Effect sizes and intra-cluster correlation coefficients measured from the Green Dot High School study for guiding sample size calculations when designing future violence prevention cluster randomized trials in school settings

Purpose

Cluster randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) are popular in school-based research designs where schools are randomized to different trial arms. To help guide future study planning, we provide information on anticipated effect sizes and intra-cluster correlation coefficients (ICCs), as well as school sizes, for dating violence (DV) and interpersonal violence outcomes based on data from a cRCT which evaluated the bystander-based violence intervention ‘Green Dot’.

Methods

We utilized data from 25 schools from the Green Dot High School study. Effect size and ICC values corresponding to dating and interpersonal violence outcomes are obtained from linear mixed effect models. We also calculated the required number of schools needed for future studies utilizing available methods that do and do not consider variation in school size.

Results

Observed effect sizes for DV outcomes range from 0.06 to 0.11. Observed ICC values for DV outcomes range from 0.0006 to 0.0032. The upper limit of 95% CIs for the true ICCs range from 0.0023 to 0.0070.

Conclusion

School-based evaluations with violence outcomes are expected to have small effect sizes. Observed ICCs are less than 0.005 and upper limit of of 95% CIs for the true ICCs are less than 0.01. Designing school-based cRCTs should account for the ICC, even if its value is assumed to be negligible. Furthermore, variation in school sizes should also be accounted for to avoid having too few schools to achieve the desired power.

A comparison of team-based learning and lecture-based learning on clinical reasoning and classroom engagement: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The lecture-based learning (LBL) implemented in most Indonesian nursing/midwifery schools underlies the students' lack of ability in clinical reasoning. Team-based learning (TBL) was proposed to improve the students' ability in clinical reasoning as it is applying a course concept of real complex scenarios. In this study, we aimed to assess and compare the effects of TBL and LBL of postpartum hemorrhage topics on the clinical reasoning and classroom engagement of midwifery students in Indonesia.

METHODS

We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of TBL and LBL. The unit was schools and random allocation was conducted using a simple random sampling method (i.e., coin flipping). There was 1 cluster in the intervention group (n = 62 students) and 1 cluster in the control group (n = 53 students). The students in the intervention group participated in a TBL class (90 min) three times, whereas the students in the control group attended an LBL class on postpartum hemorrhage topics. The primary outcome was the clinical reasoning on postpartum hemorrhage score measured at pre-test, post-test, and 2 weeks post-test. The secondary outcome was Classroom Engagement Survey (CES) score measured after each class finished. We used an unpaired t-test to evaluate the differences between the two groups. The baseline characteristics of the participants were compared using standardized difference.

RESULTS

We evaluated a total of 115 participants. Regarding the baseline characteristics, there was a small difference in the age, Grade Point Average and knowledge at pre-test between the intervention and control groups. The mean clinical reasoning on postpartum hemorrhage scores were significantly higher in the TBL students than in the LBL students at post-test (p < .001; Cohen's d = 1.41) and 2 weeks post-test (p < .001; Cohen's d = 1.50). The CES showed a significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

TBL is an effective learning method for enhancing the clinical reasoning ability of students. This learning method allows for more independent and active learning. Having a strong background knowledge, and discussing cases comprehensively with peers can sharpen the clinical reasoning ability of students.

Increasing the HIV testing among MSM through HIV test result exchange mechanism: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

HIV testing is an essential gateway to HIV prevention and treatment thus controlling the HIV epidemic. More innovative interventions are needed to increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) since their testing rate is still low. We proposed an online HIV test results exchange mechanism whereby the one without a certified online HIV report will be asked to test HIV for exchanging HIV report with others. The exchange mechanism is developed as an extension to the existing online HIV testing service system. Through the extended system, MSM can obtain certified online HIV reports and exchange their reports with friends via WeChat. This study aims to assess effectiveness of the exchange mechanism to increase the HIV testing rate among MSM.

