Efeito de uma intervenção remota de atividade física no risco cardiovascular e na aptidão física / The effects of a remote physical activity intervention on cardiovascular risk and physical fitness

RESUMO Devido à pandemia da COVID-19, os projetos de orientação de atividade física (AF) tiveram que adaptar suas atuações para o formato remoto. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de uma intervenção remota de AF no risco cardiovascular e na aptidão física em participantes desses projetos. Para isso, 29 participantes do Projeto Exercício e Coração (66±5 anos) foram orientados a realizar, 2 caminhadas, 1 videoaula de exercícios aeróbicos e 2 videoaulas de exercícios de força muscular por semana, sendo cada atividade realizada por 30 min e em intensidade moderada. No início e após 8 semanas, foram medidos marcadores de risco cardiovascular e de aptidão física, que foram comparados por testes t-student ou Wilcoxon, considerando-se p≤0,05. Comparando-se as avaliações pré e pós-intervenção, houve redução da circunferência da cintura (95,9±11,3 vs. 94,7±11,3 cm, p=0,013) e aumento da capacidade cardiorrespiratória (117±21 vs. 123±23 passos, p=0,019), da força dos membros superiores (23±6 vs. 25±6 repetições, p=0,003), da resistência abdominal (20±9 vs. 22±10 repetições, p=0,002) e da aptidão física geral (-0,04±3,55 vs. 1,30±4,10, p=0,000). Em conclusão, a intervenção remota aumentou a aptidão física geral, aumentando a capacidade cardiorrespiratória, a força e a resistência muscular, além de reduzir a obesidade central.

ABSTRACT Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the projects that offer guidance for physical activity (PA) had to be adapted to the remote format. This study aimed at assessing the effects of a remote PA intervention on the cardiovascular risk and physical fitness of the individuals engaged in these projects. Thus, 29 participants of the Brazilian project known as Projeto Exercício e Coração (Exercise and Heart Project) (66±5 years) were instructed to perform 2 walking sessions, 1 aerobic exercise video class and 2 muscle strength video classes per week with each activity lasting 30 min and performed at moderate intensity. At baseline (pre) and after 8 weeks (post), markers of cardiovascular risk and physical fitness were evaluated and compared by using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests considering p≤0.05. When comparing pre- and post-intervention evaluations, there was a significant reduction in waist circumference (95.9±11.3 vs. 94.7±11.3 cm, p=0.013) and significant increases in cardiorespiratory fitness (117±21 vs. 123±23 steps, p=0.019), upper limb strength (23±6 vs. 25±6 repetitions, p=0.003), abdominal endurance (20±9 vs. 22±10 repetitions, p= 0.002) and overall physical fitness (-0.04±3.55 vs. 1.30±4.10, p=0.000). In conclusion, the remote intervention improved general physical fitness, increasing cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and endurance, in addition to reducing central obesity.

Reflexões sobre a construção de uma pesquisa qualitativa em psicoterapia on-line / Reflexiones sobre la construcción de una investigación cualitativa en psicoterapia online / Reflections on the construction of a qualitative research in online psychotherapy

RESUMO. Os serviços mediados pela internet oferecem uma diversidade de formas de conexão e interatividade e, em decorrência, surgem novas intervenções em saúde mental, exigindo pesquisas que fundamentem e avaliem tais práticas. Entretanto, os estudos na área são escassos, especialmente diretrizes que auxiliem na condução de pesquisas que envolvam as intervenções baseadas na internet. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é indicar orientações para o desenho de pesquisas de intervenção psicológica na internet, tendo como ilustração a construção de uma pesquisa interventiva em psicoterapia on-line, qualitativa, descritiva e longitudinal. São abordados seis aspectos significativos para pesquisas em intervenção digital, incluindo contato com colaboradores, critérios de participação, alcances da pesquisa, monitoramento e avaliação das intervenções, critérios tecnológicos e aspectos éticos no campo digital. São levantados aspectos técnicos, qualitativos e de cuidados necessários para manter a qualidade dos atendimentos e das pesquisas mediadas pelas tecnologias digitais. É urgente à psicologia consolidar um campo de saber que se ocupe tanto das influências das tecnologias nas subjetividades, também, delinear estudos que avaliem com rigor científico o uso da internet para o tratamento e cuidado em saúde mental.

RESUMEN. Los servicios mediados por Internet ofrecen una diversidad de formas de conexión e interactividad y, como resultado, surgen nuevas intervenciones en salud mental, que requieren investigaciones que corroboren y evalúen dichas prácticas. Sin embargo, los estudios en el área son escasos, especialmente las directrices que ayudan a realizar investigaciones que involucran intervenciones basadas en Internet. En este sentido, el objetivo de este artículo es indicar directrices para el diseño de investigación de intervención psicológica en Internet, teniendo como ilustración la construcción de una investigación intervencionista en psicoterapia online, cualitativa, descriptiva y longitudinal. Se abordan seis aspectos significativos para la investigación en intervención digital, incluyendo el contacto con colaboradores, los criterios de participación, el alcance de la investigación, el seguimiento y evaluación de las intervenciones, los criterios tecnológicos y los aspectos éticos en el campo digital. Se plantean aspectos técnicos, cualitativos y asistenciales necesarios para mantener la calidad asistencial y la investigación mediada por las tecnologías digitales. Es urgente que la Psicología consolide un campo de conocimiento que se ocupe tanto de las influencias de las tecnologías en las subjetividades como de esbozar estudios que evalúen con rigor científico el uso de Internet para el tratamiento y cuidado en salud mental.

