Post-intervention Evaluation Research Articles

Spiritual Fitness for Military Veterans: A Curriculum Review and Impact Evaluation Using the Duke Religion Index (DUREL)

Suicide rates among military veterans exceed those found in the general population. While the exact reasons for these high rates are unknown, contributing factors may include the military's perceived rejection of patient identities, creating barriers to mental health care within the clinical sector and a mandate for prevention programs. Spiritual fitness has emerged over the last decade as an important concept in human performance optimization and is included among holistic approaches to developing and maintaining mentally fit fighting forces. In attempts to better understand the role that spiritual fitness and religion play in mitigating and/or reducing suicide risk among veterans, the aims of this study were twofold (1) to assess the utility of the Duke Religion Index as a psychometric instrument for use with veterans completing spiritual fitness training and (2) to offer a post-intervention process evaluation of the spiritual fitness module from one resilience program offered to military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan in 2016. Twenty-eight attendees at the JRWI Wellness Resilient Leadership Retreat completed post-retreat surveys to assess their satisfaction with the coursework and specifically, to assess the spiritual fitness module of the resiliency retreat's curriculum. In total, the research team reviewed 25 completed post-intervention survey responses (89.3% response rate). Descriptive statistics indicated that respondents (n = 25) were subjectively religious, defined as belief in a higher power practiced in ritualized ways. Over half of program participants indicated they (a) attended religious meetings at least once a week and (b) engaged in private religious activity-such as meditation-at least once a day. Results showed that most program participants reported that the spiritual fitness skills learned during the resilient leadership program were useful (88%) (Z = 3.000, p < 0.001). Additionally, most program participants reported their interest in spiritual exploration was affirmed, renewed, or raised as a result of attending the peer-led resilient leadership program (76%) (Z = 6.000, p = 0.015). Culturally informed prevention programs that emphasize spiritual fitness are indicated for use in veteran outreach and well-being programs. More detailed research is needed to assess curriculum specifics.

Effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy in the recovery of upper extremity function affected by a stroke: a single-blind randomized parallel trial-comparing group versus individual intervention.

An extensive corpus of literature supports the positive impact of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on neuroplasticity and the recovery of function. However, its clinical applicability is limited by the time of intervention and individual modality. We propose to assess the efficacy of modified CIMT protocols through a group therapy intervention. To determine the effectiveness of a group therapy, compared with individual modified CIMT, in increasing the use and functionality of movement of a paretic upper limb. The study was a single-blind, randomized parallel trial. Thirty-six patients who had had a stroke more than 6 months previously were divided randomly into two intervention groups. The independent variable was the implementation of group or individual modalities for 3 h for 10 consecutive days and the dependent variables were evaluated by the Motor Activity Log and Action Research Arm Test, at baseline (preintervention evaluation), end (postintervention evaluation), and 6 months after intervention (follow-up). By controlling the preintervention evaluations, analyses of covariance indicated that both dependent variables presented significant differences in favor of the group therapy at both the postintervention evaluation and the follow-up evaluations. Both types of intervention generated increases in the function and use of the upper extremity, with these increases being higher in the group therapy. The effects of the group therapy modality were maintained 6 months after the intervention ended.

Effects of Combining Medication and Pivotal Response Treatment on Aberrant Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined risperidone (RIS) and pivotal response treatment (PRT) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 34 children diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V) (mean age of 12.36 years) were randomly assigned to either of two groups; the first group (n = 17) received combined PRT–RIS while the second group (n = 17) received RIS only. Behavioral problems were evaluated with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), whereas global improvement (GI) was measured with the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI). Assessment of ABC was performed before intervention, after intervention (12 weeks), and following 3 months of the intervention (follow-up). Total ABC scores were seen to decrease in both groups after 3 months, as compared with the scores prior to the interventions. Also, in both groups, mean scores of behavioral problems after the intervention were not significantly different from those prior to the intervention, in all subscales but the inappropriate speech (p < 0.001). However, both groups showed significant differences in mean scores of ABC subscales in both of the post-intervention evaluation stages. It was concluded that the combination of behavioral and drug interventions can further improve behavioral problems, ultimately improving patient’s communication and social skills.

