaviour changes, the impact of public health measures, and individuals’ knowledge, motivations, and beliefs – even their perception of how the crisis is being managed – is essential for understanding the experience of the population and adapting the management approach accordingly. This article presents findings and lessons on how to monitor a population’s behaviour during a crisis, obtained by reviewing forty-five surveys conducted in Belgium and France during the first Covid-19 stay-at-home order, from April to May 2020. The central message is to argue that the citizens’ role in this type of survey – and in managing the crisis, more generally – should be reconsidered by thinking of them as true health partners and members of a community that could be mobilised to help.

Investigating the effect of smartphone addiction on musculoskeletal system problems and cognitive flexibility in university students.

Smartphone usage has become more common in daily life, and in certain situations, this may lead to addictive behavior. This study aims to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal problems and cognitive flexibility in university students. Smartphone addiction was evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, and pain was measured with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cognitive flexibility was assessed with the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI). A significant correlation was found between SAS total score and musculoskeletal problems in the upper back, lower back, hip and feet (p < 0.05, r = 0.11; r = 0.16; r = 0.11; r = 0.13, r = 0.14). Smartphone addiction showed a significant positive correlation with neck pain, right hand pain and right arm pain (p < 0.05, r = 0.13; r = 0.17; r = 0.14). There was a significant negative correlation between CFI total score and SAS total score (p < 0.05, r = - 0.13). Smartphone addiction is associated with musculoskeletal problems, pain and cognitive flexibility in university students. Encouraging an active lifestyle, physical activity, ergonomic arrangements, individual behavioral modification as well as environmental regulations and policies may eliminate the negative effects of smartphone addiction.

Effectiveness of oral health promotion program for persons with severe mental illness: a cluster randomized controlled study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a composite oral health promotion program designed to reduce dental plaque among persons with severe mental illness in a psychiatric institution.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled study was carried out in chronic psychiatric wards of a general hospital in central Taiwan. Sixty-eight eligible male individuals admitted to 2 wards were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. Participants in the experimental group underwent an oral health promotion program that consisted of biweekly group education sessions, and a 12-week individual behavioral modification for oral hygiene course. The participants in the control group received usual care only. Dental plaque (measured by the Plaque Control Index) was examined by a single dentist before and after the experiment. Each participant responded to a questionnaire regarding oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior before and after the experiment.ResultsFifty-eight individuals completed the study. Before the experiment, the plaque index was similar between the intervention group (68.9; N = 27) and the control group (69.8; N = 31). After the experiment, the plaque index was significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group (42.6 vs. 61.8; P < 0.001). Participants in the intervention group also demonstrated better oral health knowledge, attitude and behavior than those in the control group after the experiment.ConclusionsA composite oral health promotion program using both group education and individual behavioral methods over a 12-week period was effective in both reducing dental plaque and improving the oral health knowledge of persons with severe mental illness in the institution.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in Clinicaltrials.gov, with number NCT04464941, dated 7/7/2020. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/RD103035018.

An Analysis of Statewide Anti-bullying Laws Employing the Iowa Safe Schools Law as a Case Study

School bullying is a pervasive social problem that has been linked to severe mental health consequences for students. Though 50 states have adopted anti-bullying policies, research into the effectiveness of these policies has suggested that many such policies are not effective in reducing rates of bullying in schools. This paper aims to identify strategies for policy makers and social workers to reduce bullying in schools. This paper focuses on the Iowa Safe Schools Law as a case study for better understanding the strengths and limitations of statewide anti-bullying laws. Consistent with general evaluations of statewide anti-bullying laws, comparisons of rates of bullying before and after the passage of the Iowa Safe Schools Law reveal no reductions in rates of bullying. Through an examination of the extant academic and popular literature, this analysis identifies several critiques of the policy, namely that such policies infringe upon freedom of expression and that such policies focus on individual behavior modification rather than on changing underlying social norms that contribute to hostile environments. This paper presents several recommendations for advancing the prevention of bullying. Future research should identify underlying factors that render these policies ineffective and common factors of policies that have been found to be more effective. Bullying prevention policies should include funding allocated to these efforts and components that have been empirically linked to reductions in bullying. Social workers hold a key role in advocating for funding for this policy and offering institutional and individual-level interventions to reduce bullying.