ABSTRACT Internet-mediated services offer a variety form of connection and interactivity, from this, new mental health interventions emerge, requiring research to validate and evaluate such practices. However, studies in the area are scarce, especially guidelines that assist in conducting research involving Internet-based interventions. The purpose of this study was to indicate guidelines for the design of psychological intervention research mediated by the Internet, based on the construction of an interventional research in online, qualitative, descriptive and longitudinal psychotherapy. Six significant aspects for digital intervention. Six significant aspects for research in digital intervention are addressed, including contact with collaborators, criteria for participation, scope of research, monitoring and evaluation of interventions, technological criteria and ethical aspects in the digital field. Technical, qualitative and care aspects necessary to maintain the quality of care and research mediated by digital technologies are raised. It is urgent for Psychology to consolidate a field of knowledge that deals with the influence of technologies on subjectivities, as well as to design studies that scientifically assess the use of the internet for treatment and care in mental health.

Phase I prognostic online (PIPO): A web tool to improve patient selection for oncology early phase clinical trials.

PURPOSE: Patient selection in phase 1 clinical trials (Ph1t) continues to be a challenge. The aim of this study was to develop a user-friendly prognostic calculator for predicting overall survival (OS) outcomes in patients to be included in Ph1t with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or targeted agents (TAs) based on clinical parameters assessed at baseline. METHODS: Using a training cohort with consecutive patients from the VHIO phase 1 unit, we constructed a prognostic model to predict median OS (mOS) as a primary endpoint and 3-month (3m) OS rate as a secondary endpoint. The model was validated in an internal cohort after temporal data splitting and represented as a web application. RESULTS: We recruited 799 patients (training and validation sets, 558 and 241, respectively). Median follow-up was 21.2 months (m), mOS was 10.2 m (95% CI, 9.3-12.7) for ICIs cohort and 7.7 m (95% CI, 6.6-8.6) for TAs cohort. In the multivariable analysis, six prognostic variables were independently associated with OS - ECOG, number of metastatic sites, presence of liver metastases, derived neutrophils/(leukocytes minus neutrophils) ratio [dNLR], albumin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The phase 1 prognostic online (PIPO) calculator showed adequate discrimination and calibration performance for OS, with C-statistics of 0.71 (95% CI 0.64-0.78) in the validation set. The overall accuracy of the model for 3m OS prediction was 87.2% (95% CI 85%-90%). CONCLUSIONS: PIPO is a user-friendly objective and interactive tool to calculate specific survival probabilities for each patient before enrolment in a Ph1t. The tool is available at https://pipo.vhio.net/.

Two Web-Based and Theory-Based Interventions With and Without Brief Motivational Interviewing in the Promotion of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is effective in the prevention of vaccine-type genital warts and cancers among men who have sex with men (MSM). OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the efficacies of 2 web- and theory-based interventions with and without brief motivational interviewing (MI) over the phone to increase the completion of HPV vaccination among unvaccinated participants within a 24-month follow-up period compared with the control group. METHODS: A 3-arm parallel-group RCT was conducted between July 2017 and December 2019. Five telephone surveys were conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 24 months by blinded interviewers. Participants were Hong Kong Chinese-speaking MSM aged between 18 and 45 years with regular internet access who were recruited from outreaching at venues, web-based recruitment, and peer referral. Those who had ever received HPV vaccination were excluded. A total of 624 participants were randomized into either the online tutorial (OT) only group (n=208), the OT plus MI group (OT-MI; n=208), or the control group (n=208). In total, 459 (459/624, 73.6%) completed the follow-up evaluation at 24 months. Participants in the OT group received a fully automated OT developed based on the health belief model. On top of the same OT, the OT-MI group received brief MI over the phone. Reminders were sent to the participants of the OT and OT-MI groups after 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months. Participants in the control group received web-based health communication messages unrelated to HPV or HPV vaccination. The research team validated the self-reported HPV vaccination uptake. Intention-to-treat analysis was used for outcome analyses. Logistic regression models and multivariable linear regression models were used to test the between-group differences in primary and secondary outcomes. Baron and Kenny's methods were used to test the mediation hypothesis. RESULTS: The participants in the OT-MI group reported a significantly higher validated completion of HPV vaccination at 24 months than the control group (36/208, 17.3% vs 15/208, 7.2%; P=.006). However, the difference in HPV vaccination completion between the OT and the control groups (24/208, 11.5% vs 15/208, 7.2%; P=.17), or between OT-MI and OT groups (P=.13), was not statistically significant. The association between randomization status (OT-MI group vs control group) and HPV vaccination completion became statistically nonsignificant after controlling for changes in the perceived susceptibility to HPV (24 months vs baseline), whereas perceived susceptibility remained strongly associated with HPV vaccination uptake in the model (P<.001). Changes in perceived susceptibility fully mediated the intervention effect. CONCLUSIONS: Theory-based OT with brief MI over the phone was effective in increasing HPV vaccination completion among Chinese MSM. Perceived susceptibility is an active theoretical component that causes behavioral changes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03286907; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03286907.

