Effectiveness of dyadic intervention on discharge readiness of elderly stroke patients and family caregivers / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the application effect of dyadic intervention scheme based on dyadic disease management theory and Information, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice model in the discharge preparation of elderly stroke patients and family caregivers.Methods:The 92 pairs of elderly stroke patients and their caregivers hospitalized in the Department of Neurology in People′s Hospital of Zhengzhou University were conveniently selected. The non synchronous control method quasi experimental research was adopted. Totally 46 pairs of subjects who met the criteria for admission and discharge from May to July 2022 were set as the control group, and routine nursing was carried out; from August to October 2022, 46 pairs of subjects who met the criteria for admission and emission were set as the observation group to implement the dyadic intervention program. The scores of discharge readiness, self-efficacy and unplanned readmission rate of patients between the two groups were compared, and the scores of caregiver readiness, self-efficacy and caregiver stress between the two groups were compared.Results:Finally, 85 pairs of subjects completed the study, with 42 pairs in the control group and 43 pairs in the observation group. On discharge day, the total scores of discharge readiness and caregiver readiness in the observation group were (95.19 ± 4.47), (23.02 ± 2.20) points, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (85.71 ± 5.31), (19.57 ± 1.65) points, with statistically significant differences ( t=8.91,8.16, both P<0.01); the self-efficacy levels of patients in the observation group at discharge and one month after discharge, as well as those of caregivers at discharge and one month after discharge were (73.86 ± 4.87), (75.91 ± 4.51), (75.67 ± 4.99), (79.21 ± 4.90) points, respectively, higher than those in the control group (71.62 ± 5.19), (73.33 ± 4.91), (73.48 ± 4.24), (75.48 ± 4.24) points, with statistically significant differences ( t values were from 2.05 to 3.75, all P<0.05); the pressure levels of caregivers in the observation group at discharge and one month after discharge were (7.51 ± 2.48), (6.28 ± 1.99) points, respectively, lower than those in the control group (8.76 ± 2.55), (7.45 ± 2.36) points, with statistically significant differences ( t=-2.29, -2.48, both P<0.05); the unplanned readmission rate of patients in the observation group one month after discharge was 7.0% (3/43), lower than the control group′s 23.8% (10/42), with statistically significant difference ( χ2=4.65, P<0.05). Conclusions:The implementation of dyadic intervention on elderly stroke patients and caregivers can make their discharge preparation process more adequate, thus reducing the caregiver′s care pressure, reducing the unplanned readmission rate of patients, and improving their health outcomes.

Efectos de un programa de educación vial, tránsito y movilidad sobre actitudes y conocimientos de escolares de Barranquilla (Colombia)

Introducción: En Colombia mueren anualmente alrededor de 7000 personas por accidentes de tránsito y otras resultan gravemente heridas, con más de 30 000 lesionados en 2018. Estas cifras reflejan un problema de salud pública, lo que hace necesario generar un proceso de concienciación para lograr un cambio de actitud en todos los actores viales, así como incrementar el conocimiento de las personas respecto a la movilización y las señales de tránsito. Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de un programa educativo en conocimiento vial en la adopción de actitudes seguras hacia el tránsito y la movilidad en escolares de 11 a 14 años de Barranquilla, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: La investigación está estructurada en un diseño de preprueba, posprueba con grupo de comparación con mediciones a través de dos escalas: una escala de actitudes de los estudiantes en relación con la seguridad vial y un segundo instrumento que evalúa conocimientos respecto a las normas de tránsito y la movilidad. Resultados: Se encontró que existen diferencias significativas entre los niños que tuvieron la experiencia educativa en relación con las normas y señales de tránsito. Conclusiones: La educación vial se muestra como una estrategia positiva en la formación de actitudes seguras en relación con la normativa de tránsito y movilidad.

Introduction: In Colombia, 7,000 people, in average, die every year from traffic accidents and others are seriously injured, with more than 30,000 injured in 2018. These figures reflect a public health problem, which makes it necessary to generate an awareness process to achieve change in attitude in all road actors, as well as increasing people's knowledge regarding mobilization and traffic signs. Objective: To determine the impact of an educational program on road knowledge in the adoption of safe attitudes towards traffic and mobility in schoolchildren aged 11 to 14 years from Barranquilla, Colombia. Materials and methods: This research is structured in a pre-test and post-test design with a comparison group with measurements through two scales: a scale of students' attitudes in relation to road safety, and a second instrument that assesses knowledge regarding traffic regulations and mobility. Results: It was found that there are significant differences between the children who had the educational experience in relation to traffic rules and signs. Conclusions: Road safety education is shown as a positive strategy in the formation of safe attitudes in relation to traffic and mobility regulations.