Methods

This study will use a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Participants are recruited based on the unit of individual social network, the sender and the receivers of the HIV report. An individual social network is composed of one sender (ego) and one or more receivers (alters). In this study, MSM in an HIV testing clinic are recruited as potential egos and forwarded online reports to their WeChat friends voluntarily. Friends are invited to participate by report links and become alters. Ego and alters serve as a cluster and are randomized to the group using the certified online HIV report with exchange mechanism (intervention group) or without exchange mechanism (control group). Alters are the intervention targeting participants. The primary outcome is HIV testing rate. Other outcomes are sexual transmitted infections, sexual behaviors, HIV testing norms, stigma, risk perception and HIV report delivery. The outcomes will be assessed at baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Analysis will be according to intention to treat approach and using mixed-effect models with networks and individuals as random effects.

Discussion

This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of an HIV test result exchange mechanism to increase the HIV testing among MSM. This assessment of the intervention will also provide scientific evidence on other potential effects. Findings from this study will yield insights for sustainability driven by communities' intrinsic motivation.

Trail registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03984136. Registered 12 June 2019.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06484-y.

Community-based intervention for prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Nepal (COBIN-P trial): study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the commonest of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nepal. Risk factors like indoor and outdoor air pollution, a high prevalence of smoking, and the lack of awareness of COPD make it a serious public health concern. However, no attempt has been made in Nepal to estimate its burden and address the disease at the community level.

Method

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a community-based health educational intervention administered by Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) on the prevention and management of COPD. An open-label, two-group, community-based, cluster-randomized controlled trial will be implemented in the semi-urban area of Pokhara Metropolitan city (former Lekhnath Municipality) located in the Kaski district of Nepal. The estimated sample size of the intervention will be 1143. The unit of randomization is the ward (administrative unit) of the study area. The follow-up survey will be conducted immediately after 12 months of FCHVs-led interventions. The difference in the rate of decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and FEV₁/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio are the primary outcomes and the change in the proportion of modifiable risk factors of COPD, health-related quality of life scores, and change in knowledge of COPD will be secondary outcomes.

Discussion

This study will estimate the burden of COPD, the magnitude of risk factors and generate evidence to mobilize community health workers for COPD prevention and management at the community level in Nepal.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03797768. Registered on January 9, 2019.

What characterizes schools and students participating in health promoting school-based intervention studies? Findings from the healthy high school study

The Healthy High School (HHS) intervention was developed to promote well-being among first-year high school students (~16 years of age) in Denmark by targeting stress, physical activity, meal habits, sleep, and sense of community. Thirty-one schools were randomly allocated to intervention (16 schools) or control (15 schools) groups in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. The purpose of this short communication was to compare characteristics of students and schools between 1) schools accepting to participate in the HHS study and non-participating schools using national survey data and 2) intervention and control schools using HHS baseline data. We included cross-sectional data from the Danish National Youth Study 2014 on 119 schools and 22,935 first-year students to characterize participating schools and students. At baseline (August 2016), students (n = 4577; 88.0%) and principals (n = 29; 96.7%) completed online questionnaires. Compared to non-participating schools, fewer HHS schools perceived their school as being popular and offered weekly sport activities outside school hours. More HHS schools had teachers engaged in health promotion activities and focused on stress prevention. The characteristics of HHS students did not differ markedly from non-participating high school students. There were no socio-demographic, outcome or contextual differences between the study arms. To ensure successful recruitment of schools it is important that the intervention meets the need of the schools and that the advantages of participation are explicit. This underlines the need for a thorough needs assessment prior to intervention development, co-creation of intervention activities with school staff, and a well-planned recruitment strategy.

Strategies for facilitating the delivery of cluster randomized trials in hospitals: A study informed by the CFIR-ERIC matching tool

BACKGROUND

Recruitment and engagement of clusters in a cluster randomized controlled trial can sometimes prove challenging. Identification of successful or unsuccessful strategies may be beneficial in guiding future researchers in conducting their cluster randomized controlled trial. This study aimed to identify strategies that could be used to facilitate the delivery of cluster randomized controlled trials in hospitals.

METHODS

The study employed the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change matching tool. The barriers and enablers to cluster randomized controlled trial conduct identified in our previously conducted studies served as a means of determinant identification for the conduct of cluster randomized controlled trials. These determinants were mapped to Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs and then matched to Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change compilation strategies using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change matching tool.

