Post-test Changes Research Articles

The influence of cognitive-behavioural stress management therapy on self- concept personality trait and negative emotions in women with Bulimia nervosa disorder

Background: The etiology of Bulimia nervosa disorder has not been determined yet. The somatic psychological problems need to be addressed in the treatment of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of cognitive-behavioural stress management training on self-concept personality trait and negative emotions in women with Bulimia nervosa disorder. Methods: The subjects consisted of 50 patients with Bulimia nervosa disorder that were randomly assigned to experimental (25) and control (25) groups. The experimental group received group cognitive behavioural therapy. The BSCT and DASS tests were performed on both groups before and after treatment. The results were analysed by MANCOVA. Results: In terms of self-concept, the results of pre-test and post-test in experimental group were (M: 53.44 and SD: 12.62) and (M:10.48 and SD:14.21), respectively, but for control group, the results of pre-test and post-test were (M: 50.64 and SD: 13.72) and (M: 49.56 and SD:13.75), respectively. In the case of negative emotions; the findings of pre-test and post-test for experimental group were (M: 12.76 and SD: 4.06) and (M:12.08 and SD: 4.06), respectively. However, the results of pre-test and post-test for control group were (M: 27.24 and SD: 4.17), and (M: 26.36 and SD: 4.09), respectively. Within-group comparisons indicated, the pre-test results of self-concept (M: 53.44 and SD: 12.62) were higher than those of the post-test (M: 10.48 and SD:14.21), and the pre-test results of negative emotions in experimental group (M:12.76 and SD:4.06) indicated a little change in the post-test (M:12.08 and SD: 4.06). Conclusion: This study showed that cognitive-behavioural therapy is effective for increasing the self-concept and decreasing negative emotions in patients with Bulimia nervosa disorder (P<0.000).

(109) Assessment of self-reported pain and disability and performance on functional tests among osteoarthritis patients: are performance-based measures in the clinic necessary?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is related to increased pain and decreased physical function. Assessment of patient well-being, however, typically relies on patient self-report. Exclusive focus on self-report of subjects’ impressions of what they can do may not be consistent with their actual capacities to perform tasks in everyday life. This study examined relationships among self-reported pain and disability, pre- to post functional test changes in pain and actual performance of functional tests. Subjects with OA pain of the knee (n=38) completed the Pain Disability Index (PDI) and a visual analog scale (VAS) assessing overall pain intensity prior to starting any procedures.

Feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of dignity therapy for family carers of people with motor neurone disease

BackgroundDignity therapy is a brief psychotherapy that has been shown to enhance the end of life experience. Dignity therapy often involves family carers to support patients weakened by illness and family carers are also the usual recipients of the legacy documents created. No research to date has examined the impact of dignity therapy on family carers at the time of the intervention. This study examined the effects of dignity therapy on family carers of people with motor neurone disease (MND).MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study utilizing a one-group pre-test post-test design with 18 family carers of people diagnosed with MND. Outcomes measured caregiver burden, anxiety, depression, and hopefulness. Acceptability was measured with a questionnaire. Feasibility was assessed by examining family carers’ involvement in the therapy sessions, time taken to conduct sessions, and any special accommodations or deviations from the dignity therapy protocol.ResultsThere were no significant pre-test post-test changes on the group level, but there were decreases in anxiety and depression on the individual level. Baseline measures indicate that 50% of family carers had moderate to severe scores for anxiety prior to dignity therapy. MND family carers saw benefits to the person with MND and to themselves after bereavement, but acceptability of dignity therapy at the time of the intervention was mixed with some family carers indicating it was helpful, some indicating it was harmful, and many expressing ambivalence. Dignity therapy involving MND family carers is feasible and the involvement of family carers has minimal impact on the therapy.ConclusionDignity therapy is not likely to alleviate caregiver burden in MND family carers, but it may have the ability to decrease or moderate anxiety and depression in distressed MND family carers. Dignity therapy is feasible and generally acceptable to MND family carers. Dignity therapists may provide a better experience for family carers when they are aware of acceptance levels and the quality of partner relationships.Trial registrationANZCTR Trial Number: ACTRN12611000410954