Evaluation of a maternal, neonatal and child health intervention package in a rural district of Pakistan: a quasi-experimental study

Background: Pakistan is among the countries which have the highest maternal, neonatal and child mortality rates. Immediate efforts are required to enable Pakistan to achieve the health related sustainable development goals. The continuum of care interventions can substantially reduce the mortality burden, however local evidence to implement them is lacking in Pakistan. We implemented the maternal, neonatal and child health intervention package comprised of health facility strengthening, capacity building, continuum of care interventions and community mobilization and evaluated its effectiveness on maternal, neonatal and child health care practices and neonatal mortality.Methods: The intervention package was delivered through existing public health system in a rural district of Pakistan. We used a quasi-experimental design to assess the impact of interventions. Baseline and end line surveys were conducted and neonatal mortality was considered as the primary outcome measure. Data were analysed using bivariate and difference and difference analysis techniques.Results: We found a reduced risk of neonatal mortality (RR 0.704; 95% CI 0.557-0.889; p=0.0033), in intervention areas compared to control area. For secondary outcomes; including mortality for infants and under five children, antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, institutional deliveries, postnatal care, delayed bathing, inappropriate cord care practices, birth asphyxia, exclusive breastfeeding and immunization a significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in the intervention area compared to control area.Conclusions: This study provides local evidence from Pakistan that effective methods for delivering MNCH interventions within the existing health infrastructure can improve the MNCH outcomes especially in the rural areas

A study to assess and develop injection administration skill in medical undergraduates of GMC, Bhopal

Background: Injections are one of the vital route of drug administration in emergency medical practice. WHO has estimated that out of 12 billion injections administered worldwide annually 50% are unsafe and 75% are unnecessary. Despite of humungous efforts medical students still lack the confidence in injecting drugs due to stress for post graduation selection. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of students regarding administration of I.M. and I.V. injections; to make students confident and skilful about administration of I.M. and I.V. injections and to assess the proportion of students who can skilfully administer I.V. and I.M. before and after this intervention.Methods: This was a Quasi experimental study carried out on 150 students of junior final medical students of GMC Bhopal for a period of three months.Results: Out of effective 136 students, 93.4% had ever seen I.M./ I.V. administration. 29.4% have administered I.M. and 16.9% I.V. injection ever. A significant increase in knowledge regarding I.M. and I.V. administration technique is observed following interventional training of the participants. Significant gain in self confidence among the students was perceived.Conclusions: There was a convincing increase in skillful knowledge and self-confidence for parenteral injection technique among medical undergraduates.

Design and analysis of two groups interrupt time series / 中华流行病学杂志

Interrupted time-series (ITS) is a quasi-experimental design which evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention based on time-series outcome variables. Compared with the single group of ITS, the two groups of ITS can better control the influence of pre-interventional confounding factors and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. This paper summarizes the principles and statistical methods of two groups of ITS by an example of evaluating vaccine effect on the incidence of a disease in two cities. The regression model is fitted by Prais-Winsten method and Newey-West method and the results are explained and compared in detail. When the intervention is performed with other confounding interventions at the same time, the two groups of ITS can be more effective to balance the existing trends before the intervention, and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention. The method of two groups of ITS has important practical significance, providing new insights in program evaluation.

Effects of a cancer prevention education program on elementary school students' knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and intentions in South Korea / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Most children and adolescents have low levels of cancer knowledge and awareness, and infrequently engage in preventive behaviors. This study examined the effects of a short classroom-based intervention for cancer prevention on knowledge, attitude toward cancer preventability, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions of fifth-grade elementary school students.METHODS: The study was based on a pre-post-follow-up, 2-group, quasi-experimental design. Participants in the intervention group attended two 40-minute sessions on cancer prevention education and watched a music video about cancer prevention, while participants in the control group were only exposed to the music video. Self-reported knowledge, attitude toward cancer preventability, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions were assessed 1 week pre-intervention and post-intervention, as well as 3 months post-intervention.RESULTS: The 3-month post-intervention results revealed partial effects, indicating that the education intervention improved knowledge and attitudes toward cancer preventability; however, no effects were observed on self-efficacy and behavioral intentions 3 months after the intervention.CONCLUSIONS: Long-term regular booster sessions are required to improve not only social-cognitive factors, but also behavioral intentions, which could result in behavior changes promoting cancer prevention.