Novel Pilot Curriculum for International Education of Lymphoma Management Using E-Contouring.

PurposeThe International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) published consensus guidelines on the management of Hodgkin disease (HD) and nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which became the most downloaded articles from International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics. E-contouring workshops allow for interactive didactic sessions, allowing participants to see case-based contouring in real time. A pilot 1-hour curriculum was developed with the objective of reviewing ILROG guidelines for HD and NHL management with incorporation of e-contouring tools. This represents the first international education intervention in Spanish using e-contouring with a pre- and postintervention questionnaire.MethodsA 1-hour presentation was prepared in Spanish reviewing the ILROG recommendations for HD and NHL. The review was followed by the author’s demonstration of contour creation using patients with HD and NHL prepared for the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s 2015 e-contouring lymphoma session. A five- question evaluation was prepared and administered before and after intervention. A two-tailed paired t test was performed to evaluate any significant change in test value before and after intervention.ResultsA total of nine quizzes were collected before and after the intervention. The average test score before the intervention was 75.6%, and the average test score after the intervention was 86.7% (P = .051). Four students scored 100% on both the pre- and postintervention evaluations, and no student had a decrease in score from pre- to postintervention evaluation. The topic with the lowest score tested dose consideration.ConclusionA substantial but nonsignificant improvement in test evaluation was seen with this pilot curriculum. This pilot intervention identified obstacles for truly interactive didactic sessions that, when addressed, can lead to fully developed interactive didactic sessions.

Resultados de una intervención motivacional con niños obesos o con sobrepeso y sus familias: Estudio Piloto

Introducción: el objetivo fue analizar los resultados de una intervención motivacional con modificación de los hábitos alimentarios, los estilos de vida y los trastornos emocionales en niños obesos de 6 a 12 años y sus familias. Material y métodos: Estudio de intervención con evaluación pre- y posintervención del programa Familias en Movimiento. Se incluyeron 11 niños (10 niñas y 1 niño) de 6 a 12 años tratados con otros programas para la pérdida de peso sin éxito. Se evaluaron al inicio y al final los parámetros: Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC), los resultados de los cuestionarios: de Dieta Mediterránea y ansiedad en niños y el peso y la ansiedad de los adultos tras la intervención.Resultados: El IMC disminuyó de una mediana de 25,2 (Rango intercuartílico de 23,3–28,0) a 23,9 y (22,9–27,6) tras la intervención, cambio no estadísticamente significativo (p&lt;0,086). La mediana de adherencia a la Dieta Mediterránea aumentó significativamente en 2,2 puntos (7,1 a 9,3), debido principalmente a que un mayor número de niños tomaban desayuno (44%) y hubo una disminución del consumo de golosinas y bollería industrial en el desayuno (22,2%). La intervención redujo significativamente en 8,7 puntos la ansiedad en los niños. De los adultos, 9 de ellos participaron en la evaluación inicial, la media de disminución de peso fue de 3,6kg y la disminución de la ansiedad pasó de 45,6 a 27,3 (p=0,02).Conclusiones: La aplicación del programa Familias en Movimiento disminuyó el IMC, aumentó la puntuación en la adherencia a Dieta Mediterránea y disminuyó la ansiedad en los niños, además se redujo el peso y la ansiedad en los adultos que acompañaron en el programa a los niños.

Implementing a Mental Health Care Program and Home-Based Training for Mothers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Urban Population in Bangladesh: Protocol for a Feasibility Assessment Study

BackgroundMothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have reported a higher level of depression than mothers of children with other neurodevelopmental disorders in both developed and developing countries. Mothers are the lifetime caregivers of children with ASD, and a high burden of depression can negatively impact their ability to provide care. However, access to mental health services in primary care is limited, given the scarcity of qualified providers in Bangladesh.ObjectiveWe aim to pilot the feasibility of integrating mental health services for the mothers of children with ASD attending schools offering ASD care and improve skills of mothers for child care through a home-based training program.MethodsThe study will be conducted in two selected schools in Dhaka in Bangladesh that have been offering services for ASD for more than 10 years. A female psychologist will be deployed at the schools to offer nonpharmacological services for all mothers having a depressive episode. Referral for pharmacological treatment will be made at the discretion of supervising psychiatrists. An ASD special educator will provide training to the mothers for enhancing their child care skills at home on a monthly basis. The proposed intervention package will be implemented over a period of 4-6 months, and the feasibility of the intervention will be assessed through a pre- and postintervention evaluation by obtaining the perspectives of various stakeholders involved in the implementation of mental health services and maternal training. The primary outcome will include assessment of acceptability, adaptability, demand, practicality, implementation, and integration of the package intervention in the school settings. The secondary outcomes will include assessment of: 1) the prevalence of maternal depression; 2) children’s behavioral, social, and communication skills; and 3) the intervention participation costs incurred by institutions and families.ResultsBetween February and March 2017, 188 mothers of children with ASD were screened for depression following a written informed consent. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-1) was administered to 66 mothers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 mothers and 8 various stakeholders. Between January-June 2017, the team finalized a draft psychosocial counseling module and a maternal training module. Between April-May 2017, mental health services were provided by psychologists to 41 mothers who attended the counseling centers at each school. Three special educators have been trained in June 2017 to initiate training of the participating mothers.ConclusionsThis is the first study of a mental health intervention for mothers of children with ASD to reduce their burden of depression and improve the outcomes of their children. The findings will inform the provision of services for children with ASD and their mothers in Bangladesh and similar settings.

Population Level Effects of a Mass Media Alcohol and Breast Cancer Campaign: A Cross-Sectional Pre-Intervention and Post-Intervention Evaluation.

To examine the relationship between a TV-led breast cancer mass-media campaign in the North East of England (conducted in two waves: Jul/2015 and Nov/2015), awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer, intention to reduce alcohol consumption and support for alcohol related policies. Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted; one over the 2 weeks pre-campaign (n = 572); one immediately following campaign wave 1 (n = 576); and another immediately following campaign wave 2 (n = 552). Survey questions assessed; campaign exposure; awareness of the links between alcohol and related cancers; intention to change alcohol consumption; and support for alcohol related policies. The proportion of respondents indicating awareness of alcohol as a cancer risk factor was larger post-campaign compared to pre-campaign. The largest increase was seen for breast cancer with 45% aware of the links post-campaign wave 2 compared to 33% pre-campaign. The proportion of respondents indicating 'strong support' of the seven alcohol related policies significantly increased between surveys. The proportion of respondents both aware of alcohol as a cancer risk factor and supportive of the seven alcohol related policies significantly increased between surveys. There was no significant change in self-reported intention to reduce alcohol consumption amongst increasing/higher risk drinkers. These findings indicate that a mass-media campaign raising awareness of the links between alcohol and breast cancer is associated with increased awareness and alcohol related policy support at a population level. However, there was no association found with a change in short-term drinking intentions. A mass-media campaign raising awareness of the links between alcohol and breast cancer is associated with increased awareness and alcohol policy support at a population level but does not appear to be associated with a change in short term drinking intentions.

Engaging schools in diagnosis and treatment of malaria: Evidence of sustained impact on morbidity and behavior

Background: In low and middle income countries (LMICs) teachers send home children found sick in class devolving subsequent care to parents; where malaria is endemic, morbidity is high as the most parents fail to access WHO-endorsed rapid diagnostic testing (RDT and prompt treatment with artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). Consequently malaria is the principal reason a child misses school; so, we trained teachers to use RDT to evaluate all sick pupils and give ACT promptly to those positive.Aims: Pre, intra and post intervention evaluation of impact of using the WHO Health Promoting School (HPS) model to empower teachers to provide RDT and ACT and engage and inform pupils about malaria in 4 schools in rural Uganda.Methods: Documenting duration of absence from school as a surrogate measure for morbidity and change in children’s knowledge and reported behaviors regarding malaria. Pre-intervention (year 1) baseline evaluation of days of absence and children’s malaria knowledge/behavior; Intervention (year 2) trained teachers administered RDT in all sick children and treated those positive with ADT; Post-intervention (end of year 3) after schools independently continued RDT/ACT and education on malaria.Results: Pre-intervention &lt;1:5 pupils had basic knowledge about malaria (caused by mosquitos; can be prevented; requires rapid diagnosis and prompt medication). In year 1: 953 of 1764 pupils were sent home due to illness. Mean duration of absence was 6.5 (SD 3.17) school days. In year 2: 1066 of 1774 pupils were sick, all had RDT, 765/1066 (68%) tested positive and received ACT; their duration of absence fell to 0.59 (SD 0.64) school days (p&lt;0.001). By year 2 all children knew the signs and symptoms of malaria and had essential epidemiological knowledge. Twelve months post intervention the universality of this knowledge had been sustained and the whole-school focus on malaria continued. Children reported better health, more consistent attendance and improved academic achievement, and had become proactive in prevention strategies; 6% fewer tested positive for malaria; and key health knowledge was being passed to new pupils.Conclusion: Teacher administered RDT/ACT reduced child morbidity from malaria significantly; essential knowledge was generated and new health practices acquired that changed behaviors. Our WHO HPS model is applicable to other LMICs where malaria is endemic and morbidity high.