Transformational leadership: a quasi-experimental study

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to report a field-based quasi-experimental study designed to examine the effectiveness of a transformational leadership intervention in remediating poor performance. The intervention was conducted on elements of the organization that senior management perceived as being low performing.Design/methodology/approach– A quasi-experimental pre-test post-design was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the transformational leadership intervention. Pre-test data were collected four months prior to the intervention starting and the post-test data were collected eight months after the intervention had started. Follower perceptions of their leader's behavior and group cohesion, together with training outcome data were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.Findings– Results revealed that from pre-test to post-test changes in perceptions of leadership, group cohesion, and training outcome indicated that the intervention had beneficial effects. These beneficial effects were evidenced in one of two ways: desirable behaviors increased in the experimental group from pre-test to post-test while they remained the same or were decreased in the control group; or desirable behaviors remained the same in the experimental group while they decreased in the control group.Originality/value– The current study is the first to utilize a quasi-experimental organization wide design to examine the efficacy of a transformational leadership intervention. Furthermore, the current study provides evidence that transformational leadership can buffer negative environmental effects.

The Influence of Approach and Avoidance Goals on Conceptual Change

ABSTRACTRecently, conceptual change research has been experiencing a warming trend (G. M. Sinatra, 2005) whereby motivational and affective factors are being explored in the conceptual change process. The purpose of this study is to explore the 2 × 2 framework of achievement goal theory in relation to students’ conceptual change learning for a specific topic in biology, HIV/AIDS. The authors hypothesized that those with approach goals (mastery approach and performance approach) would demonstrate greater posttest conceptual change in their understanding of HIV/AIDS than those with avoidance goals. Participants were 206 undergraduates in introductory-level college biology courses. Participants were provided a 1,004-word HIV/AIDS text and were pre- and posttested on their conceptual knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Results of an analysis of covariance indicated that approach-oriented students demonstrated greater conceptual HIV/AIDS change at posttest than avoidance-oriented students. Results are discussed in light of the warming trend and achievement goal theory.

Increasing Awareness of Child Mental Health Issues among Elementary School Staff

Without sufficient education and training on mental illness, school teachers are less likely to have the capacity to recognize related symptoms in students and make appropriate referrals for care. The current pilot study tests the overall effectiveness of a new in-service training designed as the introductory component to a school-based mental health intervention. The training included information on the prevalence of mental health problems in the United States, common youth disorders, and treatment barriers that many families face. Participants’ knowledge before and after the training was measured using a 27-item instrument, and statistical significance was assessed for pre- to posttest changes for individual items. Results are overwhelmingly positive and provide evidence of an increase in accurate knowledge of child mental health issues. Implications for both practice and research are discussed.

Practical Application of Health Belief Model to Enhance the Uptake of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background Health care providers have a pivotal role in promoting people’s screening behaviors resulting in early detection of cancer. This study was conducted to examine the effect of an intervention program based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on knowledge and participation of administrative personnel of one of the major medical schools of Iran in colorectal cancer screening program Methods 156 official administrative personnel’s with average risk for colorectal cancer working in Shiraz Mesical Sciences University including its affiliated hospitals were enrolled in the study. Their demographic data, level of knowledge, willingness and perception barriers to participate in screening programs were examined via two separated questionnaires. All the subjects were asked to provide stool sample for fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Then they were randomly assigned to experimental or control group (n=78).The experimental group was exposed to the interventional program. Two groups of the study were followed for three months. Then knowledge and the rate of subjects' participation in screening program were examined. Results The results of the study revealed that most of the subjects are not interested in colorectal screening tests. Their most perceived barrier for (FOBT) and colonoscopy were lack of time and low perceived susceptibility (feeling to be healthy), respectively. Pre (1.2 ± 4.7) to post-test (11.2 ± 1.9) changes in knowledge score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (1.7±3.9 in the pretest and 2.6 ± 3.8 in the post test). Furthermore, participation of the experimental group in screening program was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion Application of HBM in the interventional program on colorectal cancer may result in an increase in the knowledge & participation of subjects in the screening program.