RESULTS

The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change strategies matched to at least one determinant Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research construct were as follows: (1) 'Identify and prepare champions', (2) 'Conduct local needs assessment', (3) 'Conduct educational meetings', (4) 'Inform local opinion leaders', (5) 'Build a coalition', (6) 'Promote adaptability', (7) 'Develop a formal implementation blueprint', (8) 'Involve patients/consumers and family members', (9) 'Obtain and use patients/consumers and family feedback', (10) 'Develop educational materials', (11) 'Promote network weaving', (12) 'Distribute educational materials', (13) 'Access new funding' and (14) 'Develop academic partnerships'.

CONCLUSION

This study was intended as a step in the research agenda aimed at facilitating cluster randomized controlled trial delivery in hospitals and can act as a resource for future researchers when planning their cluster randomized controlled trial, with the expectation that the strategies identified here will be tailored to each context.

A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate a Community-Based Healthy Eating and Nutrition Label Interpretation Intervention Among Latinx Immigrant Mothers and Their Daughters

We evaluated outcomes from a healthy eating/nutrition label interpretation intervention among Latinx immigrant mothers and their daughters, aged 9-12 years, in Alabama. Between May 2013-October 2017, this cluster randomized controlled trial assigned 299 mother-daughter dyads to either a healthy eating (intervention) or HPV vaccination (control) study arm. Participants attended four group sessions delivered in Spanish by Lay Health Educators covering portion sizes, healthy eating/cooking strategies, and nutrition label reading/interpretation. An individual session in participants' homes reviewed pantries and developed healthy eating plans. Identical interviewer-administered surveys were completed at baseline and 7-month follow-up by both study arms. Retention rate at follow-up was 93.4% in intervention arm (92.6% in control arm). Positive changes in healthy eating behaviors and proficiency in nutrition label interpretation were assessed. Adjusting for marital status, employment status, and health insurance coverage status, when compared to controls, mothers in the intervention arm had greater odds of increasing daily fruit and vegetable consumption (OR 3.66, 95% CI 2.14-6.27, p < 0.001), decreasing weekly fried food intake (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.3-8.04, p < 0.001), decreasing daily sweetened beverages (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.22-3.52, p < 0.01), increasing frequency of reading nutrition labels (OR 12.58, 95% CI 6.81-23.22, p < 0.001), and correctly interpreting nutrition labels (OR 4.45, 95% CI 2.64-7.48, p < 0.001). Significant positive changes in targeted behaviors were not observed among daughters. A community-based, culturally relevant intervention that includes nutrition label interpretation can positively influence eating habits among Latinx immigrant mothers.

Primary dementia care based on the individual needs of the patient: study protocol of the cluster randomized controlled trial, DemStepCare

Background

Most people with dementia (PwD) are cared for at home, with general practitioners (GPs) playing a key part in the treatment. However, primary dementia care suffers from a number of shortcomings: Often, diagnoses are made too late and therapies by GPs do not follow the guidelines. In cases of acute crises, PwD are too often admitted to hospital with adverse effects on the further course of the disease.

The aim of this study is to implement and evaluate a new GP-based, complex dementia care model, DemStepCare. DemStepCare aims to ensure demand-oriented, stepped care for PwD and their caregivers.

Methods/design

In a cluster randomized controlled trial, the care of PwD receiving a complex intervention, where the GP is supported by a multi-professional team, is compared to (slightly expanded) usual care.

GPs are clustered by GP practice, with 120 GP practices participating in total. GP practices are randomized to an intervention or a control group. 800 PwD are to be included per group. Recruitment takes place in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. In addition, a second control group with at least 800 PwD will be formed using aggregated routine data from German health insurance companies. The intervention comprises the training of GPs, case management including repeated risk assessment of the patients’ care situation, the demand-oriented service of an outpatient clinic, an electronic case record, external medication analyses and a link to regional support services. The primary aims of the intervention are to positively influence the quality of life for PwD, to reduce the caregivers’ burden, and to reduce the days spent in hospital. Secondary endpoints address medication adequacy and GPs’ attitudes and sensitivity towards dementia, among others.

Discussion

The GP-based dementia care model DemStepCare is intended to combine a number of promising interventions to provide a complex, stepped intervention that follows the individual needs of PwD and their caregivers. Its effectiveness and feasibility will be assessed in a formative and a summative evaluation.

Trial registration

German Register of Clinical Trials (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS), DRKS00023560. Registered 13 November 2020 - Retrospectively registered. HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023560.