Raising awareness of health care providers about MERSCoV infection in public hospitals in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

It is important that health care workers have good knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards MERS-CoV, especially in Mecca because of the MERS-CoV threat during hajj and umrah. This study aimed to assess KAP of health care providers in public hospitals in Mecca about MERS-CoV infection and evaluate the effectiveness of a health education intervention to improve KAP. KAP was assessed among 281 participants using a self-administered questionnaire who then underwent the health education intervention using a combination of methods. After 3 months, 188 participants responded to the post-intervention evaluation. Significant post-intervention improvement was found in the median scores for knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P = 0.022) and cumulative KAP (P < 0.001); scores improved irrespective of age group and gender. Practice scores did not improve significantly, although reported practices were good before the intervention. The positive effects of the intervention support efforts to continuously implement health education interventions for health care providers in Mecca.

Embedding assessment in a simulation skills training program for medical and midwifery students: A pre- and post-intervention evaluation.

Simulation-based programs are increasingly being used to teach obstetrics and gynaecology examinations, but it is difficult to establish student learning acquired through them. Assessment may test student learning but its role in learning itself is rarely recognised. We undertook this study to assess medical and midwifery student learning through a simulation program using a pre-test and post-test design and also to evaluate use of assessment as a method of learning. The interprofessional simulation education program consisted of a brief pre-reading document, a lecture, a video demonstration and a hands-on workshop. Over a 24-month period, 405 medical and 104 midwifery students participated in the study and were assessed before and after the program. Numerical data were analysed using paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Students' perceptions of the role of assessment in learning were qualitatively analysed. The post-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test (P<0.001) with improvements in scores in both medical and midwifery groups. Students described the benefit of assessment on learning in preparation of the assessment, reinforcement of learning occurring during assessment and reflection on performance cementing previous learning as a post-assessment effect. Both medical and midwifery students demonstrated a significant improvement in their test scores and for most students the examination process itself was a positive learning experience.

Entrenamiento psicológico para la mejora del autocontrol en un entrenador de fútbol

The objective of the present study was to develop a psy­chological training program to improve the self-control of a soccer coach, and to improve performance and psy­chological health. A pre-and post intervention evaluation was carried out, in which psychological variables and trainer behaviors were measured. The instruments used were NEO-FFI, CPRD-EF, GHQ-12 and CBAS. The study involved a 37-year-old soccer coach with 17 years of experience in the profession. After the intervention, the data indicate a reduction of the NEO-FFI Neuroti­cism trait and the perception of psychological distress of GHQ-12, while improving the Influence of Evaluation and Stress Management of CPRD-EF. In addition, sup­port behaviors increase and CBAS punishments are re­duced. It is concluded that the individualized training to improve the coach's self-control is effective, both for the increase of performance and the perception of the psy­chological health of the same.