Impact of a Web-Based Intervention on Maternal Caries Transmission and Prevention Knowledge, and Oral Health Attitudes

Poor oral health knowledge is thought to significantly contribute to the incidence of early childhood caries, the most common childhood disease in the U.S. This study assessed the effectiveness of a web-based educational program in increasing oral health and caries transmission knowledge, attitudes and planned behavior among mothers and primary caregivers. Study participants were recruited from subscribers to an online health information newsletter distributed by a national dental insurance company and from visitors to a health information website sponsored by the same company. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys and viewed a brief educational program. Results were analyzed for pre- to post-test changes in knowledge and attitudes. Planned behavior change was also assessed. 459 participants completed pre-and post-test surveys. The sample was typically more insured (91.3%), and college educated (76.9%), than the general population. At baseline, respondents were knowledgeable about caries and its prevention; however, their specific knowledge about caries transmission was limited. There was a significant increase in caries knowledge from baseline to follow-up, particularly regarding caries transmission. At baseline less than half of the participants (48.8%) knew that mothers/primary caregivers play a large role in passing cavity causing germs to children and 43.1% knew that there is a defined period of time when the risk of transmission of cariogenic bacteria is greatest; however in post-testing 99.6% and 98.3% answered these question correctly respectively (p<0.001). Results indicate that a web-delivered oral health intervention can increase dental knowledge and increase participants' plans to prevent maternal caries transmission. The provision of web-delivered education to primary caregivers can be an effective and low cost strategy for promoting maternal and infant oral health.

Helping Youth Immediately Following War Exposure: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a School-Based Intervention Program

This study evaluates a school-based primary prevention intervention designed to promote adolescents' coping in the immediate aftermath of war exposure in Operation Cast Lead. Participants were 179 adolescents from two demographically similar schools in Ashkelon in south Israel. The intervention incorporated two previously proven resilience factors-mobilization of support and self-efficacy. In a repeated measures design, the study assessed pre- to post-test changes in intervention (n=94) and control (n=85) conditions among adolescents exposed to high or low political life events (PLE). Findings showed significant pre-test differences in self-efficacy and psychological symptoms between participants with low and high PLE. For both PLE groups, the intervention strengthened support mobilization and self-efficacy and reduced psychological distress and emotional symptoms. Findings reinforce the importance of offering appropriate evidence-based interventions for school staff to restore security and well-being to adolescents in a crisis context immediately following war. Despite the apparent return to a school routine after war, school staff should be aware of the risk to youth for development of psychological symptoms and disorders, and the need for preventative intervention.

A small-scale comparison of the relative impact of dialogic and shared book reading with an adult male on boys’ literacy skills

Dialogic Reading (DR) is a form of interactive shared book reading which promotes children’s active participation in reading. Previous studies have demonstrated that DR positively affects young children’s literacy development. This small-scale study extends existing DR research to all-male dyads to examine whether DR has a greater impact on boys’ literacy development than traditional styles of shared book reading. The sample comprised 18 boys between the ages of five and eight years and their adult male reading partners. Participants were randomly allocated to either the DR condition or regular shared reading (SR) condition. Adults were trained in the two approaches using a self-instruction training DVD. Children were pre- and post-tested on measures of receptive vocabulary, reading attainment and reading fluency. Intervention effects were assessed after six weeks by comparing the extent of pre- to post-test change in the DR and SR groups’ standardised language scores. No statistically significant differences between the DR and SR groups were found. However, effect sizes indicated that experience of DR accounted for 15% of the variance in receptive vocabulary growth. Exposure to SR accounted for 13% growth in reading attainment and 12% change in reading fluency over the course of the intervention. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed in relation to further research evaluating the use of SR methods with all male dyads.

Brief report: Piloting the Positive Life Changes (PLC) program for at-risk adolescents

The purpose of this study was to pilot the Positive Life Changes (PLC) program, a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral intervention for at-risk adolescents that aims to promote social competencies and to prevent aggression. The program was piloted in 4 intervention groups with a sample of 31 self-referred adolescents (M age 15.64) attending an alternative high school. Questionnaires at pretest and 6-week posttest included five social competencies that represent an expansion of social information-processing (SIP) skills, a measure of aggressive behavior, and a new measure of aggression propensity. Three-level hierarchical linear models showed increases in three social competencies and reductions in physical and verbal aggression propensity from pretest to posttest. Number of program sessions attended did not moderate pretest–posttest change. Findings are discussed in the context of program implementation and future research in school and community settings.