Personalized hypertension management based on serial assessment and telemedicine (PHMA): a cluster randomize controlled trial protocol in Anhui, China

BACKGROUND

Despite tremendous investment worldwide, hypertension treatment and control rates remain low. The complexity and long-term dynamics of influencing factors make personalized management inevitable and challenging. This protocol describes Personalized Hypertension Management in Anhui, China (PHMA), a project that uses a package of innovative approaches in tailoring interventions to individual patient's dynamic complications and contexts.

METHODS/DESIGN

PHMA strives to reduce hypertension harms by eight "objective behaviors" (e.g., self-monitoring and reporting, healthy diet, physical exercise/activities). These objective behaviors are promoted through five intervention measures: support for self- monitoring, supervised machine communications, daily education or reminder messages, weekly blood pressure notification, and quarterly signed feedback. PHMA uses ten categories and over 300 variables in selecting and refining intervention procedures and content for individual patients. Efficacy of the intervention package is evaluated using a cluster randomized controlled trial design involving a total of 60 site communities and 3352 hypertension patients. Primary measure for the evaluation is systolic and diastolic blood pressure; while secondary evaluation measures include quality of life (EQ5D-5L), occurrence of hypertension-related complications (such as cerebral hemorrhage, coronary heart disease, myocardial or cerebral infarction), healthcare utilization and scores of objective behaviors.

DISCUSSION

PHMA uses novel, low cost and sustainable approaches to tailor interventions to the dynamic conditions and contexts of individual patients. Unlike contemporary approaches to hypertension management which are mainly population based, each participant patient in PHMA applies a unique intervention package and all messages, feedbacks and other materials sent out to individual patients are different from each other. PHMA is the first project that adopts comprehensive tailoring and if proved effective, it should have important implications for future research, practice and policy-making. Trial registration ISRCTN10999269. July 17, 2020; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10999269 .

Community intervention for child tuberculosis active contact investigation and management: study protocol for a parallel cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

There are major gaps in the management of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation for rapid identification of active tuberculosis and initiation of preventive therapy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a community-based intervention as compared to facility-based model for the management of children in contact with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB adults in low-resource high-burden settings.

Methods/design

This multicenter parallel open-label cluster randomized controlled trial is composed of three phases: I, baseline phase in which retrospective data are collected, quality of data recording in facility registers is checked, and expected acceptability and feasibility of the intervention is assessed; II, intervention phase with enrolment of index cases and contact cases in either facility- or community-based models; and III, explanatory phase including endpoint data analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and post-intervention acceptability assessment by healthcare providers and beneficiaries. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. The community-based intervention includes identification and screening of all household contacts, referral of contacts with TB-suggestive symptoms to the facility for investigation, and household initiation of preventive therapy with follow-up of eligible child contacts by community healthcare workers, i.e., all young (< 5 years) child contacts or older (5–14 years) child contacts living with HIV, and with no evidence of TB disease. Twenty clusters representing TB diagnostic and treatment facilities with their catchment areas are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the community-based intervention arm or the facility-based standard of care arm in Cameroon and Uganda. Randomization was stratified by country and constrained on the number of index cases per cluster. The primary endpoint is the proportion of eligible child contacts who initiate and complete the preventive therapy. The sample size is of 1500 child contacts to identify a 10% difference between the arms with the assumption that 60% of children will complete the preventive therapy in the standard of care arm.

Discussion

This study will provide evidence of the impact of a community-based intervention on household child contact screening and management of TB preventive therapy in order to improve care and prevention of childhood TB in low-resource high-burden settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03832023. Registered on 6 February 2019

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05124-9.

Assessing the efficacy of two dual-active ingredients long-lasting insecticidal nets for the control of malaria transmitted by pyrethroid-resistant vectors in Benin: study protocol for a three-arm, single-blinded, parallel, cluster-randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are currently the primary method of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa and have contributed to a significant reduction in malaria burden over the past 15 years. However, this progress is threatened by the wide-scale selection of insecticide-resistant malaria vectors. It is, therefore, important to accelerate the generation of evidence for new classes of LLINs.

