Voluntary Dropout Research Articles

Acceptability, feasibility and short-term outcomes of temperament based therapy with support (TBT-S): a novel 5-day treatment for eating disorders

BackgroundTemperament Based Therapy with Support (TBT-S) aims to target the mechanisms underlying the aetiology and maintenance of eating disorders, and was developed as an adjunct to treatment as usual. There is limited research investigating acceptability, feasibility and possible benefits of TBT-S. Therefore, the primary aim of the current study was to assess treatment feasibility and acceptability at a tertiary specialized eating disorders service in Norway, with a secondary aim to explore possible benefits in clinical outcome.MethodsForty-one patients (mean age 25.3, range 18–43) and 58 supports were assessed pre- and post TBT-S. The majority of the patients were diagnosed with either anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa. Participants completed an 18-item Patient and Support Satisfaction Questionnaire, in addition to a questionnaire assessing the usefulness of the different intervention components and strategies utilised in TBT-S, as well as a 4-item treatment satisfaction questionnaire. Measures of treatment efficacy were completed at both time-points, whereas treatment acceptability was only assessed post-treatment.ResultsFindings reveal that TBT-S is a feasible treatment with high client satisfaction. Preliminary outcome data were also encouraging, and in line with previous studies. There were no voluntary drop-outs. All participants, both patients and supports, reported that TBT-S helped them deal more effectively with their challenges. After completing treatment, there was a significant decrease in patients’ self-reported eating disorder psychopathology, psychosocial impairment and state anxiety, while trait anxiety remained unchanged. Patients also reported significantly improved social relationships, whereas supports reported a significant increase in (own) psychological health. There were no differences in family functioning.ConclusionsTBT-S is a promising new treatment for eating disorders with high acceptability scores and low treatment attrition. Future studies should aim to explore methods which can most appropriately measure the effect of TBT-S and the usefulness of the different components of this treatment. Randomised controlled trials are needed to assess treatment efficacy of TBT-S.

The Phenomenon of Voluntary Dropout: An Investigation into Management Information Systems Students

The Phenomenon of Voluntary Dropout: An Investigation into Management Information Systems Students

Hotspots: Adherence in home foot temperature monitoring interventions for at-risk feet with diabetes-A narrative review.

Home foot temperature monitoring (HFTM) is recommended for those at moderate to high ulcer risk. Where a > 2.2°C difference in temperature between feet (hotspot) is detected, it is suggested that individuals (1) notify a healthcare professional (HCP); (2) reduce daily steps by 50%. We assess adherence to this and HFTM upon detecting a recurrent hotspot. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched until 9 June 2023 for English-language peer-reviewed HFTM studies which reported adherence to HFTM, daily step reduction or HCP hotspot notification. The search returned 1030 results excluding duplicates of which 28 were shortlisted and 11 included. Typical adherence among HFTM study participants for >3 days per week was 61%-93% or >80% of study duration was 55.6%-83.1%. Monitoring foot temperatures >50% of the study duration was associated with decreased ulcer risk (Odds Ratio: 0.50, p < 0.001) in one study (n = 173), but no additional risk reduction was found for >80% adherence. Voluntary dropout was 5.2% (Smart mats); 8.1% (sock sensor) and 4.8%-35.8% (infrared thermometers). Only 16.9%-52.5% of participants notified an HCP upon hotspot detection. Objective evidence of adherence to 50% reduction in daily steps upon hotspot detection was limited to one study where the average step reduction was a pedometer-measured 51.2%. Ulcer risk reduction through HFTM is poorly understood given only half of the participants notify HCPs of recurrent hotspots and the number of reducing daily steps is largely unknown. HFTM adherence and dropout are variable and more research is needed to determine factors affecting adherence and those likely to adhere.

High efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for HCV-infected individuals with active drug use

Real world data on glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) among active drug users are scarce. We evaluated the sustained virological response (SVR) rates of G/P among individuals with and without active drug use in routine clinical practice. Two ongoing prospective multicenter cohorts of individuals starting G/P were analyzed. Overall SVR intention-to-treat (ITT), discontinuations due to adverse effects and dropouts were evaluated. Results in patients with active, past and without active drug use were compared. Overall, 644 individuals started G/P and have reached the date of SVR evaluation. Of them, 613 (95.2%) individuals achieved SVR. There were two (0.3%) relapses, one (0.2%) discontinuation due to side effects and 35 (5.4%) dropouts. SVR rates for patients with active drug use, past drug use and those who never used drugs were 85.4%(n/N=70/82), 96.1%(n/N=320/333) and 97.4%(n/N=223/229) respectively (p<0.001). After adjustment by sex, age, HCV genotype and opioid agonist therapy, active drug use was the only factor independently associated with SVR (ITT) [adjusted OR (95%confidence interval): 0.29(0.09-0.99),p=0.048]. Active drug use was independently associated with lower SVR rates to G/P, mainly due to voluntary dropout. G/P could be particularly beneficial in this scenario but specific strategies designed to increase the retention in care are needed.

Playing remotely in times of crisis: A program to overcome social isolation.

ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the feasibility of an intergenerational remote intervention program designed to promote the wellbeing and social connection of vulnerable older adults, mainly people with aphasia and dementia during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the south of Brazil. Undergraduate students were guided to lead weekly sessions of clowning, storytelling, dancing, and cooking‐related activities for 3 months (from November/2020 to February/2021).MethodThe mixed‐method design of the study addresses the implementation and feasibility of the program. Data analysis considered both quantitative—number of individuals who accepted the invitation to participate, voluntary dropouts, attendance—and qualitative data—participative observation and thematic analysis of evaluative conversations. An inclusive group of 34 older adults with stroke‐induced cognitive impairments, dementia and individuals without any neurological conditions enrolled in the program based on social and racial equity principles. Feasibility and acceptability were addressed in terms of recruitment, implementation, remote evaluation, delivery of remote intervention, adherence, and attendance. Activities and participants' perceptions are described.ResultsThe initial period of the program achieved 83.7% of adherence and sustainability for additional 3 months. Preliminary results suggest feasibility and acceptability, considering formal and informal support in digital inclusion. Participatory observations describe that the structure of sessions and activities were well received. The analysis of participants' perceptions detects the thematic saliency of feelings of social connection and a sense of having learned with the group.ConclusionsPreliminary results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of the program, pointing to its potential mental health benefits.

A Study on Novice Counselors’ Voluntary Dropout from Training Process: Based on a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach

A Study on Novice Counselors’ Voluntary Dropout from Training Process: Based on a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach

Educação superior a distância: fatores preditores da evasão anteriores a admissão de estudantes

Baseado em estudos anteriores na área da evasão voluntaria de estudantes adultos não tradicionais, a presente pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar e compreender os fatores preditores da evasão voluntária de estudantes anteriores a admissão nas instituições de ensino superior a distância. Objetivando maior proximidade com o universo desse estudo, adota-se a pesquisa do tipo exploratória, pois o método envolve o levantamento de trabalhos de tese, dissertação e artigos científicos na literatura nacional e internacional. Os resultados desse estudo revelaram que os fatores preventivos de evasão anteriores a admissão, incluindo idade, sexo, educação anterior, GPA, números de cursos concluídos a distância e habilidades de gerenciamento de tempo são significativos para a prevenção da evasão voluntária de estudantes adultos, ofertam informações para o desenvolvimento de intervenções precoces e podem ser úteis aos pesquisadores e estudiosos na escolha do foco e do objetivo de seus estudos.