Evaluating Perturbations To Human Balance Following An Exercise Intervention In Previously Sedentary, Overweight Adults

PURPOSE: Previous research suggests that an improvement in body composition could potentially lead to a substantial improvement in balance performance in previously obese and overweight individuals (Handrigan et al., 2010; Maffiuletti et al., 2005). However, few studies have evaluated the balance of a person before and after weight loss following an exercise intervention that did not include any directed balance exercises. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an exercise intervention alone can lead to a substantial decrease in body weight and therefore improvement in standing balance. METHODS: Fifteen overweight, but otherwise healthy adults (9 females, 6 males) (age: 23.5 years; height: 1.70 m, starting body mass: 92.8 kg) participated in this study. Balance performance was assessed with a sensory organization test (SOT) and motor control test (MCT) prior to and after a 10-week exercise intervention. SOT equilibrium scores were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Results from the SOT equilibrium (EQ) scores revealed significant differences in the eyes open, sway referenced visual surrounding and platform (EOSRVP) condition (p = 0.033). Post hoc pairwise comparisons for this variable revealed significantly higher SOT equilibrium scores in post-intervention evaluation versus pre-intervention. No other SOT EQ scores were found to be significant (p > 0.05). Also, no significant differences were seen in MCT postural latency scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that an exercise intervention alone without a significant loss in weight and also without any form of specific balance training can lead to an improved balance performance, but that it may be limited to the conditions where the somatosensory system plays a larger role in balance maintenance.

Impact Of An Exercise Intervention On Human Balance Center Of Pressure Sway Parameters In Previously Sedentary, Overweight Adults

PURPOSE: Previous research suggests that a loss in excess body weight could potentially lead to a substantial improvement in overall balance in previously obese and overweight individuals (Maffiuletti et al., 2005). However, very few studies have evaluated balance performance before and after weight loss due strictly to exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an exercise intervention aimed at weight loss could lead improvement in standing balance. METHODS: Fifteen overweight, but otherwise healthy adults (9 females, 6 males) (age: 23.5 years; height: 1.70 m, starting body mass: 92.8 kg) participated in this study. Balance performance was assessed with a sensory organization test (SOT) prior to and after a 10-week exercise intervention. Center of pressure (COP) sway velocities and root-mean-square (RMS) sway were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA and potential relationships with changes in body mass was evaluated employing a Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Results from the SOT COP sway parameters revealed significant differences in the eyes closed (EC) for anterior-posterior sway velocity (AP VEL) (p = 0.006), and in the eyes open sway referenced (EOSRV) conditions for AP VEL (p = 0.048). Post hoc pairwise comparisons for both variables revealed significantly lower postural sway in post-intervention evaluation versus pre-intervention. In addition, there was shown to be a significant correlation between degree of weight change and the following variables: EOSRV medial-lateral (ML) VEL (p = 0.002), EOSRV ML RMS sway (p = 0.011), eyes open sway-referenced platform (EOSRP) ML RMS sway (p = 0.029), EOSRP AP RMS sway (p = 0.049), eyes closed sway-referenced platform (ECSRP) ML VEL (p = 0.003), ECRSP ML RMS sway (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that improved balance performance can result from an exercise intervention without any directed balance exercises. This could especially be true in situations where the somatosensory system plays a greater role in maintaining balance.

Evaluation of the Families Matter! Program in Tanzania: An Intervention to Promote Effective Parent-Child Communication About Sex, Sexuality, and Sexual Risk Reduction.

The Families Matter! Program (FMP) is a curriculum-based intervention designed to give parents and other primary caregivers the knowledge, skills, comfort, and confidence to deliver messages to their 9-12-year-old children about sexuality and practice positive parenting skills. A pre- and post-intervention evaluation study on FMP outcomes was conducted with 658 parent participants and their preadolescent children in two administrative wards in Tanzania in 2014. There was an increase in the proportion of study participants (parent-preadolescent pairs) that had positive attitudes toward sex education. On parent-child communication, the majority of participants (59-87%) reported having had more sexuality discussions. On communication responsiveness about sexual issues, scores improved in the period between surveys, with parents showing more improvements than preadolescents. Our results corroborate evidence from previous FMP evaluations, lending support to the conclusion that FMP is successful in promoting attitude and behavior change among parents and preadolescents in different cultural contexts.