Identification of Behavior Change Techniques From Successful Web-Based Interventions Targeting Alcohol Consumption, Binge Eating, and Gambling: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Web-based interventions are thought to overcome barriers to treatment, such as accessibility and geographical location, which can undermine the effectiveness of traditional face-to-face interventions. Owing to these features, researchers are increasingly testing the efficacy of web-based interventions as ways to reduce alcohol misuse, binge eating, and gambling. However, many web-based interventions have poorly defined mechanisms of action; therefore, it is often uncertain how they propose to bring about behavior change. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to identify effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) present in web-based interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, binge eating, or gambling. METHODS: This systematic review covered research conducted in the last 20 years. Inclusion criteria for interventions were web-based administration; targeting alcohol use, binge eating, and/or gambling; and reporting on baseline and postintervention measures of behavior. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines were followed. We coded intervention effectiveness, study quality, and BCTs present in the interventions. RESULTS: Following removal of 4152 ineligible articles, 45 were included in the review: 32 (71%) targeted alcohol misuse, 6 (13%) targeted binge eating, and 7 (16%) targeted gambling. In total, 5 frequency counts were performed to identify the most commonly used BCTs: all studies, effective interventions, high-quality studies at 2 thresholds, and both high quality and effective studies. The results obtained from this were integrated to identify 7 BCTs. These 7 BCTs were problem solving, feedback on behavior, self-monitoring of behavior, self-monitoring of outcomes, instruction on how to perform a behavior, information about social and health consequences, and social comparison. A total of 4 BCTs were found in all frequency counts: feedback on behavior, self-monitoring of behavior, instruction on how to perform a behavior, and social comparison. Self-monitoring of outcomes of behavior was found in 3 of the 5 frequency counts, problem solving was found in 2 frequency counts, and information about social and health consequences was found in 1 frequency count. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review identified 7 of the most frequently used BCTs used in web-based interventions focused on alcohol misuse, binge eating, and gambling. These results can inform the development of evidence-based eHealth interventions that have the potential to lead to effective, positive behavior changes in all 3 areas.

Adherence of Internet-Based Cancer Risk Assessment Tools to Best Practices in Risk Communication: Content Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Internet-based risk assessment tools offer a potential avenue for people to learn about their cancer risk and adopt risk-reducing behaviors. However, little is known about whether internet-based risk assessment tools adhere to scientific evidence for what constitutes good risk communication strategies. Furthermore, their quality may vary from a user experience perspective. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the extent to which current best practices in risk communication have been applied to internet-based cancer risk assessment tools. METHODS: We conducted a search on August 6, 2019, to identify websites that provided personalized assessments of cancer risk or the likelihood of developing cancer. Each website (N=39) was coded according to standardized criteria and focused on 3 categories: general website characteristics, accessibility and credibility, and risk communication formats and strategies. RESULTS: Some best practices in risk communication were more frequently adhered to by websites. First, we found that undefined medical terminology was widespread, impeding comprehension for those with limited health literacy. For example, 90% (35/39) of websites included technical language that the general public may find difficult to understand, yet only 23% (9/39) indicated that medical professionals were their intended audience. Second, websites lacked sufficient information for users to determine the credibility of the risk assessment, making it difficult to judge the scientific validity of their risk. For instance, only 59% (23/39) of websites referenced the scientific model used to calculate the user's cancer risk. Third, practices known to foster unbiased risk comprehension, such as adding qualitative labels to quantitative numbers, were used by only 15% (6/39) of websites. CONCLUSIONS: Limitations in risk communication strategies used by internet-based cancer risk assessment tools were common. By observing best practices, these tools could limit confusion and cultivate understanding to help people make informed decisions and motivate people to engage in risk-reducing behaviors.

Randomized controlled trial of a group intervention combining self-hypnosis and self-care: secondary results on self-esteem, emotional distress and regulation, and mindfulness in post-treatment cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Cancer patients often report low self-esteem and high emotional distress. Two factors seem particularly linked to these symptoms: emotion regulation strategies and mindfulness. The interest of hypnosis and self-care to relieve these symptoms is not well documented. Our randomized controlled trial aimed at assessing the effect of a group intervention combining self-hypnosis and self-care on self-esteem, emotional distress, emotion regulation, and mindfulness abilities of post-treatment cancer patients, as well as investigating the links between these variables. METHODS: One hundred and four patients who had suffered from cancer were randomized into the intervention group (N = 52) and the wait-list control group (N = 52). They had to answer questionnaires before (T1) and after the intervention (T2). Nine men were excluded from the analyses, leading to a final sample of 95 women with cancer. Group-by-time changes were assessed with MANOVA, and associations with self-esteem and emotional distress were investigated with hierarchical linear regression models. RESULTS: Participants in the intervention group (mean age = 51.65; SD = 12.54) reported better self-esteem, lower emotional distress, a decreased use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and more mindfulness abilities after the intervention, compared to the WLCG. This increase in mindfulness explained 33% of the improvement of self-esteem and 41.6% of the decrease of emotional distress in the intervention group. Self-esteem and emotional distress also predicted each other. CONCLUSION: Our study showed the efficacy of our hypnosis-based intervention to improve all the investigated variables. Mindfulness predicted the improvement of self-esteem and emotional distress. The primary impact of our intervention on mindfulness abilities seems to explain, at least in part, its efficacy. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03144154). Retrospectively registered on the 1st of May, 2017.

National study for multidisciplinary outpatient oncological rehabilitation: online survey to support revised quality and performance criteria.