Effects of a cancer prevention education program on elementary school students’ knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and intentions in South Korea / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Most children and adolescents have low levels of cancer knowledge and awareness, and infrequently engage in preventive behaviors. This study examined the effects of a short classroom-based intervention for cancer prevention on knowledge, attitude toward cancer preventability, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions of fifth-grade elementary school students. METHODS: The study was based on a pre-post-follow-up, 2-group, quasi-experimental design. Participants in the intervention group attended two 40-minute sessions on cancer prevention education and watched a music video about cancer prevention, while participants in the control group were only exposed to the music video. Self-reported knowledge, attitude toward cancer preventability, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions were assessed 1 week pre-intervention and post-intervention, as well as 3 months post-intervention. RESULTS: The 3-month post-intervention results revealed partial effects, indicating that the education intervention improved knowledge and attitudes toward cancer preventability; however, no effects were observed on self-efficacy and behavioral intentions 3 months after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term regular booster sessions are required to improve not only social-cognitive factors, but also behavioral intentions, which could result in behavior changes promoting cancer prevention.

Emotional intelligence training intervention among trainee teachers: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) has often been linked to improvements in professional performance. Indeed, generic competencies related to EI have been included in university curricula. However, learning EI involves significant time and effort on the part of students, and this may hinder the acquisition of specific content for each degree. In this study, an intervention to develop EI in higher education students is described and evaluated. Methods: The intervention consisted of eight group sessions performed in a regular course aiming to increase EI. The sessions included strategies and training on perceiving and understanding one's own emotions and others' emotions, identifying and understanding the impact one's own feelings in adopting decisions, expressing one's own emotions and the stress experienced, and managing both one's own emotions and emotions of others. Participants were 192 students studying for a Master of Primary Education degree. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was adopted. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using multi-level analyses. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in the EI of students in the experimental group compared with the control group. Conclusions: This research demonstrates that it is possible to develop EI in higher education students, without hindering the acquisition of specific content competencies and, therefore, without interfering with their academic performance and without overburdening students with work outside the classroom. Trial registration: The experiment has been registered in the Initial Deposit of the Spanish Center for Sociological Research (CIS). 7/6/2015. http://www.cis.es/cis/opencms/ES/index.html.

Tratamiento homeopático en adultos con asma bronquial / Homeopathic treatment of adults with asthma

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, cuasiexperimental en el consultorio médico de la familia (CMF) 19 del Consejo Popular 10 de Octubre, municipio Ranchuelo, Villa Clara, Cuba, de febrero 2013 a febrero 2014, para determinar el efecto de la terapia homeopática en el tratamiento del asma bronquial en adultos durante un año. Se utilizó una formulación homeopática compuesta por Kalium nitricum 200 cH y Arsenicum album 200 cH. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos con pruebas no paramétricas. Al finalizar la intervención del número de crisis disminuyó en los pacientes que adhirieron al tratamiento de forma constante. Al comenzar el año de tratamiento, la totalidad de los pacientes se distribuían entre los 4 grupos de clasificación según la evolución temporal. Luego de aplicar el tratamiento, los pacientes adheridos al mismo disminuyeron en la clasificación de la enfermedad. Se recomienda promover la prescripción de los medicamentos homeopáticos junto al tratamiento convencional en el asma. (AU)

We performed a prospective, longitudinal and quasi experimental study at family outpatient clinic 19, October 10th Popular Council, Ranchuelo, Villa Clara, Cuba, from February 2013 through February 2014. The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of homeopathic medication for treatment of asthma among adults along 1 year. Patients received a combination of Kalium nitricum 200cH and Arsenicum album 200cH. Statistical analysis involved non-parametric tests. At the end of follow-up the number of asthma attacks decreased among the patients who took the medication continuously. At baseline, patients were distributed across all 4 severity groups; the degree of severity decreased among all the participants who adhered to treatment. Use of homeopathy as adjuvant to conventional treatment should be promoted. (AU)

Ronda clínica y epidemiológica. Series de tiempo interrumpidas / Clinical and epidemiological round: Interrupted time series / Rodada clínica e epidemiológica: Série de tempo interrumpidas

RESUMEN En la investigación cuasi-experimental es de uso común el análisis de series de tiempo interrumpidas, el cual mide el efecto que tiene una intervención a partir de un punto de tiempo específico. Dicho análisis, que integra datos longitudinales y permite detallar las tendencias antes y después de la intervención, es considerado como una herramienta importante para entender los patrones de cambio después de cualquier evento de interés, es aplicable en distintas disciplinas y tiene un gran potencial para extraer conclusiones en investigaciones con períodos prolongados de seguimiento que requieren la evaluación objetiva de las intervenciones.