Measuring Student’s Adjustment to University: A Study at Nong Lam University, Viet Nam

This study armed to assess the degree of adjustaptability of freshmen to the university environment. Quantitative approach was employed. Data were collected by using survey method from a random sample of 801 first-year students studying at Nong Lam University. The results of this study showed that the first-year students had a moderate level of adjustment despite some difficulties.&#x0D; Keywords&#x0D; First-year student, adjustment, university, school environment&#x0D; References&#x0D; V. Tinto, Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition., Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1987. [2] Christie, N. G. &amp; Dinham, S. M., “Institutional and External Influences on Social Integration in the Freshman Year,” Journal of Higher Education, tập 62, số 4, pp. 412-436, 1991. [3] Credé, M. &amp; Niehorster, S., “Adjustment to College as Measured by the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire: A Quantitative Review of its Structure and Relationships with Correlates and Consequences,” Educational Psychology Review, tập 24, pp. 133-165, 2012. [4] W. Spady, “Dropouts from higher education: An interdisciplinary review and synthesis,” Interchange, tập 1, pp. 64-65, 1970. [5] Bryant, B., &amp; Trower, P. E, “Social difficulty in a student sample,” British Journal of Educational Psychology, tập 44, pp. 13-21, 1974. [6] Martin, W. E., Swartz-Kulstad, J. L. and Madson, M. , “ Psychosocial Factors That Predict the College Adjustment of First-Year Undergraduate Students: Implications for College Counselors,” Journal of College Counseling, tập 2, p. 121–133, 1999. [7] Wintre, M.G., &amp; Yaffe, M, “First-year Students’ Adjustment to University Life as a Function of Relationships with Parents,” Journal of Adolescent Research, tập 15, pp. 9-37, 2000. [8] Baker, R. W., &amp; Siryk B, SACQ: Student adaptation to college questionnaire manual (2nd. ed.), Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services, 1999. [9] Hoàng Trọng - Chu Nguyễn Mộng Ngọc, Phân tích dữ liệu nghiên cứu với SPSS, Tp. Hồ Chí Minh: Nhà xuất bản Thống kê, 2005. [10] Abdullah M. C., Elias H., Uli J., Mahyuddin R., “Relationship between Coping and University Adjustment and Academic Achievement amongst First Year Undergraduates in a Malaysian Public University,” International Journal of Arts and Sciences, tập 3(11), pp. 379 - 392, 2010. [11] Pascarella, E. T., &amp; Terenzini, P, “ Predicting freshman persistence and voluntary dropout decisions from a theoretical model,” Journal of Higher Education, tập 51, số 1, pp. 60-75, 1980. [12] Parker, J. D. A., Summerfeldt, L. J., Hogan, M. J., &amp; Majeski, S., “Emotional intelligence and academic success: Examining the transition from high school to university,” Personality and Individual Differences, tập 36, p. 163–172, 2004. [13] V. Tinto, Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. (2nd ed.), Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1993. [14] A. C. Jones, “ The effects of out-of-class support on student satisfaction and motivation to learn,” Communication Education, tập 57, số 4, pp. 373-388, 2008.

Causes of Voluntary Dropout of Microfinance Clients in Bangladesh

The study of the causes of the MFI clients’ drop-outs conducted through a survey on 30 dropped out clients with the help of structured questionnaire revealed that there are not too many strong reasons for dropout. The clients and their family and relatives are found quite happy with the MFI loan amount, interest rate, and peer guarantee system.&#x0D; The responses show that clients disinterest to take another loan is the most important cause of dropout. Other significant causes of dropouts are linked with stringent product features, especially the loan repayment procedures, which include no need for another loan, non-negotiable installment size, short repayment intervals, limited grace period, high interest rate, personal solvency, high savings rate, and strict overdue payment policy. On the other hand the least important causes of dropouts are non-beneficial savings scheme, more expensive than traditional money lenders, family or relatives’ disapproval, inflexible loan amount to business requirements, more expensive than other MFIs, the peer guarantee system, narrow range of loan packages.