PURPOSE: More and more people survive cancer, but the disease and its treatment often lead to impairment. Multidisciplinary ambulatory oncological rehabilitation (OR) programs have thus been developed. SW!SS REHA, the organization of major Swiss rehabilitation clinics, has defined ambulatory OR quality criteria for its members (about 50% of the Swiss rehabilitation capacity). However, SW!SS REHA criteria are not fully implemented and/or interpreted differently by different specialties or in different linguistic regions in Switzerland. The aim of our study was to carry out an online survey of existing outpatient programs to define quality criteria for an ideal OR program in Switzerland. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used for the survey-qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative part consisted of a guided discussion with OR experts and the quantitative part of an online survey. The quantitative part comprised the development and evaluation of an online questionnaire. It served to record the opinions of OR centers in Switzerland on the desired situation of outpatient rehabilitation. RESULTS: Eighteen OR centers and 71 (49.7% response rate) OR actors participated in the online survey. The survey results indicate that some of the SW!SS REHA quality and performance criteria only partially match with the desired OR criteria for Switzerland. Key disparities occur particularly in the program design and structure and specifically around how many interventions are required to constitute an OR program, the extent of standardization versus individualization of the program, i.e., how many and which modules in a program should be obligatory, and finally the duration and intensity of the program. The online survey did not generate any statistical evidence that OR requirements vary significantly between different linguistic regions and among different specialties. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients are heterogeneous with respect to cancer type, prognosis, and disability level, such that a standard program cannot be uniformly applied. Therefore, a flexible program is required with few mandatory modules and additional individual modules to achieve the threshold number of modules that would constitute a multidisciplinary OR program. Intensity and frequency of OR needs to consider the health state of the participants. The results indicate a need to modify some of the existing SW!SS REHA criteria to ensure that more patients can gain access and benefit form evidence-based OR interventions. Furthermore, the survey provides important findings so that the existing OR offer can be improved with the goal that OR centers will be able to be quality certified in the future.

Experiência com crianças e adolescentes na pandemia: alcances e limites da família, escola e clínica / Experiencias con niños y adolescentes durante la pandemia: los alcances y los límites de la familia, la escuela y la clínica / Experience with children and adolescents during the pandemic: scope and limitations of family, school and clinical work / Expérience avec des enfants et des adolescents dans la pandémie: portées et limites de la famille, de l'école et de la clinique

Com a pandemia de COVID-19,os atendimentos clínicos de crianças e adolescentes migraram do presencial para o teleatendimento, uma prática inédita que exigiu esforço dos profissionais para refletir teoricamente sobre as possibilidades de flexibilização do setting e da técnica. Para que essa mudança pudesse ser feita, um trabalho de luto e elaboração foi necessário. A partir de vinhetas clínicas, discutimos como as crianças e adolescentes, os pais e as escolas se apresentaram em nossas clínicas durante os primeiros meses de pandemia e como lidaram com as mudanças que se impuseram. Ressaltamos que, apesar de todos nós estarmos imersos no mesmo contexto, as vivências foram singulares. Por fim, discutimos as possibilidades e os desafios do atendimento on-line. No caso das crianças, a prática se mostrou mais desafiadora, especialmente a longo prazo

Con la pandemia de COVID-19, la atención clínica de niños y adolescentes migró del modo presencial a la teleatención, una práctica inédita que requirió esfuerzo de reflexión teórica de los profesionales acerca de las posibilidades de flexibilización del encuadre y de la técnica. Para concretar este cambio, fue necesario un trabajo de duelo y elaboración. Mediante recortes clínicos, discutimos aquí de qué manera llegaron a nuestros consultorios niños y adolescentes, sus padres y las escuelas durante los primeros meses de la pandemia, y cómo afrontaron los cambios que surgieron. Remarcamos que, pese a que todos estamos inmersos en este contexto, las vivencias fueron singulares. Por último, debatimos las posibilidades y los retos de la atención online. En casos de niños, la práctica se erigió como un desafio a largo plazo

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the counseling sessions of children and adolescents migrated from in-person to telepsychology, an uprecedented practice that required professionals to make great efforts to reflect theoretically on the possibilities of making both the setting and technique flexible. In order to enable such change, grief work was necessary. Based on vignettes, we, hereby, discuss how children and adolescents, parents and schools were presented in the clinical setting during the first months of the pandemic and how they handled the imposed changes. We highlight that, despite being immersed in the same context, the experiences were unique. Finally, we discuss the possibilities and challenges of online counseling. In the case of children, the practice revealed itself as more challenging, especially long term

Avec la pandémie du COVID19, les séances des enfants et adolescents ont migré du présentiel vers la télé-séance, pratique inédite qui a exigé de l'effort des professionnels pour réfléchir théoriquement sur les possibilités d'assouplissement du setting et de la technique. Pour ce changement, un travail de deuil et d'élaboration a été nécessaire. À partir des vignettes, nousavons discuté comment les enfants, adolescents, parents et écoles se sont présentés dans nos cliniques pendant les premiers mois et comment ils ont géré les changements imposés. Bien que nous soyons tous immergés dans le même contexte, les vécus ont été singuliers. Enfin, nous avons discuté les possibilités et défis des séances en ligne. Auprès des enfants, la pratique s'est avérée un plus grand défi, spécialement à long terme

