Effectiveness of a Digital Health Intervention Leveraging Reinforcement Learning: Results From the Diabetes and Mental Health Adaptive Notification Tracking and Evaluation (DIAMANTE) Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Digital and mobile health interventions using personalization via reinforcement learning algorithms have the potential to reach large number of people to support physical activity and help manage diabetes and depression in daily life. OBJECTIVE: The Diabetes and Mental Health Adaptive Notification and Tracking Evaluation (DIAMANTE) study tested whether a digital physical activity intervention using personalized text messaging via reinforcement learning algorithms could increase step counts in a diverse, multilingual sample of people with diabetes and depression symptoms. METHODS: From January 2020 to June 2022, participants were recruited from 4 San Francisco, California-based public primary care clinics and through web-based platforms to participate in the 24-week randomized controlled trial. Eligibility criteria included English or Spanish language preference and a documented diagnosis of diabetes and elevated depression symptoms. The trial had 3 arms: a Control group receiving a weekly mood monitoring message, a Random messaging group receiving randomly selected feedback and motivational text messages daily, and an Adaptive messaging group receiving text messages selected by a reinforcement learning algorithm daily. Randomization was performed with a 1:1:1 allocation. The primary outcome, changes in daily step counts, was passively collected via a mobile app. The primary analysis assessed changes in daily step count using a linear mixed-effects model. An a priori subanalysis compared the primary step count outcome within recruitment samples. RESULTS: In total, 168 participants were analyzed, including those with 24% (40/168) Spanish language preference and 37.5% (63/168) from clinic-based recruitment. The results of the linear mixed-effects model indicated that participants in the Adaptive arm cumulatively gained an average of 3.6 steps each day (95% CI 2.45-4.78; P<.001) over the 24-week intervention (average of 608 total steps), whereas both the Control and Random arm participants had significantly decreased rates of change. Postintervention estimates suggest that participants in the Adaptive messaging arm showed a significant step count increase of 19% (606/3197; P<.001), in contrast to 1.6% (59/3698) and 3.9% (136/3480) step count increase in the Random and Control arms, respectively. Intervention effectiveness differences were observed between participants recruited from the San Francisco clinics and those recruited via web-based platforms, with the significant step count trend persisting across both samples for participants in the Adaptive group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the use of reinforcement learning algorithms for personalizing text messaging interventions to increase physical activity in a diverse sample of people with diabetes and depression. It is the first to test this approach in a large, diverse, and multilingual sample. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03490253; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03490253. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034723.

Effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial of Spanish language, digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) intervention for depression and anxiety - protocol for the SUPERA (SUpport from PEeRs to expand Access) study.

BACKGROUND: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Latinxs experience a longer duration of untreated depression and anxiety. LEP Latinxs have difficulty accessing mental healthcare due to insufficient Spanish-speaking behavioral/mental health clinicians to meet demand. These under-resourced healthcare systems are less likely to be the site for the implementation of innovations. Digital interventions can provide an effective option for overcoming these barriers; yet, when digital evidence-based treatments are available, uptake and engagement is often low. This manuscript presents the protocol for the SUPERA (SUpport from PEeRs to expand Access) study which will evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based, Spanish language, digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) intervention (i.e., SilverCloud) in safety-net primary care clinics for LEP Latinx patients with depression or anxiety. METHODS: We will conduct an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial (Type 2) design comparing engagement and clinical outcomes in two modalities of dCBT delivery (peer-supported vs. unsupported). We will also compare provider-level outreach (using a clinic patient registry) versus inreach (traditional provider referral) to compare rates of initiation, completion, and cost. Participants will be 426 LEP Latinx adults ≥18 years of age, PHQ-9 ≥ 10 or GAD-7 ≥ 8, with access to the internet via smartphone, and not currently receiving individual psychotherapy. We will collect baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and follow up (3 months) data. CONCLUSION: The long-term goal of this research is to aid in the implementation of digital mental health interventions that can be sustainably implemented in low-resourced settings, while reducing the reliance on professionals, overcoming workforce deficits, and increasing relevance for diverse populations.