Activity Experience of National Representative Class Taekwondo Demonstration Team Members : Activity Maintenance and Voluntary Dropout

Activity Experience of National Representative Class Taekwondo Demonstration Team Members : Activity Maintenance and Voluntary Dropout

Toward a New Predictive Model of Student Retention in Higher Education

Theoretical models designed to predict whether students will persist or not have been valuable tools for retention efforts relative to the creation of services in academic and student affairs. Some of the early models attempted to explain and measure factors in the college dropout process. For example, in his seminal work, Tinto defined retention as a longitudinal process incorporating both the academic potential of the student and institutional social systems, thus creating a directional model based on continual variance in social commitments that influence academic performance. Others expanded the earlier theoretical models to test the predictive capabilities of these models using logistical regression and structural equation modeling to project college retention rates. As public sectors push for performance-based accountability in federal and state agencies, higher education funding becomes directly linked to academic performance. Critics of performance-based accountability in higher education contend that these funding structures undermine the mission of the university system and negatively impact retention in higher education. As Astin suggested, the structure of the American college system is a great deal more complex than the elementary concept of supply side economics. Additionally, due to globalization and aggressive progress in information technology, a shift from labor-intensive, information-age economies to a knowledge-based economy has created competing forces between academic and social integration in retention efforts. As intensity increases toward developing global knowledge-based economies, latent functions providing the framework for the process of learning (social integration, social control, and social change) give way to the manifest functions that reduce education to a process in which individuals merely collect information for future dissemination. Decades of research indicate that the role of education is not merely transmission of information. Higher education prompts progressive social changes that are augmented not only by dissemination of knowledge but also by the interconnectedness of the college experience, socialization process, and discovery of self in terms of place. A new conceptual model, grounded in classical sociological theory, is necessary to accommodate a knowledge-based economy. Universities must incorporate protective factors that generate a resilient environment for student learning, adaptation, and retention. Expanding the retention models of Spady and Tinto enhances the predictability of conceptual models for a new paradigm that fully recognizes the relationships among external factors (national and educational climate), internal factors (institutional culture and climate), and adaptive factors (sense of place) that effect voluntary dropout decisions in higher education.

Developing and evaluating cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A feasibility study

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) aims at improving neuropsychological weaknesses and associated thinking styles in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). It has only recently been developed for adolescents with AN, and evidence of its applicability for this particular patient group is limited. This study aimed to test the feasibility of individually tailored and delivered CRT for young females with AN. A sample of 20 in- and outpatients (13-18 years) with AN participated in once- or twice weekly individual CRT sessions. The CRT materials used were available in a "CRT Resource Pack." Feasibility was assessed with regards to the recruitment process, the delivery of the intervention, the materials used and clinical experiences. Overall results indicate that the intervention was feasible with regards to (a) the recruitment of both in- and outpatients, (b) individual tailoring and delivery, (c) the CRT materials adapted to suit young females with AN, and (d) the acceptability for clinicians involved in the study. There were no voluntary dropouts, with 19 of 20 patients completing the entire course of treatment. The findings have implications for the refinement of CRT for the youngest AN population, and strengthens our understanding of the core components in the development and evaluation of novel interventions targeting AN. This study will help inform the design of a subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Toxicity and adherence to treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in patients with hematologic malignancies

Oncohematological patients undergoing chemotherapy who have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are at a high risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). The identification and treatment of these patients can prevent LTBI progressing to active TB. This study analyzed the degree of adherence with and safety of the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (TLTBI) in oncohematological patients undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy. This is a retrospective study of a cohort of oncohematological patients receiving TLTBI and antineoplastic chemotherapy simultaneously, between January 2007 and June 2010. The proportions of toxicity and adherence to TLTBI in these patients were compared with a non-oncohematological control group, matched for age, sex, and year in which the TLTBI was started. In addition, a minimum 2-year follow-up was carried out for all patients. A total of 105 patients who received TLTBI were included, 21 of whom had received antineoplastic chemotherapy simultaneously. The mean age of the patients was 63 years. There were no significant baseline differences in transaminase values. The percentages of patients completing treatment were 76.2% in the control group and 71.4% in the oncohematological group [risk ratio (RR): 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.43]. The voluntary dropout proportion was similar in both groups (12.3 vs. 11.8%, RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.25-4.42). Treatment was discontinued because of toxicity in three oncohematological patients and in 11 patients from the control group (RR: 1.14; 95% CI: 035-3.66). No patient developed TB during the follow-up period. The safety of TLTBI is not influenced by simultaneous antineoplastic chemotherapy in oncohematological patients.