SUMMARY In quasi-experimental research, it is commonly used the interrupted time series analysis, which measures the effect of an intervention from a specific time point. This technique integrates longitudinal data and allows to discover detailed trends before and after such intervention. It is considered an important tool to understand the patterns of change after any event, it is applicable in different disciplines and have a great potential to draw conclusions in research with long follow-up periods that require objective evaluation of interventions.

RESUMO Na pesquisa quasi-experimental, é comumente usado análises de séries de tempo interrompida, que mede o efeito de uma intervenção de um ponto de tempo específico. Esta técnica integra dados longitudinais permitem detalhar tendências do antes e após do procedimento. É considerada uma ferramenta importante para a compreensão de padrões de mudança depois de qualquer evento de interesse aplicável em diferentes disciplinas e tem um grande potencial para tirar conclusões sobre a pesquisa com períodos de seguimento longos que exigem avaliação objetiva das intervenções.

Impacto da laserterapia na qualidade de vida de pacientes oncológicos portadores de mucosite oral / Impact of laser therapy on quality of life of cancer patients with oral mucositis

Introdução: O uso da laserterapia em pacientes oncológicos com mucosite oral tem efeitos biológicos por meio de processos fotofísicos e bioquímicos que aumentam o metabolismo celular, estimulando a atividade mitocondrial, atuando como analgésicos, anti-inflamatórios e reparadores da lesão da mucosa. Objetivo: Averiguar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com mucosite oral induzida pelos tratamentos antineoplásicos previamente à aplicação de laserterapia e posterior à regressão das lesões orais. Metodologia: Trata-se de um ensaio quase-experimental com 18 pacientes oncológicos em atendimento hospitalar que desenvolveram mucosite oral. Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico e o questionário de Qualidade de Vida (UW-QOL) aplicado antes das sessões com laser de baixa potência e após a regressão das lesões. Os testes estatísticos utilizados foram o teste t de Student e o teste Quiquadrado, admitindo ser significativo o p<0,05. Resultado: A faixa etária mais prevalente foi entre 65 e 74 anos, etnia branca, sexo masculino, casado, frequentou o ensino fundamental, usuários do SUS e moradores de cidades diversas. O diagnóstico oncológico mais frequente foi a Leucemia aguda, sendo a quimioterapia o tratamento em 100% dos casos e em 50%, a radioterapia. A média dos escores de qualidade de vida dos pacientes foi 456,2, anterior ao início do tratamento com laserterapia, e 678,3, posterior à intervenção. Conclusão: A qualidade de vida melhorou após as sessões de laserterapia, sendo que as mudanças mais significativas ocorreram nos domínios ligados à dor, aparência, deglutição, mastigação, fala, paladar e salivação, sendo o laser de baixa potência uma ferramenta adequada no manejo da mucosite oral.

Introduction: The use of laser therapy in cancer patients with oral mucositis have biological effects through biochemical and photophysical processes that increase the cell metabolism by stimulating mitochondrial activity, acting as analgesics, anti-inflammatory and reparative mucosal injury. Objective: The objective is to ascertain the quality of life of patients with oral mucositis induced by anticancer treatments prior to application of laser therapy and subsequent regression of oral lesions. Methodology: This is a Quasi-experimental Study with 18 cancer inpatient in hospital who developed oral mucositis. The instruments used were lifting sociodemographic data, the Survey of Quality of Life (UW-QOL) was applied before the sessions with low-power laser and after the regression of the lesions. Result: The data were analyzed was Student's t test and chi-square test, admitting be significant p<0.05. The results analyzed revealed the most prevalent age group 65-74 years old, Caucasian ethnicity, male, married, elementary school as the predominant school, US users and residents of other cities. The most common cancer diagnosis was acute leukemia; chemotherapy appeared as treatment at 100% and 50% radiation. The mean quality of life scores of patients found was 456.2 prior to initiation of treatment with laser therapy and 678.3 after the intervention. Conclusion: The quality of life improved after the sessions of laser therapy and it can be seen that the most significant changes occurred in areas related to pain, appearance, swallowing, chewing, speech, taste and salivation, and the low laser power an appropriate tool in the management of oral mucositis.