METHODS

This protocol presents a three-arm superiority, single-blinded, cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of 2 novel dual-active ingredient LLINs on epidemiological and entomological outcomes in Benin, a malaria-endemic area with highly pyrethroid-resistant vector populations. The study arms consist of (i) Royal Guard® LLIN, a net combining a pyrethroid (alpha-cypermethrin) plus an insect growth regulator (pyriproxyfen), which in the adult female is known to disrupt reproduction and egg fertility; (ii) Interceptor G2® LLIN, a net incorporating two adulticides (alpha-cypermethrin and chlorfenapyr) with different modes of action; and (iii) the control arm, Interceptor® LLIN, a pyrethroid (alpha-cypermethrin) only LLIN. In all arms, one net for every 2 people will be distributed to each household. Sixty clusters were identified and randomised 1:1:1 to each study arm. The primary outcome is malaria case incidence measured over 24 months through active case detection in a cohort of 25 children aged 6 months to 10 years, randomly selected from each cluster. Secondary outcomes include 1) malaria infection prevalence (all ages) and prevalence of moderate to severe anaemia in children under 5 years old, measured at 6 and 18 months post-intervention; 2) entomological indices measured every 3 months using human landing catches over 24 months. Insecticide resistance intensity will also be monitored over the study period.

DISCUSSION

This study is the second cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of these next-generation LLINs to control malaria transmitted by insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. The results of this study will form part of the WHO evidence-based review to support potential public health recommendations of these nets and shape malaria control strategies of sub-Saharan Africa for the next decade.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03931473 , registered on 30 April 2019.

Comparative effectiveness of direct admission and admission through emergency departments for children: a randomized stepped wedge study protocol

BACKGROUND

Approximately 2 million children are hospitalized each year in the United States, with more than three-quarters of non-elective hospitalizations admitted through emergency departments (EDs). Direct admission, defined as admission to hospital without first receiving care in the hospital's ED, may offer benefits for patients and healthcare systems in quality, timeliness, and experience of care. While ED utilization patterns are well studied, there is a paucity of research comparing the effectiveness of direct and ED admissions. The overall aim of this project is to compare the effectiveness of a standardized direct admission approach to admission beginning in the ED for hospitalized children.

METHODS/DESIGN

We will conduct a stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial at 3 structurally and geographically diverse hospitals. A total of 70 primary and urgent care practice sites in the hospitals' catchment areas will be randomized to a time point when they will begin participation in the multi-stakeholder informed direct admission program. This crossover will be unidirectional and occur at 4 time points, 6 months apart, over a 24-month implementation period. Our primary outcome will be the timeliness of clinical care provision. Secondary outcomes include (i) parent-reported experience of care, (ii) unanticipated transfer to the intensive care unit within 6 h of hospital admission, and (iii) rapid response calls within 6 h of hospital admission. We anticipate that 190 children and adolescents will be directly admitted, with 1506 admitted through EDs. Analyses will compare the effectiveness of direct admission to admission through the ED and will evaluate the causal effect of implementing a direct admission program using linear regression with random effects for referring practice clusters and time period fixed effects. We will further examine the heterogeneity of treatment effects based on hypotheses specified a priori. In addition, we will conduct a mixed-methods process evaluation to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of our direct admission intervention.

DISCUSSION

Our study represents the first randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of direct admission to admission through the ED for pediatric patients. Our scientific approach, pairing a stepped wedge design with a multi-level assessment of barriers to and facilitators of implementation, will generate valuable data about how positive findings can be reproduced across other healthcare systems.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04192799 . Registered on December 10, 2019).

DOuble SEquential External Defibrillation for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation (DOSE VF): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Despite high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation, and antiarrhythmic medications, some patients remain in refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. These patients have worse outcomes compared to patients who respond to initial treatment. Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) and vector change (VC) defibrillation have been proposed as viable options for patients in refractory VF. However, the evidence supporting the use of novel defibrillation strategies is inconclusive. The objective of this study is to compare two novel therapeutic defibrillation strategies (DSED and VC) against standard defibrillation for patients with treatment refractory VF or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Research question

Among adult (≥ 18 years) patients presenting in refractory VF or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, does DSED or VC defibrillation result in greater rates of survival to hospital discharge compared to standard defibrillation?