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Remotely Delivered, Web-Based Behavioral Intervention for Men With Prostate Cancer: Four-Arm Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: Diet and exercise may be associated with quality of life and survival in men with prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered web-based behavioral intervention among men with prostate cancer. METHODS: We conducted a multi-site 4-arm pilot randomized controlled trial of a 3-month intervention (TrueNTH Community of Wellness). Eligibility included self-reported prostate cancer diagnosis, having a personal device that connected to the internet, age ≥18 years, and ability to read English and receive text messages and emails. Men receiving chemotherapy or radiation, or those who reported contraindications to exercise, could participate with physician clearance. Participants were randomized (1:1:1:1) to additive intervention levels: website; website and personalized diet and exercise prescription; website, personalized prescription, Fitbit, and text messages; and website, personalized prescription, Fitbit, text messages, and 2 30-minute phone calls-one with an exercise trainer and one with a registered dietician. Primary outcomes were feasibility (accrual and attrition) and acceptability (survey data and website use). We described self-reported diet and exercise behavior at the time of enrollment, 3 months, and 6 months as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 202 men consented and were randomized between August 2017 and September 2018 (level 1: 49, level 2: 51, level 3: 50, level 4: 52). A total of 160 men completed the onboarding process and were exposed to their randomly assigned intervention (38, 38, 42, and 42 in levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). The follow-up rate was 82.7% (167/202) at 3 months and 77.2% (156/202) at 6 months. Participants had a median age of 70 years and were primarily White and college educated. Website visit frequency over the 3-month intervention period increased across levels (median: 2, 9, 11, and 16 visits for levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Most were satisfied or very satisfied with the intervention (20/39, 51%; 27/42, 64%; 23/44, 52%; and 27/42, 64% for levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). The percentage of men who reported being very satisfied was highest among level 4 participants (10/42, 24% vs 4/39, 10%; 5/42, 12%; and 5/44, 11% for levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Dissatisfaction was highest in level 1 (5/39, 13% vs 1/42, 2%; 3/44, 7%; and 2/42, 5% for levels 2, 3, and 4, respectively). We observed small improvements in diet and physical activity at 3 months among men in level 4 versus those in level 1. CONCLUSIONS: A web-based, remotely delivered, tailored behavioral intervention for men with prostate cancer is feasible. Future studies are warranted to increase the effect of the intervention on patient behavior while maintaining sustainability and scalability as well as to design and implement interventions for more diverse populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03406013; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03406013.

Tailored Web-Based Smoking Interventions and Reduced Attrition: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of internet users presents an opportunity to deliver health interventions to large populations. Despite their potential, many web-based interventions, including those for smoking cessation, face high rates of attrition. Further consideration of how intervention features impact attrition is needed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review is to investigate whether tailored web-based smoking cessation interventions for smokers are associated with reduced rates of attrition compared with active or passive untailored web-based interventions. The outcomes of interest were dropout attrition at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in May 2018 and updated in May 2020 on MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), PsycINFO (Psychological Information), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), CINAHL (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Scopus, and the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group Specialized Register with the following search terms: smoking cessation, tailored, or web- or internet-based. Included studies were published in English before or in May 2020 using a randomized controlled trial design. Studies were restricted to those with web-based delivery, a tailored intervention group, an untailored control group, and a reported outcome of smoking cessation. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Two reviewers independently extracted the study characteristics and the number of participants lost to follow-up for each treatment group. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 11 (85%) were included in the meta-analysis. Tailoring had no statistically significant effect on dropout attrition at 1-month (risk ratio [RR]=1.02, 95% CI 0.95-1.09; P=.58; I2=78%), 3-month (RR=0.99, 95% CI 0.95-1.04; P=.80; I2=73%), 6-month (RR=1.00, 95% CI 0.95-1.05; P=.90; I2=43%), or 12-month (RR=0.97, 95% CI 0.92-1.02; P=.26; I2=28%) follow-ups. Subgroup analyses suggested that there was a statistically significant effect of tailoring between the active and passive subgroups at 1-month (P=.03), 3-month (P<.001), and 6-month (P=.02) follow-ups but not at 12-month follow-up (P=.25). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that tailoring of web-based smoking cessation interventions may not be associated with reduced rates of dropout attrition at 1-, 3-, 6-, or 12-month follow-ups. Significant differences between studies that include untailored active and passive control groups suggest that the role of tailoring may be more prominent when studies include a passive control group. These findings may be because of variability in the presence of additional features, the definition of smokers used, and the duration of smoking abstinence measured. Future studies should incorporate active web-based controls, compare the impact of different tailoring strategies, and include populations outside of the Western countries.

Predictors and Effects of Usage of an Online Mindfulness Intervention for Distressed Cancer Patients: Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: One in three cancer patients experience high psychological distress. Mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing psychological distress in this patient group. However, these interventions lack availability and flexibility, which may compromise participation in the intervention for cancer patients experiencing late symptoms like fatigue or pain. Therefore, mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly offered via the internet. However, little is known about the usage of these online mindfulness-based interventions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to (1) predict uptake of and adherence to online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) using baseline patient characteristics (demographic, cancer-related, personality, and psychological variables) and (2) examine the relations between adherence and treatment outcomes in eMBCT for cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 125 cancer patients were assigned to eMBCT in a parent randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT and eMBCT with treatment as usual in distressed cancer patients. Various usage measures of eMBCT were automatically tracked within the online program. Based on activity of use, participants were classified as nonusers, minimal users, low users, and intended users. Questionnaires were used to assess baseline characteristics (preintervention) and outcomes (pre- and postintervention). To answer the research questions, data were analyzed with t tests, χ2 tests, and linear regression models. RESULTS: Based on weekly activity, participants were classified as nonusers (n=17, 13.6%), who completed no exercises in MBCT; minimal users (n=31, 24.8%), who completed at least one exercise of one to three sessions; low users (n=12, 9.6%), who completed at least one exercise of four to seven sessions; and intended users (n=65, 52.0%), who completed at least one exercise of eight to nine sessions. Nonusers had more fear of cancer recurrence at baseline than users (uptake), and intended users were more conscientious than minimal and low users (adherence). Intended users reported a larger reduction in psychological distress and more improvement of positive mental health (ie, emotional, psychological, and social well-being) after the intervention than other participants. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that adherence was related to improved patient outcomes. Patients with strong fear of recurrence or low levels of conscientiousness should receive extra attention, as they are less likely to respectively start or complete eMBCT. Future research may focus on the development of flexible and adaptive eMBCT programs to fit individual needs.

