bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Social Media for the Promotion of Education and Consultation in Adolescents Who Have Undergone Kidney Transplant: Protocol for a Randomized Control Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Pase Claudiana , Mathias Andréia Dias , Garcia Clotilde Druck , Garcia Rodrigues Clarissa
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Falling ill represents a traumatic experience especially in adolescence, since in addition to the moments of ambiguity and contradictions that this period brings, there is coping with the disease. Renal transplantation provides a better quality of life but the dependence on dialysis is replaced by the greater responsibility of self-care. With advances in technology, contemporary communication methods are a strategic mechanism for the approximation of the adolescent and the multiprofessional team. In this perspective, our research may provide possible changes and propose alternatives, using social networks for the integration of the multiprofessional team, promoting education within a virtual environment for adolescents who have undergone kidney transplants.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of our research is to compare the knowledge, satisfaction, and self-esteem of adolescent renal transplant patients in 2 groups: patients undergoing conventional treatment versus patients undergoing conventional treatment plus the full-time use of social networks to aid in education and consultation.

METHODS

Nonblind randomized clinical trial with 128 adolescents (aged 13 to 21 years) divided in 2 groups: the first group will receive conventional care and the second group will be invited to participate in a secret group on the social network Facebook. This group will be used as a new education platform to involve young renal transplant patients to participate in the guidelines provided to them by the multiprofessional team.

RESULTS

An environment for learning and exchanging life experiences will be created by using a well-known technology among adolescents. As a low-cost intervention, it will allow a better interaction between the patient and the transplant team. It is expected that the adolescents will improve their knowledge about the disease also increasing their self-esteem and the treatment adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Health professionals need to seek alternatives when educating patients, focusing on easily understandable ways for effective guidance. In the adolescent population, it is understood that the use of technology as support in education is a fundamental tool for this age group. The proposed project will directly benefit adolescent renal transplant patients as it uses language aimed directly at the target demographic. It attempts to overcome the traditional model by being more in contact with the current generation. This approach makes the content easier to assimilate and, consequently, increases understanding.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03214965; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02239354 (Archived by Webcite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wKnYrFGx)
Clinic Versus Online Social Network�Delivered Lifestyle Interventions: Protocol for the Get Social Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Monica L , Waring Molly E , Jake-Schoffman Danielle E , Oleski Jessica L , Michaels Zachary , Goetz Jared M , Lemon Stephenie C , Ma Yunsheng , Pagoto Sherry L
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Online social networks may be a promising modality to deliver lifestyle interventions by reducing cost and burden. Although online social networks have been integrated as one component of multimodality lifestyle interventions, no randomized trials to date have compared a lifestyle intervention delivered entirely via online social network with a traditional clinic-delivered intervention.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the design and methods of a noninferiority randomized controlled trial, testing (1) whether a lifestyle intervention delivered entirely through an online social network would produce weight loss that would not be appreciably worse than that induced by a traditional clinic-based lifestyle intervention among overweight and obese adults and (2) whether the former would do so at a lower cost.

METHODS

Adults with body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 45 kg/m2 (N=328) will be recruited from the communities in central Massachusetts. These overweight or obese adults will be randomized to two conditions: a lifestyle intervention delivered entirely via the online social network Twitter (Get Social condition) and an in-person group-based lifestyle intervention (Traditional condition) among overweight and obese adults. Measures will be obtained at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after randomization. The primary noninferiority outcome is percentage weight loss at 12 months. Secondary noninferiority outcomes include dietary intake and moderate intensity physical activity at 12 months. Our secondary aim is to compare the conditions on cost. Exploratory outcomes include treatment retention, acceptability, and burden. Finally, we will explore predictors of weight loss in the online social network condition.

RESULTS

The final wave of data collection is expected to conclude in June 2019. Data analysis will take place in the months following and is expected to be complete in September 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings will extend the literature by revealing whether delivering a lifestyle intervention via an online social network is an effective alternative to the traditional modality of clinic visits, given the former might be more scalable and feasible to implement in settings that cannot support clinic-based models.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02646618; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02646618 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6v20waTFW)
Assessing Throughput after Implementation of an Electronic Bed Management System at a ST Subacute Rehab Unit in a Skilled Nursing Facility (Preprint)
Authors: Anika Zarin
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Electronic bed board systems are typically used to manage the dynamic environment in an acute care facility. These bed management systems can help the facility maintain a consistent patient flow to retain profits and preserve or improve the quality of care. Increased throughput can also result in higher patient satisfaction ratings, as patients are discharged quickly and more efficiently. In an acute care facility, the admission, discharge, and transfer (ADT) process requires involvement from key members of various interdisciplinary departments.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to simplify the ADT process at Terence Cardinal Cooke Healthcare Center (TCC) by designing a simple electronic bed management system.