Methods

This will be a three-arm, cluster randomized trial with repeated crossover conducted in six regions of Ontario, Canada (Peel, Halton, Toronto, Simcoe, London, and Ottawa), over 3 years. All adult (≥ 18 years) patients presenting in refractory VF (defined as patients presenting in VF/pVT and remaining in VF/pVT after three consecutive standard defibrillation attempts during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac etiology will be treated by one of three strategies: (1) continued resuscitation using standard defibrillation, (2) resuscitation involving DSED, or (3) resuscitation involving VC (change of defibrillation pads from anterior-lateral to anterior-posterior pad position) defibrillation. The primary outcome will be survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes will include return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), VF termination after the first interventional shock, VF termination inclusive of all interventional shocks, and number of defibrillation attempts to obtain ROSC. We will also perform an a priori subgroup analysis comparing rates of survival for those who receive “early DSED,” or first DSED shock is shock 4–6, to those who receive “late DSED,” or first DSED shock is shock 7 or later.

Discussion

A well-designed randomized controlled trial employing a standardized approach to alternative defibrillation strategies early in the treatment of refractory VF is urgently required to determine if the treatments of DSED or VC defibrillation impact clinical outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04080986. Registered on 6 September 2019.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-020-04904-z.

Design and impact evaluation of a digital reproductive health program in Rwanda using a cluster randomized design: study protocol

Background

Rwandan adolescents have limited access to high-quality family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) information and care to prevent unplanned pregnancy and HIV/STIs. In addition to the immediate implications for health and well-being, teenage pregnancy is a significant cause of school drop-out, limiting girls’ future potential and employment opportunities. This study introduces a direct-to-consumer digital education program that uses storytelling to deliver age-appropriate FP/RH information and economic empowerment training to adolescents. It also facilitates access to high-quality, youth-friendly FP/RH care and products. We evaluate two different school-based models of its implementation to understand how to optimize the uptake of contraception and HIV testing among adolescents.

Methods

The study consists of two distinct phases. The first formative intervention design phase, conducted from 2016 to 2019, used a human-centered design methodology to develop the intervention alongside over 600 Rwandan adolescents, their parents, teachers, and healthcare providers. Through this methodology, we sought to maximize the fit between evidence-based practices (uptake of modern contraception and HIV testing) and the implementation context of adolescents in Rwanda. The second phase is an impact evaluation, in which we will use a Hybrid Trial Type 2 Effectiveness-Implementation study design to determine the overall effectiveness of this digital intervention as well as the relative effectiveness of the two different school-based implementation models. This takes the form of a 3-arm cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial, with a sample of 6000 youth aged 12–19 in 60 schools across 8 districts in Rwanda. Primary outcome measures include use of modern contraception, delayed initiation of childbearing, and uptake of HIV testing.

Discussion

This study will yield insights into not only whether this digital intervention is successful in achieving the intended sexual and reproductive health outcomes, but also which mechanisms are likely to drive this effectiveness. The methodologies used are broadly applicable to the design, implementation, and evaluation of other behavior-based health programs in low and middle-income countries.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04198272. Prospectively registered 13 December 2019.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-020-09746-7.

Cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) to support parental contact for children in out-of-home care

BACKGROUND

There is an identified need to improve the evidence-base in relation to contact visits for children in the out-of-home-care (OOHC) system, to ensure optimal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to test the effectiveness of a contact intervention for parents having supervised contact with children in long-term OOHC.

PARTICIPANTS

183 study children in 15 clusters (OOHC services) and their parent(s) were randomized to the intervention (8 clusters, 100 children) and control groups (7 clusters, 83 children) in three Australian jurisdictions.

SETTING

The manualized intervention consisted of increasing the preparation and support provided by caseworkers to parents before and after their contact visits.

METHOD

Interviews were conducted with carers, parents and caseworkers of the study children at baseline and nine months post-randomization. Interviews included standardized assessment tools measuring child and adult wellbeing and relationships, carer and caseworker ability to support contact, and contact visit cancellations by the parent.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, the intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses showed that fewer visits were cancelled by parents in the intervention group at follow-up (-10.27; 95 % CI: -17.04 to -3.50, p = .006). In addition, per-protocol (PP) analyses showed higher caseworker receptivity to contact (6.03; 95 % CI: 0.04-12.03, p = .04), and higher parent satisfaction with contact (7.41; 95 % CI: 0.70-14.11, p = .03) in the intervention group at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

While the intervention did not have an effect on child wellbeing, as measured by the SDQ, the trial reports significant positive findings and demonstrates the benefits of the kC kContact intervention in providing support to parents to attend contact visits. The findings of the current study provide an important contribution to knowledge in an area where few RCTs have been completed, notwithstanding the null findings.