COVID-19 and mental health services in Europe

The area of mental health is directly affected by the pandemic and its consequences, for various reasons: 1-the pandemic triggered a global lockdown, with dramatic socioeconomic and therefore psychosocial implications; 2-mental health services, which treat by definition a fragile population from the psychological, biological and social points of view, have a complex organizational frame, and it was expected that this would be affected (or overwhelmed) by the pandemic; 3-mental health services should, at least in theory, be able to help guide public health policies when these involve a significant modification of individual behaviour. It was conducted a narrative review of the publications produced by European researchers in the period February-June 2020 and indexed in PubMed. A total of 34 papers were analyzed, which document the profound clinical, organizational and procedural changes introduced in mental health services following this exceptional and largely unforeseen planetary event.Among the main innovations recorded everywhere, the strong push towards the use of telemedicine techniques should be mentioned: however, these require an adequate critical evaluation, which highlights their possibilities, limits, advantages and disadvantages instead of simple triumphalist judgments. Furthermore, should be emphasized the scarcity of quantitative studies conducted in this period and the absence of studies aimed, for example, at exploring the consequences of prolonged and forced face-to-face contact between patients and family members with a high index of "expressed emotions".

Efficacy of a Brief Cognitive-Emotional Group Intervention for Patients with Borderline personality disorder

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a short-term group intervention composed of four sessions and focused on emotion regulation with patients suffering from borderline personality disorder. Twenty-four patients hospitalised in a psychiatric ward with a diagnosis of borderline personality participated in this study. Twelve patients participated in group sessions focused on emotion regulation, while the other 12 patients underwent individual sessions of individual behavioural and cognitive therapy which focused on emotion regulation. The intensity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, alexithymia and impulsivity scores, emotion regulation difficulties, and adaptive as well as non-adaptive emotional regulation strategies were measured before the group intervention, as well as just after it and a month later. In both groups there was an improvement in depressive and anxious symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, impulsivity and alexithymia scores. Nevertheless, for the participants experiencing the group intervention the effects were more significant and more stable over time, i.e., for one month after the intervention.

Personality variation improves collective decision-making in cockroaches

Many animals live in groups and engage in collective actions which can enhance their fitness. One common example is collective decision-making, which mainly arises from social interactions that modify the individual behaviour. Despite the widespread interest in animal personalities on the one hand and in social effects (such as social organisation, social learning or anti-predator behaviour) on the other, the question of how the amount of among-individual differences, coupled with social interactions, influence group cohesion has rarely been addressed. For this purpose, I used a modelling approach based on aggregation behaviour of cockroaches to explore the mechanisms underlying such context-dependent behaviour. The results of simulations considering different degrees (none, medium, high) of personality variation in a non-social and social context were compared to experimental patterns of aggregation dynamics in cockroaches. The comparison between the simulated and experimental data show that only a model that considers differences in individuals was able to reproduce the experimental patterns of individuals and groups. In addition, the comparison between models suggest that some individuals may play a keystone role during aggregation dynamics, influencing the behaviour of others and facilitating the collective decision. Finally, I show that personality variation amplifies the effects of social inter-attractions, thus increasing the speed of aggregation, shedding light on the mechanisms underpinning social modification of individual behaviour.

The Effectiveness of a Behavioral Therapy Program in Social Casework in the Development of Adaptive Behavior among Autistic Children

The lack of basic skills is one of the major issues affecting the behavior of autistic children. This is due to delays in acquiring sensory experiences from the stimuli of the surrounding environment. This study aims to establish an individual behavioral therapy program for developing adaptive behavior skills among autistic children, whilst determining its effectiveness and its role in developing the skills of independence, social interaction, and social communication of autistic children.

ACUTE TOXICITY OF CERIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES

The resorptive effects of 0.01 M cerium nanodioxide sol upon single intraperitoneal administration to rats have been studied. The acute exposure to nanoparticles was found to have a dose-dependent general toxic effect on the body (weight loss, inflammatory changes in the abdominal organs, modification of individual behavior, hematological changes, metabolic imbalance), which develops on the background of POL activation. The prooxidant effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles is demonstratively manifested at relatively high exposure levels (80–8 mg / kg). The threshold dose for the general toxic effect (Limch integr) is equal to 0.8 mg / kg.