Comparison of Drugs for Pulmonary Hypertension Reversibility Testing: A Meta‐Analysis

Multiple drugs are used for reversibility testing of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in advanced heart failure (HF), especially in the process of heart transplant evaluation. Effects of these drugs were never systematically compared. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare hemodynamic effects of different drugs. We identified 20 prospective studies reporting hemodynamic variables before and after acute pharmacologic testing for PH reversibility in patients with advanced HF. The data from individual studies were grouped by an outcome measure and analyzed. A mixed model meta-analysis was performed using SAS to give weighted mean effect of pre- and post-test change and inverse variance. The mean effects were weighted by the published sample size. Prostacyclin, inhaled or intravenous, and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) had the most potent effect on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) better than other drugs. Sildenafil provided overall good hemodynamic outcomes but was not the strongest drug with regard to any particular outcome. PCWP, MPAP, and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure respond better to nitroglycerin and sodium nitroprusside than to other drugs in the setting of reversibility testing. Prostacyclin and PGE1 are superior to other drugs in their acute effects on PVR.

Video game training to improve selective visual attention in older adults

The current study investigated the effect of video game training on older adult’s useful field of view performance (the UFOV® test). Fifty-eight older adult participants were randomized to receive practice with the target action game (Medal of Honor), a placebo control arcade game (Tetris), a clinically validated UFOV training program, or into a no contact control group. Examining pretest–posttest change in selective visual attention, the UFOV improved significantly more than the game groups; all three intervention groups improved significantly more than no-contact controls. There was a lack of difference between the two game conditions, differing from findings with younger adults. Discussion considers whether games posing less challenge might still be effective interventions for elders, and whether optimal training dosages should be higher.

Singer and Listener Perception of Vocal Warm-Up

This study investigated changes perceived by singers and listeners after the singers had vocally warmed up. The study used a repeated measures within-subject design to assess changes in vibrato quality from pre (nonwarmed-up voice) to post (warmed-up voice) test. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess singers' self-ratings pre- and posttest and intra- and interlistener rater reliability. Twelve classically trained female singers recorded and self-rated their performance of an eight bar solo before and after 25 minutes of vocal warm-up exercises. Six experienced listeners assessed the vocal samples for pre- to posttest differences in tone quality and for each singer's warm-up condition. Perceptual judgements were also compared with pre- to posttest changes in vibrato. All singers perceived significant changes in tone quality, psychophysiological factors, proprioceptive feedback and technical command. Significant pre- to posttest differences in tone quality and correct appraisal of the singer's warm-up condition from most of the listeners were only observed for singers who moderated extremely fast or extremely slow vibrato after warming up. The findings reveal the divide between listeners' and singers' perceptions of the warmed-up voice and highlight the importance of enhanced vibrato quality to listener perception of an improvement in vocal quality.

Efectos de un programa de asertividad en adolescentes de una institución educativa privada de Ventanilla - Callao

This research concerns the effects of an assertiveness program in 40 adolescents, between 11 to 17 years old, from 1st to 5th year of high school of a Private Educational Institution of Ventanilla - Callao. The study was exploratory, quasi-experimental; the Self-report Inventory of Assertive Behavior ADCA-1 was used. The results of the test - retest showed changes in the assertiveness of all participants with Pearson X2r = 4.568 and significance of p<, 033, as well as in 1st-year students with Wilcoxon Z = -2.278 and p<, 023, and in 13-year-old adolescents with Z = -2.023 p<, 043; (being insignificant in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th year, like in 12, 14 and 15 year-old adolescents). There are no significant posttest changes, according to sex and family type, analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Therefore, it is concluded that the program has been effective in developing assertiveness of the analyzed group, with different implications according to its characteristics.