METHODS

On October 1, 2016, an electronic bed management system prototype was introduced to the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to pilot on the short-term subacute units at TCC. The prototype was developed using Microsoft Excel 2013.

RESULTS

Comparing the admissions data from the six month pre-implementation period to the six month post-implementation period revealed that the electronic bed board contributed to a 57% increase in the average short-term subacute patient throughput. In addition, the average bed turnaround time was reduced by 56% during the post-implementation period.

CONCLUSIONS

The data supports utilizing an electronic bed management system to increase throughput and improve the quality of care.
Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Banbury Annie , Nancarrow Susan , Dart Jared , Gray Leonard , Parkinson Lynne
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Group therapy and education and support sessions are used within health care across a range of disciplines such as chronic disease self-management and psychotherapy interventions. However, there are barriers that constrain group attendance, such as mobility, time, and distance. Using videoconferencing may overcome known barriers and improve the accessibility of group-based interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the literature to determine the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation of health professional–led group videoconferencing to provide education or social support or both, into the home setting.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched using predefined search terms for primary interventions for patient education and/or social support. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We developed an analysis framework using hierarchical terms feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation, which were informed by subheadings.

RESULTS

Of the 1634 records identified, 17 were included in this review. Home-based groups by videoconferencing are feasible even for those with limited digital literacy. Overall acceptability was high with access from the home highly valued and little concern of privacy issues. Some participants reported preferring face-to-face groups. Good information technology (IT) support and training is required for facilitators and participants. Communication can be adapted for the Web environment and would be enhanced by clear communication strategies and protocols. A range of improved outcomes were reported but because of the heterogeneity of studies, comparison of these across studies was not possible. There was a trend for improvement in mental health outcomes. Benefits highlighted in the qualitative data included engaging with others with similar problems; improved accessibility to groups; and development of health knowledge, insights, and skills. Videoconference groups were able to replicate group processes such as bonding and cohesiveness. Similar outcomes were reported for those comparing face-to-face groups and videoconference groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Groups delivered by videoconference are feasible and potentially can improve the accessibility of group interventions. This may be particularly useful for those who live in rural areas, have limited mobility, are socially isolated, or fear meeting new people. Outcomes are similar to in-person groups, but future research on facilitation process in videoconferencing-mediated groups and large-scale studies are required to develop the evidence base.
Blended Interventions to Change Behavior in Patients With Chronic Somatic Disorders: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Kloek Corelien , Bossen Daniël , de Bakker Dinny H , Veenhof Cindy , Dekker Joost
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Blended behavior change interventions combine therapeutic guidance with online care. This new way of delivering health care is supposed to stimulate patients with chronic somatic disorders in taking an active role in their disease management. However, knowledge about the effectiveness of blended behavior change interventions and how they should be composed is scattered.

OBJECTIVE

This comprehensive systematic review aimed to provide an overview of characteristics and effectiveness of blended behavior change interventions for patients with chronic somatic disorders.

METHODS

We searched for randomized controlled trials published from 2000 to April 2017 in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Study characteristics, intervention characteristics, and outcome data were extracted. Studies were sorted based on their comparison group. A best-evidence synthesis was conducted to summarize the effectiveness.