Musicoterapia grupal activa y depresión en pacientes del Hospital de Psiquiatría - CNS

La depresión se constituye en uno de los mayores problemas de salud mental a nivel mundial y nuestro país no está exento de dicha problemática, esto significa un enorme reto para los profesionales del área y una búsqueda de tratamientos accesibles, innovadores, sostenibles y efectivos, por lo que la musicoterapia podría, de alguna manera, dar respuestas a estas demandas, ya que como lo señalaría Bruscia K. en 1988, entre sus objetivos terapéuticos estarían la restauración, el mantenimiento y el acrecentamiento de la salud tanto física como mental. Es con este propósito que la presente investigación a través de un diseño Cuasiexperimental, pretende demostrar que la denominada Musicoterapia grupal activa disminuye los niveles de depresión. Para alcanzar dicho objetivo, se ha estructurado un programa de intervención basado por un lado en los principios propuestos por Gastón T, y Poch S., y en el principio de Iso (Identidad sonoro musical) de Altshuler I. y Benenzon R.; y por otro, en la metodología grupal activa, (Poch S. Alvin J. y Satinosky S.) que ha sido implementado en el Hospital de Psiquiatría de la CNS de la ciudad de La Paz en un grupo de pacientes con depresión, en un tiempo estimado de cuatro meses, a la vez de haberse realizado un análisis comparativo con un grupo de control, obteniendo resultados estadísticos significativos que confirman la hipótesis de investigación y que permiten avizorar la incursión de este novedoso recurso terapéutico en el tratamiento de la depresión en nuestro contexto sociocultural.

Depression is one of the biggest mental health problems worldwide and our country is not exempt from this problem, this means a huge challenge for professionals in the area and a search for accessible, innovative, sustainable and effective treatments, for what music therapy could, in some way, provide answers to these demands, since as Bruscia K. indicated in 1988, among its therapeutic objectives would be the restoration, maintenance and enhancement of both physical and mental health. It is with this purpose that the present investigation through a quasi-experimental design, aims to demonstrate that the named active group music therapy reduces the levels of depression. To achieve this goal, a music therapy intervention program has been structured based on the principles presented by Gaston T. and Poch S. and on the principle of Iso (Sound musical identity) principle from Altshuler I. and Benenzon R.; and on the other hand, in the active group methodology (Poch S., Alvin J. and Satinosky S.) that has been implemented in the Psychiatry Hospital of the CNS in a group of patients with depression, in an estimated time of four months, as well as a comparative analysis with a control group, obtaining significant statistical results that confirm the research hypothesis and that allow foreseeing the incursion of this novel therapeutic resource in the treatment of depression in our sociocultural context.

A depressão é um dos maiores problemas de saúde mental a nível mundial e nosso país não está isento desse problema, o que significa um grande desafio para os profissionais da área e uma busca por tratamentos acessíveis, inovadores, sustentáveis ​​e eficazes, para que a musicoterapia poderia, de alguma forma, responder a essas demandas, pois, como aponta Bruscia K. em 1988, entre seus objetivos terapêuticos estão a restauração, a manutenção e o aprimoramento da saúde física como mental. É com este propósito que a presente investigação através de um desenho Quase-experimental, demonstram que a chamada musicoterapia grupal ativa diminui os níveis de depressão. Para atingir esse objetivo, foi estruturado um programa de intervenção em musicoterapia baseado por um lado nos princípios proposta por Gastón T., e Poch S., e no princípio de Iso (Identidade som musical) de Altshuler I. e Benenzón R.; e por outro, na metodologia grupal ativa, (Poch S., Alvin J. e Satinosky S.) que foi implementado no Hospital Psiquiátrico CNS da cidadi de La Paz a um grupo de pacientes com depressão, em tempo estimado de quatro meses, a tempo de ter feito uma análise comparativa com um grupo de controle, obtendo resultados estatísticos significativos que confirmam a hipótese da pesquisa e que permitem assistir a incursão de um novo recurso terapêutico no tratamento da depressão em nosso contexto sociocultural.