Peer Support, Self-efficacy, and Combat-related Trauma Symptoms among Returning OIF/OEF Veterans

The incidence of PTSD and other combat-related trauma symptoms among more than 2 million veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan suggests that many will experience psychological challenges in adjusting to civilian life. However, the literature is sparse about this new group of veterans. This study examined the relationships between peer support, self-efficacy, and PTSD symptoms among 216 OIF/OEF veterans who had attended 1 of 17 Vets4Vets peer support weekend retreats. Vets4Vets is a national grassroots program whose mission is to improve the psychological well-being of returning OIF/OEF veterans. Analysis of posttest changes indicate the generalizability of previous research findings, based on other groups of trauma-affected groups, to OIF/OEF veterans. As predicted, increased perceived peer support and self-efficacy reduced PTSD symptoms. From a theoretical perspective, we found that both models of self-efficacy, situation-specific (Bandura, 1997; Benight &amp; Bandura, 2004) and general self-efficacy (Schwarzer &amp; Fuchs, 1996), mediated or explained the relationship between peer support and PTSD symptoms. Implications for social work are discussed.

Are Podcasts Effective at Educating African American Men About Diabetes?

Education is a critical component of the National Blueprint to eliminate racial disparities in diabetes. Research indicates that traditional methods of diabetes education has had limited effectiveness with minority populations and suggests that different educational approaches be explored. The purpose of the research was to explore the effectiveness of an emergent technology (podcast) for use in educating inner-city, African American men about diabetes prevention. Thirty African American men participated in self-administered, pretest-posttest surveys in August 2009. Surveys collected information on demographic characteristics, perceptions of diabetes, and diabetes knowledge. Paired samples t test was computed to evaluate pretest-posttest changes in overall knowledge. McNemar or binomial tests were computed to evaluate pretest-posttest knowledge changes on each of the 15 individual knowledge items. Diabetes knowledge scores for the sample increased from 8.27 at pretest to 10.47 at posttest (p = .001). Posttest knowledge scores increased for 77% of men, stayed the same for 13%, and decreased for 10%. Men who listened to the podcast correctly answered 40% more knowledge questions on their posttest assessments. Results from this exploratory study suggest that podcasts are useful for helping inner-city, African American men recall diabetes prevention information. Additional research is recommended with larger randomly selected samples using more rigorous research designs.

Testing Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior for Faculty Simulation Development

BackgroundAjzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB) guided this evaluation of a Summer Simulation Training Fellowship program for baccalaureate nursing faculty. The 2-day curriculum integrated simulation pedagogy with TPB-derived strategies. MethodsA 24-item survey measured pre–post test changes in TPB-derived subscales. The dependent t test was used (N = 11). ResultsThere were nonsignificant changes in the subscales. Intention to teach with SimMan™ in the next year did not increase, but general intention to use simulation improved (p = .005). There were significant changes in individual subscale items. ConclusionsThe Summer Simulation Training Fellowship program needs further testing.

Randomized trial of a broad preventive intervention for Mexican American adolescents.

This randomized trial of a family-focused preventive intervention for Mexican American (MA) adolescents evaluated intervention effects on adolescent substance use, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and school discipline and grade records in 8th grade, 1 year after completion of the intervention. The study also examined hypothesized mediators and moderators of intervention effects. Stratified by language of program delivery (English vs. Spanish), the trial included a sample of 516 MA adolescents (50.8% female; M = 12.3 years, SD = 0.54) and at least one caregiver that were randomized to receive a low-dosage control group workshop or the 9-week group intervention that included parenting, adolescent coping, and conjoint family sessions. Positive program effects were found on all 5 outcomes at 1-year posttest but varied depending on whether adolescents, parents, or teachers reported on the outcome. Intervention effects were mediated by posttest changes in effective parenting, adolescent coping efficacy, adolescent school engagement, and family cohesion. The majority of intervention effects were moderated by language, with a larger number of significant effects for families who participated in Spanish. Intervention effects also were moderated by baseline levels of mediators and outcomes, with the majority showing stronger effects for families with poorer functioning at baseline. Findings not only support the efficacy of the intervention to decrease multiple problem outcomes for MA adolescents but also demonstrate differential effects for parents and adolescents receiving the intervention in Spanish vs. English, and depending on their baseline levels of functioning.

P47 The impact of comorbid ischaemic heart disease on exercise capacity in COPD patients

IntroductionComorbid ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is associated with an adverse impact on health status, symptoms (ARJCCM 2011;183:A2614) and exacerbation recovery in COPD patients (ERJ 2010;954s:E5209). Any impact on exercise capacity...