RESULTS

A total of 25 out of the 29 included studies were of high quality. Most studies (n=21; 72%) compared a blended intervention with no intervention. The majority of interventions focused on changing pain behavior (n=17; 59%), and the other interventions focused on lifestyle change (n=12; 41%). In addition, 26 studies (90%) focused on one type of behavior, whereas 3 studies (10%) focused on multiple behaviors. A total of 23 studies (79%) mentioned a theory as basis for the intervention. The therapeutic guidance in most studies (n=18; 62%) was non face-to-face by using email, phone, or videoconferencing, and in the other studies (partly), it was face-to-face (n=11; 38%). In 26 studies (90%), the online care was provided via a website, and in 3 studies (10%) via an app. In 22 studies (76%), the therapeutic guidance and online care were integrated instead of two separate aspects. A total of 26 outcome measures were included in the evidence synthesis comparing blended interventions with no intervention: for the coping strategy catastrophizing, we found strong evidence for a significant effect. In addition, 1 outcome measure was included in the evidence synthesis comparing blended interventions with face-to-face interventions, but no evidence for a significant effect was found. A total of 6 outcome measures were included in the evidence synthesis comparing blended interventions with online interventions, but no evidence for a significant effect was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Blended behavior change interventions for patients with chronic somatic disorders show variety in the type of therapeutic guidance, the type of online care, and how these two delivery modes are integrated. The evidence of the effectiveness of blended interventions is inconsistent and nonsignificant for most outcome measures. Future research should focus on which type of blended intervention works for whom.
A Medication Adherence App for Children With Sickle Cell Disease: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Curtis Kristina , Lebedev Anastasiya , Aguirre Elisa , Lobitz Stephan
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Young people with sickle cell disease (SCD) often demonstrate low medication adherence and low motivation for effectively self-managing their condition. The growing sophistication of mobile phones and their popularity among young people render them a promising platform for increasing medication adherence. However, so far, few apps targeting SCD have been developed from research with the target population and underpinned with theory and evidence.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a theory-and-evidence-based medication adherence app to support children and adolescents with SCD.

METHODS

The Behavior Change Wheel (BCW), a theoretically based intervention development framework, along with a review of the literature, 10 interviews with children and adolescents with SCD aged between 12 and 18 years, and consultation with experts informed app development. Thematic analysis of interviews provided relevant theoretical and evidence-based components to underpin the design and development of the app.

RESULTS

Findings suggested that some patients had lapses in memory for taking their medication (capability); variation in beliefs toward the effectiveness of medication and confidence in self-managing their condition (motivation); a limited time to take medication; and barriers and enablers within the changing context of social support during the transition into adulthood (opportunity). Steps were taken to select the appropriate behavioral change components (involving behavior change techniques [BCTs] such as information on antecedents, prompts/cues; self-monitoring of the behavior; and social support) and translate them into app features designed to overcome these barriers to medication adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SCD have complex barriers to medication adherence necessitating the need for comprehensive models of behavior change to analyze the problem. Children and adolescents require an app that goes beyond simple medication reminders and takes into account the patient’s beliefs, emotions, and environmental barriers to medication adherence.
Association Between a Wider Availability of Health Information and Health Care Utilization in Vietnam: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Thuy Linh , Nakamura Keiko , Seino Kaoruko , Vo Van Thang
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The rapid and widespread development of mass media sources including the Internet is occurring worldwide. Users are being confronted with a flood of health information through a wide availability of sources. Studies on how the availability of health information has triggered users’ interest in utilizing health care services remain limited within the Vietnamese population.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the associations between the wider availability of sources for health information and health care utilization in Vietnam after adjusting for potential confounding variables.

METHODS

The data for this study were drawn from a cross-sectional study conducted over a 6-month period in Hue, a city in central Vietnam. The participants were 993 randomly selected adults aged between 18 and 60 years. Information was collected through face-to-face interviews on the types of information sources that were consulted, including traditional media (television), Internet, and health education courses, as well as the impact of such information on health care use (emergency department visits, hospitalizations, doctor visits). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed at a 95% confidence level.

RESULTS

The prevalence of watching television, using the Internet, and attending health education courses to obtain health information were 50.9% (505/993), 32.9% (327/993), and 8.7% (86/993), respectively. After further adjustments for self-reported health status, the presence of health insurance, and monthly income, respondents who watched television and used the Internet to obtain health information were 1.7 times more likely to visit a doctor (television: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.69, 95% CI 1.30-2.19; Internet: AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.23-2.19), and also significantly associated with inpatient hospitalization (P=.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of widely available mass media sources (eg, television and the Internet) to obtain health information was associated with higher health care utilization. How this interest in health-related information can be used so that it will have a beneficial effect on care-seeking behavior should be a topic of concern to further health promotion in developing countries.
Text-Based Program Addressing the Mental Health of Soon-to-be and New Fathers (SMS4dads): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Fletcher Richard , May Chris , Attia John , Garfield Craig Franklin , Skinner Geoff
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Recent estimates indicating that approximately 10% of fathers experience Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND) and the increasing evidence of the impact of PPND on child development suggest that identifying and assisting distressed fathers is justified on public health grounds. However, addressing new fathers’ mental health needs requires overcoming men’s infrequent contact with perinatal health services and their reluctance to seek help. Text-based interventions delivering information and support have the potential to reach such groups in order to reduce the impact of paternal perinatal distress and to improve the wellbeing of their children. While programs utilising mobile phone technology have been developed for mothers, fathers have not been targeted. Since text messages can be delivered to individual mobile phones to be accessed at a time that is convenient, it may provide a novel channel for engaging with “hard-to-reach” fathers in a critical period of their parenting.