Improving advance care planning in patients with dementia: the effect of training nurses to engage in ACP-related conversations

© 2017, Asia Pacific League of Clinical Gerontology & Geriatrics. Background: Advance care planning consists of an individual approach to anticipate the decisions on treatment during the course of illness and at the end of life. In a nursing home setting there is a pressing need for advance care planning, especially for residents with dementia. Timely discussion of the treatment goals may help to increases the resident’s autonomy and the quality of life and care. Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the effect of an education program for nurses on the registration of care goals in a nursing home with a population of elderly residents suffering from dementia. Another objective was to explore the views of nursing home staff on advance care planning in patients with dementia. Methods: This quantitative study is a pre-and post-intervention evaluation in a nursing home in Flanders, Belgium, providing care for a population of 124 residents diagnosed with dementia. The intervention consisted of a 12-month program for nursing staff (n=13) including training in theoretical and communication skills. This group was asked to complete a structured 10-item-questionnaire (type Likert) at 0 and 12 months between January 2011 and January 2012 exploring their views on facilitating and obstructing factors concerning the implementation of ACP. At the same time a pre-and post-measurement of all ACP-related registrations, based on a novel care goals model in the electronic medical record was done. Results: The intervention included all 124 residents diagnosed with dementia. 13 members of the nursing staff participated in the training and completed the questionnaire at point 0 and 12 months. At 12 months we noticed a significant increase in the number of interviews regarding ACP held with the residents, and also a significant increase in the number of care goals documented. We identified several facilitating factors and barriers for the ACP process. Furthermore we saw significant changes in caregiver’s views on ACP at the end of the intervention period. Conclusions: Prior to the intervention the members of the nursing staff presented some resistance towards the implementation of ACP, supported the ACP process afterwards. ACP was said to help raise the dignity and autonomy of the residents, and was especially useful in improving clarity for medical decision making. The number of successfully recorded information on ACP was increased significantly. Special attention should be given to the barriers that obstruct the implementation of ACP in the nursing home setting.

The Effect Of Biofeedback On The Motor– Muscular Situation In Rehabilitation Of Stroke Patients

Background:Stroke is the most common debilitating neurological disease in adults. Therefore, rehabilitation is a major consideration to reduce costs and relief disabilities. Biofeedback, a newly recommended method is claimed to be able to improve the consequences following stroke by enhancement the understanding of the psychological functions of the body. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of biofeedback on the motor– muscular situation in rehabilitation of stroke patientsMethods:The present study was a randomized clinical trial that was started in May 2016 and completed in September 2016. The sample of this study included all the patients with stroke attending the physiotherapy center of Imam Raza hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups (case and control group) after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the intervention group, biofeedback (2 times a week for 15 sessions, each session lasting 20 minutes) was performed.Before the intervention demographic information questionnaire was complete by all participants. Then a check list of main variables such as hands muscle strength, muscle stiffness (spasticity), balance and ability to walk was complete by a physician. In the 7th session of the exercise and in the end of intervention (14th session), again, the main variables of the check list were reassessed by the researcher. The statistical analysis was done by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 16.Results:the mean score of balance evaluation in pre-intervention had not any significant differences (p=0.503), but in post intervention evaluation, this score in intervention group versus control group showed significant differences (p=0.014).the mean score of muscle strength,Results showed that by eliminating the effects of muscular strength before the intervention, this variable in both intervention and control groups after the intervention, had improvement and significant difference (p=0.005).Comparison the average spasticity, showed that spasticity evaluation score before and after intervention had no significant difference between the two groups (p=1.00)Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, the biofeedback therapy is a promising treatment modality in improvement the motor– muscular condition following stroke.

Riding the rural radio wave: The impact of a community-led drug and alcohol radio advertising campaign in a remote Australian Aboriginal community.

Aboriginal people experience a higher burden of disease as a consequence of drug and alcohol (D&A) abuse. Although media campaigns can be a popular tool for disseminating health promotion messages, evidence of the extent to which they reduce the impact of substance abuse is limited, especially for rural Aboriginal communities. This paper is the first to examine the impact a locally designed D&A radio advertising campaign for Aboriginal people in a remote community in Western NSW. A post-intervention evaluation. The radio campaign was implemented in Bourke, (population 2465, 30% Aboriginal). Fifty-three community surveys were completed. The self-reported level of awareness of the campaign and the number of self-referrals to local D&A workers in the intervention period. Most respondents (79%) reported they listen to radio on a daily basis, with 75% reporting that they had heard one or more of the advertisements. The advertisement that was remembered best contained the voice of a respected, local person. There was one self-referral to local health services during the intervention timeframe. The community-led radio advertising campaign increased community awareness of substance abuse harms, but had limited impact on formal help-seeking. This paper highlights the value of radio as a commonly used, trusted and culturally relevant health promotion medium for rural communities, especially when engaging local respected Aboriginal presenters.