An Internet-Based Intervention Augmented With a Diet and Physical Activity Consultation to Decrease the Risk of Dementia in At-Risk Adults in a Primary Care Setting: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to develop interventions to reduce the risk of dementia in the community by addressing lifestyle factors and chronic diseases over the adult life course. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate a multidomain dementia risk reduction intervention, Body Brain Life in General Practice (BBL-GP), targeting at-risk adults in primary care. METHODS: A pragmatic, parallel, three-arm randomized trial involving 125 adults aged 18 years or older (86/125, 68.8% female) with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 or a chronic health condition recruited from general practices was conducted. The arms included (1) BBL-GP, a web-based intervention augmented with an in-person diet and physical activity consultation; (2) a single clinician-led group, Lifestyle Modification Program (LMP); and (3) a web-based control. The primary outcome was the Australian National University Alzheimer Disease Risk Index Short Form (ANU-ADRI-SF). RESULTS: Baseline assessments were conducted on 128 participants. A total of 125 participants were randomized to 3 groups (BBL-GP=42, LMP=41, and control=42). At immediate, week 18, week 36, and week 62 follow-ups, the completion rates were 43% (18/42), 57% (24/42), 48% (20/42), and 48% (20/42), respectively, for the BBL-GP group; 71% (29/41), 68% (28/41), 68% (28/41), and 51% (21/41), respectively, for the LMP group; and 62% (26/42), 69% (29/42), 60% (25/42), and 60% (25/42), respectively, for the control group. The primary outcome of the ANU-ADRI-SF score was lower for the BBL-GP group than the control group at all follow-ups. These comparisons were all significant at the 5% level for estimates adjusted for baseline differences (immediate: difference in means -3.86, 95% CI -6.81 to -0.90, P=.01; week 18: difference in means -4.05, 95% CI -6.81 to -1.28, P<.001; week 36: difference in means -4.99, 95% CI -8.04 to -1.94, P<.001; and week 62: difference in means -4.62, 95% CI -7.62 to -1.62, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: A web-based multidomain dementia risk reduction program augmented with allied health consultations administered within the general practice context can reduce dementia risk exposure for at least 15 months. This study was limited by a small sample size, and replication on a larger sample with longer follow-up will strengthen the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian clinical trials registration number (ACTRN): 12616000868482; https://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12616000868482.aspx.

Understanding the Steps Toward Mobile Early Intervention for Mothers and Their Infants Exiting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Descriptive Examination.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) history, combined with systemic inequities for mothers of nondominant cultures and mothers who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, places infants at an extraordinary risk for poor developmental outcomes throughout life. Although receipt of early intervention (EI) is the best single predictor of developmental outcomes among children with and at risk for early developmental delays, mothers and infants with the greatest needs are least likely to receive EI. Mobile internet-based interventions afford substantial advantages for overcoming logistical challenges that often prevent mothers who are economically disadvantaged from accessing EI. However, the bridge from the NICU to a mobile internet intervention has been virtually unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine progression flow from NICU exit referral to an early mobile internet intervention to increase EI access and promote parent mediation of infant social-emotional and communication development. METHODS: Three NICUs serving the urban poor in a Midwestern city were provided support in establishing an electronic NICU exit referral mechanism into a randomized controlled trial of a mobile internet intervention for mothers and their infants. Measurement domains to reflect the bridge to service included each crucial gateway required for navigating the path into Part C EI, including referral, screening, assessment, and intervention access. An iterative process was used and documented to facilitate each NICU in establishing an individualized accountability plan for sharing referral materials with mothers before their NICU exit. Subsequent to the referral, progression flow was documented on the basis of a real-time electronic recording of service receipt and contact records. Mother and infant risk characteristics were also assessed. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize and characterize each measurement domain. RESULTS: NICU referral rates for EI were 3 to 4 times higher for open-shared versus closed-single gatekeeper referral processes. Of 86 referred dyads, 67 (78%) were screened, and of those screened, 51 (76%) were eligible for assessment. Of the 51 assessment-eligible mothers and infants, 35 dyads (69%) completed the assessment and 31 (89%) went on to complete at least one remote coaching intervention session. The dyads who accessed and engaged in intervention were racially and ethnically diverse and experiencing substantial adversity. CONCLUSIONS: The transition from the NICU to home was fraught with missed opportunities for an EI referral. Beyond the referral, the most prominent reason for not participating in screening was that mothers could not be located after exiting the NICU. Stronger NICU referral mechanisms for EI are needed. It may be essential to initiate mobile interventions before exiting the NICU for maintaining post-NICU contact with some mothers. In contrast to a closed, single point of referral gatekeeper systems in NICUs, open, shared referral gating systems may be less stymied by individual service provider biases and disruptions.

Health Goal Attainment of Patients With Chronic Diseases in Web-Based Patient Communities: Content and Survival Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Activities directed at attaining health goals are a major part of the daily lives of those fighting chronic diseases. A proliferating population of patients with chronic diseases are participating in web-based patient communities, wherein they can exchange health information and pursue health goals with others virtually. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to understand the effect of participation in social media-enabled web-based patient communities on health goal attainment. In particular, we studied the antecedents of health goal attainment in terms of social support and self-reflection in web-based patient communities. METHODS: This data set consists of web-based health management activities of 392 patients across 13 health support groups, that is, groups with medical issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and breast cancer; the data of the activities were collected from a leading web-based patient community. Content analysis was used to code the social interactions among the patients on the web-based platform. Cox regression for survival analysis was used to model the hazard ratio of health goal attainment. RESULTS: Our analysis indicated that emotional support from web-based patient communities can increase patients' probability of achieving their goals (hazard ratio 1.957, 95% CI 1.416-2.706; P<.001) while informational support does not appear to be effective (P=.06). In addition, health-related self-reflection increases the patients' likelihood of goal attainment through web-based patient communities (hazard ratio 1.937, 95% CI 1.318-2.848; P<.001), but leisure-oriented self-reflection reduces this likelihood (hazard ratio 0.588, 95% CI 0.442-0.784; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Social media-enabled web-based platforms assist health goal management via both social interaction and personal discipline. This study extends the understanding of web-based patient communities by investigating the effects of both social and cognitive factors on goal attainment. In particular, our study advocates that health goals relating to chronic conditions can be better managed when patients use the facilities of web-based health communities strategically.