OBJECTIVE

The study will test the efficacy of SMS4dads, a text messaging program designed specifically for fathers including embedded links to online information and regular invitations (Mood Tracker) to monitor their mood, in order to reduce self-reported depression, anxiety and stress over the perinatal period.

METHODS

A total of 800 fathers-to-be or new fathers from within Australia will be recruited via the SMS4dads website and randomized to the intervention or control arm. The intervention arm will receive 14 texts per month addressing fathers’ physical and mental health, their relationship with their child, and coparenting with their partner. The control, SMS4health, delivers generic health promotion messages twice per month. Messages are timed according to the babies’ expected or actual date of birth and fathers can enroll from 16 weeks into the pregnancy until their infant is 12 weeks of age. Participants complete questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, stress, and alcohol at baseline and 24 weeks postenrolment. Measures of coparenting and parenting confidence are also completed at baseline and 24 weeks for postbirth enrolments.

RESULTS

Participant were recruited between October 2016 and September 2017. Follow-up data collection has commenced and will be completed in March 2018 with results expected in June 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

This study’s findings will assess the efficacy of a novel text-based program specifically targeting fathers in the perinatal period to improve their depression, anxiety and distress symptoms, coparenting quality, and parenting self-confidence.

CLINICALTRIAL

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000261415; https://www.anzctr.org.au/ Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370085 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wav55wII).
Patterns in Patient Access and Utilization of Online Medical Records: Analysis of MyChart (Preprint)
Authors: Redelmeier Donald A , Kraus Nicole C
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Electronic patient portals provide a new method for sharing personal medical information with individual patients.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to review utilization patterns of the largest online patient portal in Canada's largest city.

METHODS

We conducted a 4-year time-trend analysis of aggregated anonymous utilization data of the MyChart patient portal at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Ontario, Canada, from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2015. Prespecified analyses examined trends related to day (weekend vs weekday), season (July vs January), year (2012 vs 2015), and an extreme adverse weather event (ice storm of December 20-26, 2013). Primary endpoints included three measures of patient portal activity: registrations, logins, and pageviews.

RESULTS

We identified 32,325 patients who registered for a MyChart account during the study interval. Time-trend analysis showed no sign of attenuating registrations over time. Logins were frequent, averaged 734 total per day, and showed an increasing trend over time. Pageviews mirrored logins, averaged about 3029 total per day, and equated to about 5 pageviews during the average login. The most popular pageviews were clinical notes, followed by laboratory results and medical imaging reports. All measures of patient activity were lower on weekends compared to weekdays (P<.001) yet showed no significant changes related to seasons or extreme weather. No major security breach, malware attack, or software failure occurred during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Online patient portals can provide a popular and reliable system for distributing personal medical information to active patients and may merit consideration for hospitals.
Psychosocial Distress of Patients with Psoriasis: Protocol for an Assessment of Care Needs and the Development of a Supportive Intervention (Preprint)
Authors: Zill Jördis Maria , Dirmaier Jörg , Augustin Matthias , Dwinger Sarah , Christalle Eva , Härter Martin , Mrowietz Ulrich
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is often associated with a number of somatic and mental comorbidity. Patients with psoriasis show an increased risk of depression and (social) anxiety.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study are 1) to explore the psychosocial distress of patients with psoriasis and to assess their care needs; and 2) to develop a supportive intervention based on the prior results.

METHODS

A multi-stage design with four phases combining quantitative and qualitative methodology will be used and conducted in two centers. 1) A scoping review and focus groups will be used to design a questionnaire to assess the psychosocial distress and care needs of the patients. 2) The questionnaire developed in phase 1 will be used in a cross-sectional survey to assess the extent of psychosocial distress and supportive care needs in 400 patients with psoriasis. 3) A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted to identify psychosocial and psychoeducational interventions for patients with psoriasis and to describe their effectiveness. 4) Based on the results of the phases 2 and 3 a manualized supportive intervention will be developed and the feasibility and acceptance of the intervention will be assessed.