Development of a falls reduction yoga program for older adults—A pilot study

ObjectivesWork with local rural organizations to develop an evidence-based hatha yoga program intended to improve core strength and balance to reduce falls risk. Feasibility determined by successful recruiting, intervention and evaluation of participants and acceptable frequency of adverse events. DesignSingle-arm pilot study. SettingRural Wisconsin town of 4200 people. InterventionEight week yoga program with weekly group classes and home yoga practice three times per week. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were (1) ability to enroll at least 20 participants, (2) participant completion of intervention and post-intervention evaluation, and (3) adverse event description and frequency. ResultsA convenience sample of 20 adults over age 59 was enrolled and started the program with one drop out. Participants attended a mean of 7.1 (SD 1.47) of the 8 classes and a total of 141 out of 160 (88.1%) classes. Nineteen (95%) completed follow up evaluation. Participants reported 4 falls in the month before the intervention and 1 fall the month before the post-intervention evaluation (p=0.34). No other serious adverse events occurred. ConclusionsThis project suggests an evidence-based yoga program designed to improve core strength and balance is feasible and acceptable to participants. Future research will include a randomized trial to assess impact on falls risk.

Why Didn’t You Text Me? Poststudy Trends From the DepoText Trial

To evaluate the longitudinal impact of a 9-month text message intervention on participant adherence beyond the intervention to highly effective contraceptive methods among urban adolescent and young adult women enrolled in the DepoText randomized control trial (RCT). Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of long-term follow-up data from the DepoText RCT. Sixty-seven female participants (aged 13-21 years) using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) were recruited from an urban academic adolescent practice in Baltimore, Maryland. The principal outcome measured was a comparison of contraceptive method choice between the control and intervention groups during the 20 months postintervention. Intervention participants were 3.65 times more likely to continue using DMPA or a more efficacious method at the 20-month postintervention evaluation (odds ratio 3.65, 95% CI 1.26-10.08; P = .015). Participation in the DepoText trial was associated with continued use of DMPA or a more effective contraceptive method almost 20 months after the intervention exposure ended.

Evaluation of the Impact of a Mass Media Campaign on Periodontal Knowledge among Iranian Adults: A Three-Month Follow-Up.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of a national media campaign to promote oral health and periodontal knowledge among adults after a three-month follow-up.MethodsWe conducted a population-based study of adults aged 18 to 50 years using a stratified multi-stage sampling method in Tehran, Iran in 2011. The campaign included an animation clip about periodontal health and disease telecast on national TV for ten consecutive days. We used an instrument to assess the effect of the campaign at baseline, immediately after the campaign and after a three-month follow-up. A total of 543 participants responded at baseline and immediately after the intervention, and 294 were interviewed at the three-month follow-up assessment (response rate: 54.1%). We assessed each participant’s periodontal knowledge score, calculated as a sum of correct answers, and the change in their score following the campaign. We then used a five-item questionnaire to evaluate the participants’ opinion of the success of the campaign. We used descriptive statistics and generalised estimating equations (GEE) analysis to conduct the statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean score for knowledge improvement from baseline to immediate post-intervention evaluation was higher among those who saw the campaign (0.61) than among those who did not (0.29); the corresponding figures from immediate evaluation to three-month follow-up were -0.17 and 0.15, respectively. Adjusting for baseline values, the GEE analysis demonstrated that improvement in the mean score of post-campaign knowledge associated significantly with age, education and seeing the campaign. Significant interaction between the time since seeing the campaign and whether the participant saw it (p < 0.001) revealed that the mean difference in the knowledge score between the groups who did and did not see the campaign was 0.4 at the immediate evaluation and -0.04 at the three-month follow-up. The participants received the campaign well in terms of being appealing (91.4%), worth bearing in mind (83.4%) and containing valuable information (80.3%).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that a population-based media campaign promoting oral health and periodontal knowledge among adults had a positive short-term impact, although the effect seemed to plateau after three months.