Experiencia personal de paternidad o maternidad como principal predictor del conocimiento de la lactancia materna en los médicos de familia / Personal experience of paternity or maternity as the main predictor of knowledge of breastfeeding in family doctors

Introducción: Los médicos de familia juegan un papel fundamental en la promoción de las prácticas adecuadas de la lactancia materna (LM), por lo que deben tener un conocimiento adecuado sobre el tema.ObjetivoEvaluar el conocimiento sobre la LM y los factores asociados en los médicos de familia en una unidad de primer nivel de atención de Cuernavaca, México.Material y métodosSe realizó un estudio transversal, en 93 médicos adscritos y residentes de medicina de familia. El conocimiento sobre la LM se evaluó mediante el cuestionario ECoLa de 20 ítems, considerando variables familiares y demográficas. Se realizó una estadística descriptiva de los datos y los factores asociados al nivel de conocimiento se evaluaron mediante un modelo de regresión logística.ResultadosDe la muestra, el 72% fueron mujeres; 41% estaban casados y 55% tenían al menos un hijo, el 23% había tomado al menos un curso de LM. Se obtuvo una media de 11,5 aciertos en el cuestionario ECoLa, 52% se clasificaron en un nivel de conocimiento bajo, 45% en regular y 3% en adecuado. Después del ajuste por edad, cursos de lactancia y estado civil, las principales variables asociadas a un conocimiento regular/bueno fueron tener al menos un hijo (OR 4,63 IC 95% 1,1-19,42) y el sexo (mujer OR 5,75 IC 95% 1,58-20,94).ConclusionesEl 52% de los médicos de familia mostró un conocimiento bajo sobre la LM. La experiencia personal de la paternidad o maternidad de los médicos de familia se asocia al mejor conocimiento de la LM, superando a las capacitaciones y a los cursos. (AU)

Introduction: The Family doctors play a fundamental role in promoting an adequate breastfeeding practices, so they must have an adequate knowledge of this matters.ObjectiveEvaluate the knowledge about breastfeeding in family doctors of a first level care unit in Cuernavaca, Mexico.Material and methodsThe study was cross-sectional with 93 Family doctors and family medicine residents. The knowledge about breastfeeding was evaluated using the ECoLa questionnaire of 20 items, considering family and demographic variables. Were performed descriptive statistics and the factors associated with the level of knowledge were evaluated using a logistic regression model.ResultsFrom the sample 72% were women, 41% were married and 55% had at least one child, 23% had taken at least one breastfeeding course. On average 11.5 hits out in ECoLa questionnaire, 52% were classified as low knowledge level, 45% as regular and 3% as good. After adjustment for age, lactation courses, and marital status. The main variables associate to knowledge regular / good were had at least one child, (OR 4.63 95% CI 1.1-19.42), and sex (woman OR 5.75 95% CI 1.58-20.94).Conclusions52% of family doctors showed low knowledge about breastfeeding. The personal experience of paternity or maternity of family doctors is a relevant factor associated with better knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding, surpassing training and courses. (AU)

Caries en primeros molares permanentes y factores asociados a esta en escolares de Acapulco / Caries in permanent first molars and associated factors with its in schoolchildren from Acapulco

Introducción: La caries es una de las enfermedades bucodentales más frecuentes y, por ser las primeras en emerger, los primeros molares permanentes son las piezas más susceptibles a esta afección. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de caries y factores asociados a esta en los primeros molares permanentes en escolares de segundo grado de primaria. Métodos: Estudio transversal, en estudiantes de segundo grado en 17 de 67 escuelas públicas de Acapulco, Guerrero. Un cuestionario autoadministrado se utilizó para obtener datos sociodemográficos y hábitos de higiene dental. La caries y la presencia de placa dentobacteriana se midieron a través de índices epidemiológicos, el CPOD (diente cariado, obturado y perdido) y el O'Leary. Se estimó la razón de momios e intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento, ajustada por conglomerado, como medida de la fuerza de asociación mediante análisis multivariado. Resultados: Se revisaron 3332 primeros molares permanentes, el 21 por ciento tuvo caries, el 6 por ciento tuvo obturaciones y el 1 por ciento ya se había extraído. El índice CPOD de caries grupal fue 0,27. Cinco factores estuvieron asociados a la caries de los primeros molares permanentes: higiene dental deficiente (RMa = 2,87), técnica de cepillado dental inadecuada (RMa = 1,70), tomar alguna bebida dulce antes de ir a dormir (RMa = 1,68), visitar al dentista (RMa = 0,67) y aplicación de flúor (RMa = 0,61). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de caries en los primeros molares permanentes fue 21 por ciento dentro del rango reportado en otros estudios. Fueron identificados cinco factores asociados a la caries: higiene dental deficiente, técnica de cepillado inadecuado, consumo de azúcares antes de dormir, visitas al dentista y aplicación de flúor. Estos factores orientan sobre qué medidas preventivas se deben promover en los escolares para la preservación de sus piezas dentales(AU)