RESULTS

Currently, phase 1 of the project has been completed and the recruitment for phase 2 has been started. The systematic review and meta-analysis of phase 3 are conducted simultaneously to phase 2 and results are expected soon. Phase 4 has not been started yet.

CONCLUSIONS

The expected results of this study will show the extent of psychosocial distress of patients with psoriasis in Germany and supplement previous research with findings about the supportive care needs of this patient group. Moreover, the developed intervention will help to address the psychosocial support needs of patients with psoriasis. Research shows that psychosocial support is strongly needed.
Partners in Parenting: A Multi-Level Web-Based Approach to Support Parents in Prevention and Early Intervention for Adolescent Depression and Anxiety (Preprint)
Authors: Yap Marie BH , Lawrence Katherine A , Rapee Ronald M , Cardamone-Breen Mairead C , Green Jacqueline , Jorm Anthony F
Published: July 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

Depression and anxiety disorders in young people are a global health concern. Various risk and protective factors for these disorders are potentially modifiable by parents, underscoring the important role parents play in reducing the risk and impact of these disorders in their adolescent children. However, cost-effective, evidence-based interventions for parents that can be widely disseminated are lacking. In this paper, we propose a multi-level public health approach involving a Web-based parenting intervention, Partners in Parenting (PIP). We describe the components of the Web-based intervention and how each component was developed. Development of the intervention was guided by principles of the persuasive systems design model to maximize parental engagement and adherence. A consumer-engagement approach was used, including consultation with parents and adolescents about the content and presentation of the intervention. The PIP intervention can be used at varying levels of intensity to tailor to the different needs of parents across the population. Challenges and opportunities for the use of the intervention are discussed. The PIP Web-based intervention was developed to address the dearth of evidence-based resources to support parents in their important role in their adolescents’ mental health. The proposed public health approach utilizes this intervention at varying levels of intensity based on parents’ needs. Evaluation of each separate level of the model is ongoing. Further evaluation of the whole approach is required to assess the utility of the intervention as a public health approach, as well as its broader effects on adolescent functioning and socioeconomic outcomes.
Exosomal microRNAs as potential circulating biomarkers in gastrointestinal tract cancers: A systematic review protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Gheytanchi Elmira , Madjd Zahra , Janani Leila , Rasti Arezoo , Ghods Roya , Atyabi Fatemeh , Asadi Lari Mohammad Hossein , Babashah Sadegh
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are being suggested as potential diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The encapsulation of miRNAs in nano-sized exosomes makes them more resistant to degradation. Therefore, they may be useful diagnostic biomarkers for the detection of cancer in body fluids, especially in the serum of cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to systematically review primary studies and identify the miRNA profiles of serum exosomes of GI cancers.

METHODS

This systematic review will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA-P) guidance. Relevant studies will be identified through a comprehensive search of the following main electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar (up to July 2017). Full copies of articles will be identified by a defined search strategy. The quality assessment of the included studies will be performed by the guidelines for evaluating prevalence studies. Evaluation of the heterogeneity among the primary studies will be performed by χ2 and I2 statistical tests.

RESULTS

The analysis of circulating exosomal miRNA profiles provides attractive screening and non-invasive diagnostic tools for the majority of solid tumours including GI cancers. There is limited information regarding the relationship between serum exosomal miRNA profiles and the pathological condition of patients with different GI cancers. Since there is no specific biomarker for GI cancers, we aim to suggest a number of circulating exosomal miRNA candidates as potential multifaceted GI cancer biomarkers for clinical utility.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this review may be used in clinical settings and in designing and developing of the novel non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and pathological condition of patients with GI cancers.

CLINICALTRIAL

CRD 42017057129
Assessing the Efficacy of Mobile Health Apps Using the Basic Principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Rathbone Amy Leigh , Clarry Laura , Prescott Julie
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in its basic principle has developed itself as a stand-alone, substantial method of therapy. With effective application in therapy for a range of mental health issues, the spread of CBT methods to Web-based therapy sources is evident. The development of mobile phone apps using CBT principles is increasing within the research area. Despite the move to Web-based methods of therapy, it is argued that these methods lack the same efficacy of face-to-face therapy sessions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to assess extent research findings with regard to the effectiveness of CBT-related mobile health (mHealth) apps. By assessing only studies employing a randomized controlled trial design, the review aimed to determine app efficacy within the highly regarded method of investigation.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases. Search results were filtered, and results were subject to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria because of the nature of the review. Where possible, analysis of effect size was calculated and results reported.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies investigating the effectiveness of mHealth CBT-related apps across a range of mental health issues were reviewed. Three studies used the app against a control group, and 5 studies used the app intervention against another form of treatment or intervention. A range of effect sizes were seen across all included studies (d=−0.13 to 1.83; 0.03-1.44), with the largest effects often being seen when comparing the data from pre- to posttest for the app engaged group.