Assistive Conversational Agent for Health Coaching: A Validation Study.

Poor lifestyle represents a health risk factor and is the leading cause of morbidity and chronic conditions. The impact of poor lifestyle can be significantly altered by individual's behavioral modification. Although there are abundant lifestyle promotion applications and tools, they are still limited in providing tailored social support that goes beyond their predefined functionalities. In addition, virtual coaching approaches are still unable to handle user emotional needs. Our approach presents a human-virtual agent mediated system that leverages the conversational agent to handle menial caregiver's works by engaging users (e.g., patients) in a conversation with the conversational agent. The dialog used a natural conversation to interact with users, delivered by the conversational agent and handled with a finite state machine automaton. Our research differs from existing approaches that replace a human coach with a fully automated assistant on user support. The methodology allows users to interact with the technology and access health-related interventions. To assist physicians, the conversational agent gives weighting to user's adherence, based on prior defined conditions. This article describes the design and validation of CoachAI, a conversational agent-assisted health coaching system to support health intervention delivery to individuals or groups. CoachAI instantiates a text-based health care conversational agent system that bridges the remote human coach and the users. We will discuss our approach and highlight the outcome of a 1-month validation study on physical activity, healthy diet, and stress coping. The study validates technology aspects of our human-virtual agent mediated health coaching system. We present the intervention settings and findings from the study. In addition, we present some user-experience validation results gathered during or after the experimentation. The study provided a set of dimensions when building a human-conversational agent powered health intervention tool. The results provided interesting insights when using human-conversational agent mediated approach in health coaching systems. The findings revealed that users who were highly engaged were also more adherent to conversational-agent activities. This research made key contributions to the literature on techniques in providing social, yet tailored health coaching support: (1) identifying habitual patterns to understand user preferences; (2) the role of a conversational agent in delivering health promoting microactivities; (3) building the technology while adhering to individuals' daily messaging routine; and (4) a socio-technical system that fits with the role of conversational agent as an assistive component. Future improvements will consider building the activity recommender based on users' interaction data and integrating users' dietary pattern and emotional wellbeing into the initial user clustering by leveraging information and communication technology approaches (e.g., machine learning). We will integrate a sentiment analysis capability to gather further data about individuals and report these data to the caregiver.

Positive Behavior Supports for Individuals who Are Deafblind with Charge Syndrome

Introduction The purpose of this study was to identify effective individualized positive behavior support strategies and cognitive behavior therapy strategies for young adults who are deafblind. It discusses findings specific to four young adult students with CHARGE syndrome. Methods This collaborative action research study employed collective case study design and elements of grounded theory analysis. Principles of positive behavior support and modified cognitive behavior therapy supported the identification and implementation of individualized behavioral interventions that addressed environment arrangement, sensory needs and sensitivities, and how adults communicated with the students. Results Eight themes were identified as being important to each of the students, although to varying degrees. These were: provide structure, establish and maintain a positive climate, address students’ sensory needs and sensitivities, support on-task behavior, support transitions between activities and environments, support mature behavior, support students in coping with anxiety, and use adult language supports. Each theme included multiple strategies. Discussion Proactive and reactive strategies must be individualized even when children share an etiology. Educational team members must know each student's preferences, likes, dislikes, reinforcers, and unique communication needs in order to identify and effectively implement behavioral supports. Modified cognitive behavior therapy may be helpful in addressing the anxiety experienced by individuals with CHARGE syndrome. Teams require time to collaborate on behavioral assessment, the identification of individualized behavioral strategies, and the effectiveness of behavioral plans. Implications for practitioners Providing well-structured environments and teaching rules and routines can reduce anxiety because students know what to expect. Educational team members should prevent sensory overload, provide structured desensitization opportunities, and teach relaxation techniques to these students. Adult communication must be positive, clarify what will happen next, and redirect behaviors when needed.