Sexual dysfunction during methadone maintenance treatment and its influence on patient's life and treatment: A qualitative study in South China

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has become an important modality of substitution treatment for opioid addicts in China since 2006. However, data are limited regarding the change in sexual function from heroin use to MMT and the influence of sexual dysfunction (SD) during MMT on patient's life and treatment. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 male and 14 female MMT patients, five of their partners, and three clinicians. The interviews took place in four MMT clinics in Guangdong Province between August 2010 and February 2011. The patients and their partners were asked separately for their perceptions of patient's sexual function during MMT, and the influence of SD on personal/family life and treatment. The main SD problems patients perceived were libido inhibition and decreased sexual pleasure. Methadone was thought to have a stronger inhibition effect on sexual desire than heroin. SD decreased quality of patient's sexual life and damaged intimate relationships. There was a gender difference in coping with SD. Men generally tended to refuse, escape, or alienate their partners. Women tended to hide sexual listlessness, endure sexual activity and tried to satisfy their partners. SD might increase risk of voluntary dropout from treatment and illicit drug use during treatment. Patients with SD did not get any effective therapy from clinicians and they also lacked skills on coping with SD-related problems. Sexual dysfunction prevented patients from reconstructing a normal intimate relationship, and affected stability of maintenance treatment. Response to patient's SD and SD-related problems from clinicians was inadequate. There is a need to develop a clinical guide to deal with both SD itself and SD-related problems.

Prevention of Complications and Symptomatic Recurrences in Diverticular Disease with Mesalazine: A 12-Month Follow-up

In uncomplicated diverticular disease, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of mesalazine for symptomatic relief of uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon. Two hundred sixty-eight consecutive eligible outpatients (122 male, 146 female; age, 66.1 years; range, 31-81 years) were enrolled in four treatment schedules in a randomized fashion: Group R1 (66 patients), rifaximin, 200 mg bid; Group R2 (69 patients), rifaximin, 400 mg bid; Group M1 (67 patients), mesalazine, 400 mg bid; and Group M2 (66 patients), mesalazine, 800 mg bid. Treatments were administered for 10 days every month for 12 months. Clinical evaluations were performed at admission and at 3-month intervals for 12 months considering 12 clinical variables (upper and lower abdominal pain/discomfort, tenesmus, diarrhea, abdominal tenderness, fever, bloating, general illness, nausea, emesis, dysuria, bleeding) graded as 0 = no symptoms, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe. The Global Symptomatic Score (GSS) was calculated using the sum of each symptom score. Two hundred forty-four patients completed the 12- month study; 24 were discontinued (14 treated with rifaximin and 10 treated with mesalazine) either as voluntary dropouts or because they developed side effects and/or complications. Group M2 demonstrated a lower frequency of many symptoms after 6 and 12 months of treatment; the mean GSS was significantly lower in Group M2 after 6 and 12 months of therapy by both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. Patients treated with mesalazine (Groups M1+M2) had a lower GSS than subjects treated with rifaximin (Groups R1+R2) during the 12-month follow-up period. We conclude that cyclic administration of mesalazine is effective for symptomatic relief of uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon. Some symptoms showed greater improvement with mesalazine, 800 mg bid, than with the other treatment schedules.