CONCLUSIONS

The studies reviewed support the use of mHealth apps containing CBT principles for a range of mental health issues. However, the effectiveness over longer time periods should be assessed. Researchers and professionals should seek to collaborate effectively when creating new apps to enhance their effectiveness as a treatment for the general public.
Web-Based Interventions Supporting Adolescents and Young People With Depressive Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Välimäki Maritta , Anttila Katriina , Anttila Minna , Lahti Mari
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies on information and communication technology (ICT)–based intervention on mental health among adolescents with depressive symptoms have already been combined in a number of systematic reviews, coherent information is still missing about interventions used, participants’ engagement of these interventions, and how these interventions work.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials to describe the effectiveness of Web-based interventions to support adolescents with depression or depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. We also explored the content of the interventions, as there has previously been a lack of coherent understanding of the detailed content of the Web-based interventions for these purposes.

METHODS

We included parallel randomized controlled trials targeted at adolescents, or young people in the age range of 10 and 24 years, with symptoms or diagnoses of depression and anxiety. The interventions were from original studies aimed to support mental health among adolescents, and they were delivered via Web-based information and communication technology.

RESULTS

Out of 2087 records identified, 27 papers (22 studies) met the inclusion criteria. On the basis of a narrative analysis of 22 studies, a variety of Web-based interventions were found; the most commonly used intervention was based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Meta-analysis was further conducted with 15 studies (4979 participants). At the end of the intervention, a statistically significant improvement was found in the intervention group (10 studies) regarding depressive symptoms (P=.02, median 1.68, 95% CI 3.11-0.25) and after 6 months (3 studies; P=.01, median 1.78, 95% CI 3.20-0.37). Anxiety symptoms (8 studies; P<.001, median 1.47, 95% CI 2.36-0.59) and moods and feelings (2 studies; P=.04, median 5.55, 95% CI 10.88-0.22) improved as well in the Web-based intervention group, but there was no difference in stress scores. However, adolescents in the intervention group left the study early more often, both in short-term studies (11 studies; P=.007, median 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.58) and mid-term studies (3 studies; P=.02, median 1.65, 95% CI 1.09-2.49). We did not find any studies that had assessed the costs of the Web-based interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite widely reported promises that information technology use is beneficial to adolescents with depression, the results of our review show only short-term effects on adolescents’ mental well-being, whereas long-term effects remain questionable because of the limited number of studies reviewed. Information about the economic benefits of Web-based interventions is still lacking. The quality of the studies, especially biases related to attrition rates and selective reporting, still needs serious attention.
Few Tweets After Flu Peak: Twitter-based Influenza Detection by Referring Indirect Information (Preprint)
Authors: Wakamiya Shoko , Kawai Yukiko , Aramaki Eiji
Published: July 2018

UNSTRUCTURED

Background & Objective: The recent rise in popularity and scale of social networking services (SNSs) has resulted in an increasing need for SNS-based information extraction systems. A popular application of SNS data is health surveillance for predicting an outbreak of epidemics by detecting diseases from text messages posted on SNS platforms. Such applications share a following logic: they incorporate SNS users as social sensors. These social sensors-based approaches also share a common problem: SNS-based surveillances are much more reliable if sufficient numbers of users are active, and small or inactive populations produce inconsistent results. This paper proposes a novel approach that overcomes this problem using indirect information covering both urban areas and rural areas within the posts.
Methods: To estimate the trend of the patient number in each area and each season, we present a TRAP model by embedding both direct information and indirect information. A collection of tweets spanning three years (seven million influenza-related tweets in Japanese) is used to evaluate the model. Both direct information and indirect information that mentions other places were used. As indirect information is less reliable (too noisy or too old) than direct information, the indirect information data were not utilized directly but were considered as inhibiting direct information. For example, when indirect information appeared often, it was considered as signifying that everyone already had a known disease, leading to a small amount of direct information.
Results & Conclusions: The results evaluated using correlation coefficient revealed that the baseline model (BASELINE+NLP) shows 0.36, and the proposed model (TRAP+NLP) improved the accuracy (0.70, +0.34 points).
Motivational Interviewing and Medication Review in Coronary Heart Disease (MIMeRiC): Intervention Development and Protocol for the Process Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Östbring Malin Johansson , Eriksson Tommy , Petersson Göran , Hellström Lina
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Trials of complex interventions are often criticized for being difficult to interpret because the effects of apparently similar interventions vary across studies dependent on context, targeted groups, and the delivery of the intervention. The Motivational Interviewing and Medication Review in Coronary heart disease (MIMeRiC) trial is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention aimed at improving pharmacological secondary prevention. Guidelines for the development and evaluation of complex interventions have recently highlighted the need for better reporting of the development of interventions, including descriptions of how the intervention is assumed to work, how this theory informed the process evaluation, and how the process evaluation relates to the outcome evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe how the intervention was designed and developed. The aim of the process evaluation is to better understand how and why the intervention in the MIMeRiC trial was effective or not effective.