Medication dispensing as an opportunity for patient counseling and approach to drug-related problems

ABSTRACT The objective was to describe and evaluate a model of drug dispensing developed and implemented in a community pharmacy in Brazil. This was a descriptive, observational, quasi-experimental study performed in the period between 21 January 2013 and 20 April 2013. The model was evaluated and described in terms of three parameters: structure, process and outcome. The description and assessment of each parameter was performed as follows: (I) Structure: profile of patients, pharmacist's professional profile, physical facility, informational material; (II) Process: drug-related problems, pharmaceutical interventions performed, results of pharmaceutical interventions; (III) Outcome: patient knowledge of medications. Dispensing service improved patient knowledge of medications (p < 0.05), which was associated with pharmacotherapy complexity (p < 0.05). The main problems identified were related to lack of patient knowledge regarding their medication (52.9%). Pharmaceutical interventions were mostly performed directly to the patients (86.3%) by verbal (95.4%) and written (68.2%) information, and most of the problems were completely solved (62.7%). The medicine dispensing model was able to identify and solve drug-related problems and promote an improvement in patient knowledge about medication.

RESUMO O objetivo foi descrever e avaliar um modelo de serviço de dispensação de medicamentos desenvolvido e implantado em uma Farmácia Comunitária no Brasil. Trata-se de restudo descritivo, observacional e quase-experimental, realizado no período de 21 de janeiro a 20 de abril de 2013. A descrição e avaliação do modelo foi realizada segundo os parâmetros: estrutura, processo e resultado.Os aspectos descritos e avaliados foram: 1. Estrutura: perfil dos pacientes, perfil profissiográfico dos farmacêuticos, estrutura física, material de informação; 2. Processo: problemas relacionados ao medicamento detectados, intervenções farmacêuticas realizadas, resultados das intervenções farmacêuticas; 3. Resultado: conhecimento do pacientes sobre os medicamentos utilizados. A dispensação proporcionou melhora do conhecimento do paciente sobre os medicamentos (p < 0,05), que demonstrou-se associada à complexidade da farmacoterapia (p < 0,05). Foram identificados majoritariamente problemas relacionados à falta de condições do paciente em utilizar o medicamento (52,94%). As intervenções farmacêuticas foram realizadas predominantemente junto ao paciente (86,27%) através do fornecimento de informações verbais (95,4%) e escritas (68,2%) e, em sua maioria, o problema que originou a intervenção foi totalmente resolvido (62,75%).O serviço foi capaz de identificar e resolver os problemas relacionados ao medicamento e contribuiu para a melhoria do conhecimento dos pacientes relativo aos medicamentos utilizados.

Analysis of a Community-based Intervention to Reduce Heat-related Illness during Heat Waves in Licheng, China: a Quasi-experimental Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To reduce health-related threats of heat waves, interventions have been implemented in many parts of the world. However, there is a lack of higher-level evidence concerning the intervention efficacy. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of an intervention to reduce the number of heat-related illnesses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A quasi-experimental design was employed by two cross-sectional surveys in the year 2014 and 2015, including 2,240 participants and 2,356 participants, respectively. Each survey was designed to include one control group and one intervention group, which conducted in Licheng, China. A representative sample was selected using a multistage sampling method. Data, collected from questionnaires about heat waves in 2014 and 2015, were analyzed using a difference-in-difference analysis and cost effectiveness analysis. Outcomes included changes in the prevalence of heat-related illnesses and cost-effectiveness variables.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Relative to the control participants, the prevalence of heat-related illness in the intervention participants decreased to a greater extent in rural areas than in urban areas (OR=0.495 vs. OR=1.281). Moreover, the cost-effectiveness ratio in the intervention group was less than that in the control group (US$15.06 vs. US$15.69 per participant). Furthermore, to avoid one additional patient, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio showed that an additional US$14.47 would be needed for the intervention compared to when no intervention was applied.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The intervention program may be considered a worthwhile investment for rural areas that are more likely to experience heat waves. Meanwhile, corresponding improving measures should be presented towards urban areas. Future research should examine whether the intervention strategies could be spread out in other domestic or international regions where heat waves are usually experienced.</p>

Alternatives to Randomized Control Trials: A Review of Three Quasi-experimental Designs for Causal Inference

The Randomized Control Trial (RCT) design is typically seen as the gold standard in psychological research. As it is not always possible to conform to RCT specifications, many studies are conducted in the quasi-experimental framework. Although quasi-experimental designs are considered less preferable to RCTs, with guidance they can produce inferences which are just as valid. In this paper, the authors present 3 quasi-experimental designs which are viable alternatives to RCT designs. These designs are Regression Point Displacement (RPD), Regression Discontinuity (RD), and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Additionally, the authors outline several notable methodological improvements to use with these designs.