Recruiting Adolescents With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis to Internet-Delivered Therapy: Internal Pilot Within a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in adolescents is common and disabling. Teenagers in the United Kingdom are more likely to recover if they access specialist care, but most do not have access to a local specialist CFS/ME service. Delivering treatment remotely via the internet could improve access to treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess (1) the feasibility of recruitment and retention into a trial of internet-delivered specialist treatment for adolescents with CFS/ME and (2) the acceptability of trial processes and 2 web-based treatments (to inform continuation to full trial). METHODS: This study is an internal pilot for the initial 12 months of a full randomized controlled trial (RCT), with integrated qualitative methods (analysis of recruitment consultations and participant and clinician interviews). Recruitment and treatment were delivered remotely from a specialist pediatric CFS/ME treatment service within a hospital in South West United Kingdom. Adolescents (aged 11-17 years) from across the United Kingdom with a diagnosis of CFS/ME and no access to local specialist treatment were referred by their general practitioner to the treatment center. Eligibility assessment and recruitment were conducted via remote methods (telephone and on the web), and participants were randomized (via a computer-automated system) to 1 of 2 web-based treatments. The trial intervention was Fatigue in Teenagers on the InterNET in the National Health Service, a web-based modular CFS/ME-specific cognitive behavioral therapy program (designed to be used by young people and their parents or caregivers) supported by individualized clinical psychologist electronic consultations (regular, scheduled therapeutic message exchanges between participants and therapist within the platform). The comparator was Skype-delivered activity management with a CFS/ME clinician (mainly a physiotherapist or occupational therapist). Both treatments were intended to last for up to 6 months. The primary outcomes were (1) the number of participants recruited (per out-of-area referrals received between November 1, 2016, to October 31, 2017) and the proportion providing 6-month outcome data (web-based self-report questionnaire assessing functioning) and (2) the qualitative outcomes indicating the acceptability of trial processes and treatments. RESULTS: A total of 89 out of 150 (59.3% of potentially eligible referrals) young people and their parents or caregivers were recruited, with 75 out of 89 (84.2%) providing 6-month outcome data. Overall, web-based treatment was acceptable; however, participants and clinicians described both the advantages and disadvantages of remote methods. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Recruiting young people (and their parents or caregivers) into an RCT of web-based treatment via remote methods is feasible and acceptable. Delivering specialist treatment at home via the internet is feasible and acceptable, although some families prefer to travel across the United Kingdom for face-to-face treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 18020851; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18020851. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-2500-3.

Understanding Self-Guided Web-Based Educational Interventions for Patients With Chronic Health Conditions: Systematic Review of Intervention Features and Adherence.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases contribute to 71% of deaths worldwide every year, and an estimated 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 years die mainly because of cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, or diabetes. Web-based educational interventions may facilitate disease management. These are also considered to be a flexible and low-cost method to deliver tailored information to patients. Previous studies concluded that the implementation of different features and the degree of adherence to the intervention are key factors in determining the success of the intervention. However, limited research has been conducted to understand the acceptability of specific features and user adherence to self-guided web interventions. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to understand how web-based intervention features are evaluated, to investigate their acceptability, and to describe how adherence to web-based self-guided interventions is defined and measured. METHODS: Studies published on self-guided web-based educational interventions for people (≥14 years old) with chronic health conditions published between January 2005 and June 2020 were reviewed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) Statement protocol. The search was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE) databases; the reference lists of the selected articles were also reviewed. The comparison of the interventions and analysis of the features were based on the published content from the selected articles. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included. Seven principal features were identified, with goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback being the most frequently used. The acceptability of the features was measured based on the comments collected from users, their association with clinical outcomes, or device adherence. The use of quizzes was positively reported by participants. Self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, and discussion forums yielded mixed results. The negative acceptability was related to the choice of the discussion topic, lack of face-to-face contact, and technical issues. This review shows that the evaluation of adherence to educational interventions was inconsistent among the studies, limiting comparisons. A clear definition of adherence to an intervention is lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited information was available, it appears that features related to interaction and personalization are important for improving clinical outcomes and users' experience. When designing web-based interventions, the selection of features should be based on the targeted population's needs, the balance between positive and negative impacts of having human involvement in the intervention, and the reduction of technical barriers. There is a lack of consensus on the method of evaluating adherence to an intervention. Both investigations of the acceptability features and adherence should be considered when designing and evaluating web-based interventions. A proof-of-concept or pilot study would be useful for establishing the required level of engagement needed to define adherence.