METHODS

The research questions for evaluating the process are based on the conceptual model of change processes assumed in the intervention and will be analyzed by qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data are used to evaluate the medication review in terms of drug-related problems, to describe how patients’ beliefs about medicines are affected by the intervention, and to evaluate the quality of motivational interviewing. Qualitative data will be used to analyze whether patients experienced the intervention as intended, how cardiologists experienced the collaboration and intervention, and how the intervention affected patients’ overall experience of care after coronary heart disease.

RESULTS

The development and piloting of the intervention are described in relation to the theoretical framework. Data for the process evaluation will be collected until March 2018. Some process evaluation questions will be analyzed before, and others will be analyzed after the outcomes of the MIMeRiC RCT are known.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes the framework for the design of the intervention tested in the MIMeRiC trial, development of the intervention from the pilot stage to the complete trial intervention, and the framework and methods for the process evaluation. Providing the protocol of the process evaluation allows prespecification of the processes that will be evaluated, because we hypothesize that they will determine the outcomes of the MIMeRiC trial. This protocol also constitutes a contribution to the new field of process evaluations as made explicit in health services research and clinical trials of complex interventions.
Designing Microblog Direct Messages to Engage Social Media Users With Suicide Ideation: Interview and Survey Study on Weibo (Preprint)
Authors: Tan Ziying , Liu Xingyun , Liu Xiaoqian , Cheng Qijin , Zhu Tingshao
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

While Web-based interventions can be efficacious, engaging a target population’s attention remains challenging. We argue that strategies to draw such a population’s attention should be tailored to meet its needs. Increasing user engagement in online suicide intervention development requires feedback from this group to prevent people who have suicide ideation from seeking treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to solicit feedback on the acceptability of the content of messaging from social media users with suicide ideation. To overcome the common concern of lack of engagement in online interventions and to ensure effective learning from the message, this research employs a customized design of both content and length of the message.

METHODS

In study 1, 17 participants suffering from suicide ideation were recruited. The first (n=8) group conversed with a professional suicide intervention doctor about its attitudes and suggestions for a direct message intervention. To ensure the reliability and consistency of the result, an identical interview was conducted for the second group (n=9). Based on the collected data, questionnaires about this intervention were formed. Study 2 recruited 4222 microblog users with suicide ideation via the Internet.

RESULTS

The results of the group interviews in study 1 yielded little difference regarding the interview results; this difference may relate to the 2 groups’ varied perceptions of direct message design. However, most participants reported that they would be most drawn to an intervention where they knew that the account was reliable. Out of 4222 microblog users, we received responses from 725 with completed questionnaires; 78.62% (570/725) participants were not opposed to online suicide intervention and they valued the link for extra suicide intervention information as long as the account appeared to be trustworthy. Their attitudes toward the intervention and the account were similar to those from study 1, and 3 important elements were found pertaining to the direct message: reliability of account name, brevity of the message, and details of the phone numbers of psychological intervention centers and psychological assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper proposed strategies for engaging target populations in online suicide interventions.
Effects of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disease: Protocol for a Prospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Graff Lesley , Walker John R , Fisk John D , Patten Scott B , Hitchon Carol A , Lix Lisa M , Bolton James , Sareen Jitender , Katz Alan , Berrigan Lindsay I , Marriott James J , Singer Alexander , El-Gabalawy Renée , Peschken Christine A , Zarychanski Ryan , Bernstein Charles N
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are highly prevalent in Canada and the United States and result in substantial personal and societal burden. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, primarily depression and anxiety, in IMID exceeds those in the general population by two- to threefold, but remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Furthermore, the effects of psychiatric comorbidity on IMID are not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were (1) to compare health-related quality of life and work ability in persons with IMID and psychiatric comorbidity with those of persons with IMID without psychiatric comorbidity and with those of persons with depression and anxiety disorders alone, and (2) to validate existing case identification tools for depression and anxiety in persons with IMID to facilitate improved identification of depression and anxiety by clinicians. To achieve these objectives, we designed a prospective 3-year longitudinal study. In this paper, we aim to describe the study rationale and design and the characteristics of study participants.