Onset timing of delayed complications and criteria of follow-up after operation for esophageal achalasia

The purpose of this study was to define the length of follow-up necessary to obtain definitive results of the Heller myotomy for the therapy of esophageal achalasia and the modalities of long-term follow-up. Insufficient myotomy, periesophageal scarring, and gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis are the most common late complications of operation for achalasia. Columnar-lined esophagus with or without dysplasia and cancer can further complicate postoperative reflux esophagitis. Because progressive worsening of results with time has been reported, we assessed the timing of appearance of these complications. Since 1973, 129 patients submitted to Heller myotomy were clinically and objectively followed up. Mean follow-up was 97.4 months (range, 12 to 268 months). Of 129 patients, 42 were followed up for less than 5 years (17 voluntary drop outs, 10 reoperations, 3 deaths, 12 in follow-up), 47 more than 5 years, 26 more than 10 years, 12 more than 15 years, and 2 more than 20 years. The timing of onset of symptoms and complications related to the myotomy were evaluated as was the development of dysplasia and cancer. In 11 patients, severe dysphagia due to insufficient myotomy reappeared a mean of 12.4 months after the operation (range, 3 to 30 months). In 7 patients with periesophageal scarring, dysphagia recurred a mean of 18.8 months (range, 6 to 28 months) after the operation. Postoperative reflux esophagitis appeared in 22 patients a mean of 76.5 months (range 21 to 168 months) after the operation. Columnar-lined esophagus was detected in 8 patients a mean of 143.1 months (range, 85 to 230 months) after the operation. Mild to moderate dysplasia was found in 5 of 8 patients with columnar-lined esophagus a mean of 191.6 months after the operation (range, 152 to 287 months), and intramucosal adenocarcinoma was found in 1 patient with columnar-lined esophagus after 8 years. Dysphagia secondary to insufficient myotomy and periesophageal scarring recurs early, not later than 3 years. Conversely, abnormal gastroesophageal reflux with related complications can appear more than 10 years postoperatively. Five years after the operation the follow-up should be primarily endoscopic and histologic. Results should withstand a follow-up of at least 10 years.

The relationship between prior functioning on cognitive and personality dimensions and subject attrition in longitudinal research.

This study compared the intellectual and personality functioning of continuing participants in a longitudinal study with individuals who were lost from the panel after at least 7 years of involvement. Based on their reason for discontinuation, participants who were lost to the panel were categorized into three attrition groups: deceased, ill, and voluntary dropouts. When the performance of these groups prior to leaving the study was compared with that of the continuing participants, no general differences were found. However, specific differences were revealed, particularly on crystallized-type intellectual abilities and the personality factors. Participants who were lost due to illness or death had functioned at the lowest levels of the four groups prior to attrition. These effects varied by age. In late middle age, ill participants functioned at the lowest levels, whereas in old age, participants who subsequently died scored lowest of the four groups prior to attrition. Individuals who had voluntarily discontinued participation in the study most closely resembled the continuing participants, particularly in late middle age. The results indicate that performance effects associated with continued participation vary by age, the intelligence or personality factor being considered, and the reason for loss of the participant. Furthermore, they suggest that loss of participants from a longitudinal panel does not inevitably bias the validity of developmental findings.

Predicting freshman persistence and voluntary dropout decisions: A replication

This paper describes the results of a replication of a study testing the predictive validity of a 34-item instrument designed to assess the fundamental constructs of Tinto's model of college student attrition. A design, variables, and analytical procedures virtually identical to those of the original study (done at a large independent university) were used, and this research was conducted at a large public university. The five-factor structure, found in the original study to underlie the 34 items, was replicated almost exactly. As in the earlier work, the Institutional and Goal Commitment Scale was a significant predictor of attendance behavior even after controlling for a variety of students' precollege characteristics. Potential institutional differences in faculty members' influence on retention were identified. A cross-validation classification procedure suggests the five factors are reasonably stable predictors of attrition.

Predicting Freshman Persistence and Voluntary Dropout Decisions from a Theoretical Model

(1980). Predicting Freshman Persistence and Voluntary Dropout Decisions from a Theoretical Model. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 60-75.

Predicting Freshman Persistence and Voluntary Dropout Decisions from a Theoretical Model

Predicting Freshman Persistence and Voluntary Dropout Decisions from a Theoretical Model