Study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial of strategies to increase antenatal iron and folic acid supplementation and malaria prophylaxis in rural south-central Côte d'Ivoire

BACKGROUND

Coverage of antenatal iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) remains low in many countries. Evidence on the most effective ways to increase both IFASIPTp is mixed overall, with only few studies directly identifying cost-effective ways to increase coverage of both interventions. The proposed study aims to assess the cost, impact and relative cost-effectiveness of two complementary strategies of increasing IFAS and malaria chemoprophylaxis coverage among pregnant women relative to the current default system in a rural low-income setting of sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study will be carried out in the Taabo health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) in south-central Côte d'Ivoire. This is a cluster-randomized trial targeting 720 consenting pregnant women aged ≥15 years. The 118 clusters constituting the Taabo HDSS monitoring area will be randomly allocated to one of the following three groups with equal probability: a control group, an information only group, and an information plus home delivery group. To assess the relative effectiveness of each strategy, we will conduct an endline survey within the first 2 weeks after delivery. The primary outcomes of the trial will be maternal post-partum anaemia and malaria infection. Anaemia will be assessed using HEMOCUE devices; malaria infections will be assessed using standard rapid diagnostic tests named CareStart™ Malaria Pf (HRP2) Ag RDT (Multi Kit with capped lancet and inverted cup specimen transfer device). Other outcomes will include self-reported adherence to supplementation and malaria chemoprophylaxis, as well as miscarriages, stillbirths and low birth weight deliveries.

DISCUSSION

This study will assess the cost-effectiveness of two alternative strategies to increase antenatal IFAS and malaria chemoprophylaxis coverage among pregnant women in rural Côte d'Ivoire and similar settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04250428 ; Registered 31 January 2020.

A cluster randomized controlled trial on a multifaceted implementation strategy to promote integrated palliative care in COPD: study protocol of the COMPASSION study

BACKGROUND

Despite the urgent need for palliative care for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is not yet daily practice. Important factors influencing the provision of palliative care are adequate communication skills, knowing when to start palliative care and continuity of care. In the COMPASSION study, we address these factors by implementing an integrated palliative care approach for patients with COPD and their informal caregivers.

METHODS

An integrated palliative care intervention was developed based on existing guidelines, a literature review, and input from patient and professional organizations. To facilitate uptake of the intervention, a multifaceted implementation strategy was developed, comprising a toolbox, (communication) training, collaboration support, action planning and monitoring. Using a hybrid effectiveness-implementation type 2 design, this study aims to simultaneously evaluate the implementation process and effects on patient, informal caregiver and professional outcomes. In a cluster randomized controlled trial, eight hospital regions will be randomized to receive the integrated palliative care approach or to provide care as usual. Eligible patients are identified during hospitalization for an exacerbation using the Propal-COPD tool. The primary outcome is quality of life (FACIT-Pal) at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures include spiritual well-being, anxiety and depression, unplanned healthcare use, informal caregiver burden and healthcare professional's self-efficacy to provide palliative care. The implementation process will be investigated by a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation assessing the following implementation constructs: context, reach, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, implementation level, recruitment, maintenance and acceptability. Furthermore, determinants to implementation will be investigated using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

DISCUSSION

The COMPASSION study will broaden knowledge on the effectiveness and process of palliative care integration into COPD-care. Furthermore, it will improve our understanding of which strategies may optimize the implementation of integrated palliative care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NL7644 . Registration date: April 7, 2019.

Cost-effectiveness of the Namaste care family program for nursing home residents with advanced dementia in comparison with usual care: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Dementia is a progressive disease that decreases quality of life of persons with dementia and is associated with high societal costs. The burden of caring for persons with dementia also decreases the quality of life of family caregivers. The objective of this study was to assess the societal cost-effectiveness of Namaste Care Family program in comparison with usual care in nursing home residents with advanced dementia.

METHODS

Nursing homes were randomized to either Namaste Care Family program or usual care. Outcome measures of the cluster-randomized trial in 231 residents included Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) and the Gain in Alzheimer Care Instrument (GAIN) for family caregivers over 12 months of follow-up. Health states were measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire which were translated into utilities. QALYs were calculated by multiplying the amount of time a participant spent in a specific health state with the utility score associated with that health state. Healthcare utilization costs were estimated using standard unit costs, while intervention costs were estimated using a bottom-up approach. Missing cost and effect data were imputed using multiple imputation. Bootstrapped multilevel models were used after multiple imputation. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were estimated.