METHODS

Between November 2014 and July 2016, we recruited 982 individuals from multiple clinic and community sources; 18 were withdrawn due to protocol violations.

RESULTS

The final study sample included 247 participants with IBD, 255 with MS, 154 with RA, and 308 with depression or anxiety. The majority were white, with the proportion ranging from 85.4% (IBD [210/246]; MS [217/254]) to 74.5% (114/153, RA; P=.01). There was a female predominance in all groups, which was highest in the RA cohort (84.4%, 130/154) and least marked in the IBD cohort (62.7%, 155/247). Participants with depression or anxiety were more likely to be single (36.0%, 111/308) than participants in any other group (11.8% [30/255]-22.7% [56/247], P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This paper presents the rationale for this study, describes study procedures, and characterizes the cohort enrolled. Ultimately, the aim is improved care for individuals affected by IMID.
The Effects of Social Presence on Adherence-Focused Guidance in Problematic Cannabis Users: Protocol for the CANreduce 2.0 Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Amann Manuel , Haug Severin , Wenger Andreas , Baumgartner Christian , Ebert David D , Berger Thomas , Stark Lars , Walter Marc , Schaub Michael P
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

In European countries, including Switzerland, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug. Offering a Web-based self-help tool could potentially reach users who otherwise would not seek traditional help. However, such Web-based self-help tools often suffer from low adherence.

OBJECTIVE

Through adherence-focused guidance enhancements, the aim of this study was to increase adherence in cannabis users entering a Web-based self-help tool to reduce their cannabis use and, in this way, augment its effectiveness.

METHODS

This paper presents the protocol for a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the effectiveness of (1) an adherence-focused, guidance-enhanced, Web-based self-help intervention with social presence; (2) an adherence-focused, guidance-enhanced, Web-based self-help intervention without social presence; and (3) a treatment-as-usual at reducing cannabis use in problematic users. The two active interventions, each spanning 6 weeks, consist of modules designed to reduce cannabis use and attenuate common mental disorder (CMD) symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorder symptoms based on the approaches of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. With a target sample size of 528, data will be collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months after baseline. The primary outcome measurement will be the number of days of cannabis use on the preceding 7 days. Secondary outcomes will include the quantity of cannabis used in standardized cannabis joints, the severity of cannabis dependence, changes in CMD symptoms, and adherence to the program. Data analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle and employ (generalized) linear mixed models.

RESULTS

The project commenced in August 2016; recruitment is anticipated to end by December 2018. First results are expected to be submitted for publication in summer 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide detailed insights on if and how the effectiveness of a Web-based self-help intervention aiming to reduce cannabis use in frequent cannabis users can be improved by theory-driven, adherence-focused guidance enhancement.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry: ISRCTN11086185; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11086185 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wspbuQ1M)
Pemilhan Pemasok Bahan Baku Kayu Handle Raket Dengan Menggunakan Metode Fuzzy Analitycal Hierarchy Process
Authors: Pangestu Yofa
Published: July 2018

Eternal racket company located in the Klayatan is a company engaged in manufacturing, where output is produced in the form of sports equipment. Given these problems, the Company is required Eternal racket must evaluate suppliers and choose which supplier should be selected with a view limits the capacity and various characteristics of suppliers. For that decision-making in the selection of suppliers is very important. Based on this problem researchers try to provide alternative solutions to the problem of decision-making by integrating the F-AHP is the combination of AHP technique to approach the concept of fuzzy logic. Although AHP is used in dealing with qualitative and quantitative criteria in MCDM but fuzzy AHP is considered better in describing vague decision of the AHP. and the supplier is a supplier selected priority A (P_A) with highest weight is 0.389.