Los diseños de Pruebas Controladas Aleatorizadas (PCA) son típicamente vistas como el mejor diseño en la investigación en psicología. Como tal, no es siempre posible cumplir con las especificaciones de las PCA y por ello muchos estudios son realizados en un marco cuasi experimental. Aunque los diseños cuasi experimentales son considerados menos convenientes que los diseños PCA, con directrices estos pueden producir inferencias igualmente válidas. En este artículo presentamos tres diseños cuasi experimentales que son formas alternativas a los diseños PCA. Estos diseños son Regresión de Punto de Desplazamiento (RPD), Regresión Discontinua (RD), Pareamiento por Puntaje de Propensión (PPP). Adicionalmente, describimos varias mejorías metodológicas para usar con este tipo de diseños.

Efeitos de uma intervenção com foco nas práticas de socialização parentais sobre os problemas internalizantes na infância / Effects of an intervention focused on parental socialization practices on internalizing problems in childhood

Este estudo avaliou a eficácia de uma intervenção com foco nas práticas de socialização com 13 mães e um pai de crianças entre três e seis anos, com perfil internalizante, divididos em dois grupos: intervenção e comparação. O BCL/1½-5 anos e o CBCL/6-18 anos foram utilizados para avaliar os problemas internalizantes e indicaram somente uma redução significativa nas queixas somáticas do grupo intervenção do pré para o pós-teste. Essa redução pode estar associada aos seguintes fatores: (a) aumento da previsibilidade das contingências da relação pais-criança, diminuindo seu caráter aversivo e levando à extinção respondente das respostas fisiológicas que estariam relacionadas às queixas somáticas; e (b) substituição de práticas superprotetoras e coercitivas por práticas facilitadoras do desenvolvimento socioemocional, que levaria à extinção respondente de respostas fisiológicas ligadas a emoções eliciadas pelas práticas coercitivas e superprotetoras. Discutem-se as limitações da intervenção e de aspectos metodológicos comuns a estudos realizados em contexto clínico.

This study evaluated the efficacy of an intervention focused on socialization practices with 13 mothers and one father of children between three and six years with internalizing profile, divided into two groups: intervention and comparison. The CBCL/1½-5 years and CBCL/6-18 years were used for assess internalizing problems, indicating only a significant reduction in somatic complaints in the intervention group from pre to post-test. This reduction may be associated with the following factors: (a) increase of the predictability of contingencies parent-child relationship, decreasing its aversive character and leading to respondent extinction of physiological responses that are related to somatic complaints and (b) replacement of overprotective and coercive practices by facilitating socioemotional development leading to the extinction of respondent physiological responses related to emotions elicited by coercive practices and overprotection. The limitations of intervention and methodological aspects common in studies conducted in clinical settings are discussed.

Eficacia de la hipnosis en la modificación de variables psicológicas y fisiológicas en deportistas / Efficiency of Hypnosis in Psychological and Physiological Variables in Sportsman

En este estudio se evaluó la eficacia de la hipnosis en la modificación de un conjunto de variables psicológicas y fisiológicas durante la realización de pruebas de esfuerzo. Se utilizaron un total de 24 participantes ciclistas. El procedimiento consistió en enviar al azar a los participantes a un grupo experimental con hipnosis o al grupo control. En ambos grupos se midieron variables psicológicas y fisiológicas relacionadas con el deporte. Los resultados no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre-grupos en las variables evaluadas. Sí se observó una tendencia en el grupo experimental a puntuar más positivamente en varias variables psicológicas analizadas. Se concluye que sería de interés desarrollar futuras investigaciones ampliando el tamaño de la muestra y aplicar el procedimiento en diferentes modalidades deportivas.

In this paper evaluated the efficiency of hypnosis on modification of a set of psychological and physiological variables during the performance of a task force. There were in use a total of 24 cycle participants. The procedure consisted of sending at random to the participants to an experimental group with hypnosis and group control. In both groups there measured up psychological and physiological variables related to the sport. Results indicate that there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, a tendency more positively in a set of psychological variables was observed in the experimental group. It is concluded that it would be of interest to develop future researches extending the size of the sample and to apply the procedure in different sports modalities.