Introduction: Caries is the most frequent oral disease and the first permanent molars are very susceptible to this condition because they are the first teeth to emerge. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of caries its associated factors in the first permanent molars in second grade primary school children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in second grade students in 17 out of 67primary public schools in Acapulco, Guerrero. We applied a self-administered questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic data and dental hygiene habits. Caries and the presence of dentobacterial plaque were measured through epidemiological indices, CPOD (decayed, blocked and lost tooth) and O'Leary index. The odds ratio and 95 percent confidence interval, adjusted by cluster, were estimated as a measure of strength of association through multivariate analysis. Results: We reviewed 3 332 permanent first molars, 21 percent had cavities, 6 percent had seals and 1 percent had already been removed. The CPOD index of group caries was 0,27. We found five factors associated with caries of the first permanent molars: deficient dental hygiene (RMa=2,87), inadequate tooth brushing technique (RMa=1,70), drinking a sweet drink before bedtime (RMa=1,68), visiting the dentist (RMa=0,67) and fluoride application (RMa=0,61). Conclusions: Prevalence of caries in the first permanent molars was 21 percent, within the range reported in other studies. Five factors associated with caries were identified: poor dental hygiene, inadequate brushing technique, consumption of sugars before going to sleep, visits to the dentist and application of fluoride. These factors guide what preventive measures should be promoted in schoolchildren for the preservation of their teeth(AU)

El eje intestino-cerebro en el trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad: papel de la microbiota / The gut-brain axis in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: the role of the microbiota

Introducción. El trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (TDAH) presenta una etiología compleja, atribuida principalmente a múltiples genes de susceptibilidad y factores ambientales. No obstante, los estudios genéticos de asociación han sido inconsistentes, identificando variantes genéticas de efecto moderado que explican una pequeña proporción de la heredabilidad estimada del trastorno (< 10%). Recientes estudios sugieren que la microbiota intestinal y la dieta desempeñan un papel importante en el desarrollo y los síntomas de diferentes trastornos mentales. Sin embargo, en la actualidad no existe una claridad absoluta al respecto. El presente proyecto propone un abordaje alternativo para identificar mecanismos a través de los cuales el ecosistema microbiano intestinal y la dieta podrían contribuir a la presencia del TDAH. Objetivo. Identificar biomarcadores para el TDAH a través del estudio de la microbiota intestinal. Sujetos y métodos. Estudio transversal de pacientes adultos con TDAH (n = 100) y de individuos control (n = 100). En ambos grupos se tomarán medidas de evaluación de TDAH y hábitos alimentarios. Se obtendrán muestras fecales para la extracción del ADN bacteriano, que permitirán caracterizar la microbiota intestinal de los participantes, para posteriormente realizar un estudio de asociación metagenómico e intentar correlacionar la composición bacteriana intestinal con subtipos clínicos del trastorno. Resultados y conclusiones. Se espera que la comparación de los perfiles de microbiota intestinal entre sujetos con TDAH y controles ayude a explicar la heterogeneidad clínica del trastorno e identificar nuevos mecanismos implicados en su desarrollo (AU)

Introduction. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a complex aetiology, mainly attributed to a number of susceptibility genes and environmental factors. Genetic association studies, however, have been inconsistent and have identified genetic variants with a moderate effect that explain a small proportion of the estimated inheritability of the disorder (< 10%). Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota and diet play an important role in the development and symptoms of different mental disorders. Nevertheless, no clear evidence exists on the issue. This project proposes an alternative approach to identify mechanisms by which the intestinal microbial ecosystem and diet could contribute to the presence of ADHD. Aim. To identify biomarkers for ADHD by examining the gut microbiota. Subjects and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult patients with ADHD (n = 100) and control subjects (n = 100). Measures of ADHD evaluation and eating habits were performed in both groups. Samples of faecal material were obtained from which to extract bacterial DNA, then used to characterise the participants’ gut microbiota. A metagenomics association study was later performed to attempt to correlate the bacterial composition of the intestine with the clinical subtypes of the disorder. Results and conclusions. Comparing the gut microbiota profiles of subjects with ADHD and controls is expected to help account for the clinical heterogeneity of the disorder and identify new mechanisms involved in its development (AU)