Mechanisms of Action of a Web-Based Intervention With Health Professional Support to Increase Adherence to Nebulizer Treatments in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: Qualitative Interview Study.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to nebulizer treatments in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) is often low. A new complex intervention to help adults with CF increase their adherence to nebulizer treatments was tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 2 UK CF centers. Patients used a nebulizer with electronic monitoring capabilities that transferred data automatically to a digital platform (CFHealthHub) to monitor adherence over time and to a tailored website to display graphs of adherence data and educational and problem-solving information about adherence. A trained interventionist helped patients identify ways to increase their adherence. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the mechanisms of action underpinning the intervention. METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted concurrently with a pilot RCT. In total, 25 semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 interventionists at 2 time points, 14 patients in the intervention arm of the trial, and 5 members of the multidisciplinary teams offering wider care to patients. A framework approach was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The intervention was informed by a theoretical framework of behavior change. There was evidence of the expected behavior change mechanisms of action. There was also evidence of additional mechanisms of action associated with effective telehealth interventions for self-management support: relationships, visibility, and fit. Patients described how building a relationship with the interventionist through face-to-face visits with someone who cared about them and their progress helped them to consider ways of increasing adherence to medication. Rather than seeing the visibility of adherence data to clinicians as problematic, patients found this motivating, particularly if they received praise about progress made. The intervention was tailored to individuals, but there were challenges in how the intervention fitted into some patients' busy lives when delivered through a desktop computer. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms of action associated with effective telehealth interventions for self-management operated within this new intervention. The intervention was modified to strengthen mechanisms of action based on these findings, for example, delivery through an app accessed via mobile phones and then tested in an RCT in 19 UK CF centers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number 13076797; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13076797.

Sun Safe Partners Online: Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Harnessing supportive influences in close relationships is an innovative and potentially effective strategy to improve sun protection behaviors. OBJECTIVE: This pilot randomized controlled clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and impact of Sun Safe Partners Online, a web-based, couples-focused intervention to improve sun protection behavior. METHODS: A total of 75 couples reporting suboptimal levels of sun protection recruited from Facebook advertisements were randomized to receive a web-based intervention called Sun Safe Partners Online or a Generic Online Sun Safety Information intervention. Sun Safe Partners Online had 4 individual-focused modules and 4 couples-focused modules. Feasibility was assessed by study enrollment, engagement, follow-up survey completion, and intervention evaluation. Participants completed baseline and a 1-month postintervention survey assessing sun protection and exposure, along with individual and relationship attitudes about the importance of sun protection. RESULTS: Using Facebook as a recruitment strategy resulted in rapid enrollment and higher acceptance than for the prior telephone and print trial. The follow-up survey completion was higher in the Generic Online condition (100%) than in the Sun Safe Partners Online condition (87.2%). Engagement in Sun Safe Partners Online was high, with more than two-thirds of participants completing all modules. Evaluations of Sun Safe Partners Online content and features as well as ease of navigation were excellent. Sun Safe Partners Online showed small effects on sun protection behaviors and sun exposure on weekends compared with the Generic Online intervention and moderate effect size increases in the Sun Safe Partners Online condition. CONCLUSIONS: This study uses a novel approach to facilitate engagement in sun protection by harnessing the influence of relationships among spouses and cohabiting partners. A couples-focused intervention may hold promise as a means to improve sun protection behaviors beyond interventions focused solely on individuals by leveraging the concern, collaboration, and support among intimate partners and addressing relationship-based barriers to sun protection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04549675; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04549675.

Dose-Response Relationship of a Web-Based Tailored Intervention Promoting Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Process Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake remains low. To improve informed decision making (IDM) and HPV vaccination acceptability, we systematically developed an interactive, web-based tailored intervention to which mothers of Dutch girls were invited to participate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide insight into the intervention's working mechanisms by evaluating (1) program use, (2) program acceptability, and (3) the relationship of program use with program acceptability and intervention effects (ie, dose-response relationship). METHODS: Only mothers from the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial that assessed the effectiveness of the web-based, tailored intervention were included in this study. They were invited to visit the website of the web-based intervention between baseline (January 2015, just before access to the intervention) and follow up (March 2015, prior to the first HPV vaccination). Indicators for program use were time of website use (ie, duration of intervention exposure) and completeness (ie, proportion of all available web pages visited). HPV vaccination uptake registered by Praeventis was used as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were IDM, decisional conflict, and social-psychological determinants of HPV vaccination uptake. RESULTS: Among the 3995 invited mothers, 2509 (62.80%) logged on to the website, 2239 of whom (89.24%) visited at least one page of the intervention components. On average, mothers spent 21.39 minutes (SD 12.41) on the website and completed 50.04% (SD 26.18%) of the website components. Participants rated the website 7.64 (SD 1.39) on a 10-point scale. Program acceptability was significantly associated with completeness (ß=4.36, P<.001), but not with time of website use (ß=-.07, P=.77). Intention-to-treat analysis (N=3995) showed a significant positive effect of completeness on all outcome measures (all P<.003; Bonferroni-corrected α=.05/15 factors), including on HPV vaccination uptake. Time of website use had a significant positive effect on all outcomes (all P<.003), except for uptake (P=.20), risk perception when not vaccinated (P=.14), subjective norms (P=.03), and habit (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Program use and acceptability of the intervention were adequate. Completeness was positively associated with acceptability. Furthermore, positive effects (ie, dose-response effects) were found for completeness and time of website use on the mothers' IDM, decisional conflict, and almost all of the social-psychological determinants of HPV vaccination acceptability. In addition, the extent to which mothers completed the intervention had a positive impact on their daughters' vaccination uptake. This indicates that the web-based, tailored intervention fits well with the mothers' needs, and that completeness of use is essential for improving HPV vaccination uptake, acceptability, and IDM. Program use should therefore be promoted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register NTR4795; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/4795.