Adapting the Brief Coping Cat for Children with Anxiety to a Group Setting in the Spanish Public Mental Health System: a Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Pilot Study

Group therapy may offer a promising solution to reducing patient waiting lists for publicly funded mental health services. In this study, an individual brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) intervention was adapted for implementation in a group setting in the Spanish public mental health care system. The study was designed to test initial clinical effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of the group adaptation of BCBT for child anxiety. The study utilized an uncontrolled multiple-group design for 8 weeks (1 h per week). Inclusion criteria were (i) children and young adolescents between 8 and 15 years old, and (ii) a clinical diagnosis of general anxiety disorder, social phobia, and/or separation anxiety disorder. Five groups were completed (n = 33; mean age = 11 years; 42.4% females). A total of 31 (93.9%) participants completed at least 7 sessions, and follow-up data were collected for 84.9% (n = 28) of participants. Overall, anxiety symptoms were reduced after intervention on the Spence Children Anxiety Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-IV, Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised, and Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory. Our findings suggest that group BCBT was associated with beneficial treatment outcomes, was acceptable and feasible for children with anxiety in the Spanish public mental health system. Both participants and their caregivers reported satisfaction and feelings of safety with the intervention. Results underscore the need for a larger-scale hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of BCBT in a group setting throughout more community mental health centers in different Spanish states. Such work could improve patient access to and benefit from an evidence-based treatment that works in community settings.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Martinique in the immediate aftermath of the Zika virus outbreak

IntroductionThe WHO and the HCSP recognize the Zika virus as a public health problem of international concern primarily because of the foetal risks. During the epidemic in Martinique, several modifications to the normal obstetrical follow-up were set up and information had to be delivered to pregnant women about these modifications, the attitudes to prevent infection and the signs motivating additional visits. The objective of our work was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Martinique about the risks associated with Zika infection during pregnancy in the immediate aftermath of the epidemic. Materials and methodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to May 2017. It took place through an anonymous and standardized face-to-face questionnaire. The questions dealt with the pregnant women general knowledge about the virus, information disseminated by media on this subject, the potential risks, the protective measures taken and the monitoring throughout the pregnancy in case of infection. ResultsThe total sample consisted of 297 pregnant women. Despite a weak adherence to individual and domestic protection recommendations, we found a good level of knowledge about Zika virus from pregnant women in Martinique. The fetal risk in case of maternal infection was known for 96.6% of those surveyed, individual protective measures were followed by 64.6% of women, 77.0% knew where to go in case of suspected infection, and 79.4% reported that the modifications in follow-up mainly concerned ultrasound monitoring. ConclusionThe awareness campaign on zika virus had a significant impact on population’s knowledge and main practical information was correctly captured. The information did not spill excessive fear. Nevertheless, modification of individual behavior appeared harder to obtain.

Peningkatkan Konsep Diri Positif Peserta Didik di SMP Menggunakan Konseling Individu Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Positive self concept that arises in the counselee stems from the belief and positive piker pattern of the counselee to the ability and potential that he has. The results showed that the subjects had low self-concept. Low self-concept is shown include embarrassment with different physical circumstances, minder, do not want to ask the teacher if you do not understand, do not want to go forward, do not want to mingle with friends and, feel different from friends because always called as duck every talking. The purpose of this study is to change the client's irrational beliefs (which impact on emotions and behavior) to be irrational. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) aims to improve and change attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and views of irrational counselees to be rational, so that the counselee can develop themselves and achieve optimal self-realization. The type of research used in this study is a qualitative case study that is descriptive. Observation results show that after being given individual counseling service of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) technique there is a change, that the counselee is no longer embarrassed by his physical condition, going out of class to play, the counselee asks and forward the class, start accepting the shortcomings and try to optimize the potential there on him. The use of individual counseling techniques Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) can help students in improving the concept of Positive Self

Evidence Base Update for Psychosocial Treatments for Disruptive Behaviors in Children

This article reviews the state of the science on psychosocial treatments for disruptive behaviors in children, as an update to Eyberg, Nelson, and Boggs (2008). We followed procedures for literature searching, study inclusion, and treatment classification as laid out in Southam-Gerow and Prinstein (2014), focusing on treatments for children 12 years of age and younger. Two treatments (group parent behavior therapy, and individual parent behavior therapy with child participation) had sufficient empirical support to be classified as well-established treatments. Thirteen other treatments were classified as probably efficacious. Substantial variability in effectiveness of different programs within the same treatment family has been previously documented; thus, a particular level of evidence might not hold true for every individual program in a treatment family. Systematic investigations of implementation, dissemination, and uptake are needed to ensure that children and families have access to effective treatments. Investigations into how to blend the strengths of the effective approaches into even more effective treatment might also lead to greater impact.