Eficacia del contacto e información como técnicas de cambio de actitudes hacia personas con discapacidad en niños de Educación Primaria / Effectiveness of Contact and Information as Attitudes Change Techniques towards People with Disabilities in Primary School Children

La actitudes negativas hacia las personas con discapacidad imperantes en la sociedad plantean la necesidad de intervenciones que modifiquen tales actitudes. Con este objetivo se ha desarrollado un programa de cambio de actitudes hacia personas con discapacidad en alumnos de educación primaria, 100 niños y niñas, entre 7 y 10 años, asignados 39 al grupo experimental y 61 al grupo control. Se utilizaron como técnicas de cambio la información y el contacto. También se efectuó un seguimiento de dos años y medio, durante el que se realizaron actividades recordatorio. El instrumento de evaluación utilizado fue la Escala de Actitudes hacia Personas con Discapacidad (Verdugo, Arias & Jenaro, 1994). Los resultados alcanzados abogan por la eficacia de estas técnicas, al encontrase entre las medidas pretratamiento y postratamiento diferencias estadísticamente significativas para estas últimas a favor del grupo experimental. Tales cambios se mantienen en el seguimiento.

The negative attitudes toward people with disabilities prevailing in our society suggest the need for interventions to modify those attitudes. With this aim a program in changing attitudes towards people with disabilities in primary school children has been developed. 100 children between 7 and 10 years old took part in the study, 39 were assigned to the experimental group and 61 to the control group. Information and contact have been used as change techniques. It has also been followed up for two years and a half. During this time, activities reminders have been made. The assessment instrument used was the Scale of Attitudes toward People with Disabilities (Verdugo, Arias & Jenaro, 1994). The results obtained argue for the effectiveness of these techniques. There are statistically significant differences between pretreatment and posttreatment measures in favor of the experimental group. Also, these changes at follow up have been maintained.

Effectiveness of Drug Abuse Prevention Program Focusing on Social Influences among High School Students: 15-Month Follow-Up Study

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a drug abuse prevention program focusing on social influences for drug education classes in high school. Methods: The social influence program in the experimental group used role-playing led by a pharmacist, a police officer and a teacher. The intervention evaluation used a quasi-experimental design. The subjects were first-year students from 10 high schools assigned to the experimental group (6 schools, 828 students) and the control group (4 schools, 408 students). In the control group, a pharmacist used a conventional information program in a lecture format. Results: Regarding knowledge about drug abuse, in both the experimental and control groups, and for both males and females, a long-term effect was observed immediately after the program and lasted up to 15 months. For three other measures, attitudes toward drug abuse problem, self-efficacy regarding drug abuse prevention, and perception of social support for preventing drug abuse, a short-term effect was generally observed in the experimental group beginning immediately after the program and lasting for 3 months. A long-term effect was evident in high-risk students with positive opinions regarding drugs. In the control group and for both males and females, although an effect was generally evident immediately after the program, neither a short- nor a long-term effect was observed in males, suggesting the difficulty in achieving lasting effects. Conclusions: The social influence program in the experimental group showed remarkable effectiveness. Thus, the program may be useful for preventing drug abuse among high school students in Japan.

Effectiveness of drug abuse prevention program focusing on social influences among high school students: 15-month follow-up study

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the effectiveness of a drug abuse prevention program focusing on social influences for drug education classes in high school.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The social influence program in the experimental group used role-playing led by a pharmacist, a police officer and a teacher. The intervention evaluation used a quasi-experimental design. The subjects were first-year students from 10 high schools assigned to the experimental group (6 schools, 828 students) and the control group (4 schools, 408 students). In the control group, a pharmacist used a conventional information program in a lecture format.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Regarding knowledge about drug abuse, in both the experimental and control groups, and for both males and females, a long-term effect was observed immediately after the program and lasted up to 15 months. For three other measures, attitudes toward drug abuse problem, self-efficacy regarding drug abuse prevention, and perception of social support for preventing drug abuse, a short-term effect was generally observed in the experimental group beginning immediately after the program and lasting for 3 months. A long-term effect was evident in high-risk students with positive opinions regarding drugs. In the control group and for both males and females, although an effect was generally evident immediately after the program, neither a short-nor a long-term effect was observed in males, suggesting the difficulty in achieving lasting effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The social influence program in the experimental group showed remarkable effectiveness. Thus, the program may be useful for preventing drug abuse among high school students in Japan.</p>