RESULTS

The Namaste Care Family program was more effective than usual care in terms of QUALID (- 0.062, 95%CI: - 0.40 to 0.28), QALY (0.0017, 95%CI: - 0.059 to 0.063) and GAIN (0.075, 95%CI: - 0.20 to 0.35). Total societal costs were lower for the Namaste Care Family program as compared to usual care (- 552 €, 95%CI: - 2920 to 1903). However, these differences were not statistically significant. The probability of cost-effectiveness at a ceiling ratio of 0 €/unit of effect extra was 0.70 for the QUALID, QALY and GAIN.

CONCLUSIONS

The Namaste Care Family program is dominant over usual care and, thus, cost-effective, although statistical uncertainty was considerable.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register ( http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/index.asp , identifier: NL5570, date of registration: 2016/03/23).

Reporting of key methodological and ethical aspects of cluster trials in hemodialysis require improvement: a systematic review

Background

The hemodialysis setting is suitable for trials that use cluster randomization, where intact groups of individuals are randomized. However, cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are complicated in their design, analysis, and reporting and can pose ethical challenges. We reviewed CRTs in the hemodialysis setting with respect to reporting of key methodological and ethical issues.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of CRTs in the hemodialysis setting, published in English, between 2000 and 2019, and indexed in MEDLINE or Embase. Two reviewers extracted data, and study results were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

We identified 26 completed CRTs and five study protocols of CRTs. These studies randomized hemodialysis centers (n = 17, 55%), hemodialysis shifts (n = 12, 39%), healthcare providers (n = 1, 3%), and nephrology units (n = 1, 3%). Trials included a median of 28 clusters with a median cluster size of 20 patients. Justification for using a clustered design was provided by 15 trials (48%). Methods that accounted for clustering were used during sample size calculation in 14 (45%), during analyses in 22 (71%), and during both sample size calculation and analyses in 13 trials (42%). Among all CRTs, 26 (84%) reported receiving research ethics committee approval; patient consent was reported in 22 trials: 10 (32%) reported the method of consent for trial participation and 12 (39%) reported no details about how consent was obtained or its purpose. Four trials (13%) reported receiving waivers of consent, and the remaining 5 (16%) provided no or unclear information about the consent process.

Conclusion

There is an opportunity to improve the conduct and reporting of essential methodological and ethical issues in future CRTs in hemodialysis.

Review Registration

We conducted this systematic review using a pre-specified protocol that was not registered.

Effectiveness of community-based folate-oriented tertiary interventions on incidence of fetus and birth defects: a protocol for a single-blind cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Birth defects are the main cause of fetal death, infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the etiology of birth defects remains largely unknown. Maternal folate status during periconception plays an important role in organogenesis and folic acid supplement reduces the risk of neural tube defects, congenital heart diseases, and several other birth defects. This trial seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of folate-oriented tertiary interventions during periconception on the incidence of fetus and birth defects.

METHODS

This is a single-blind, two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial in Shanghai, China. Eligible women from 22 clusters are recruited at pre-pregnancy physical examinations clinical settings. Compared to the routine perinatal care group (control arm), folate-oriented tertiary interventions will be provided to the intervention arm. The core interventions consist of assessments of folate status and metabolism, folate intake guidance, and re-evaluation of folate status to ensure red blood cell folate level above 400 ng/ml (906 nmol/L) before pregnancy. Screening and consulting of fetus and birth defects, and treatments of birth defects during pregnancy and afterward will be provided to both arms. The primary outcome is a composite incidence of fetus defects, stillbirth, and neonatal birth defects identified from the confirmation of pregnancy to 28 days after birth. Secondary outcomes include maternal and offspring adverse complications and cost-effectiveness of folate-oriented tertiary interventions. This protocol adheres to the SPIRIT Checklist.

DISCUSSION

To achieve the recommended folate status before or during pregnancy is still a challenge worldwide. This community-based cluster-randomized controlled intervention trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a package of interventions aiming at achieving recommended maternal folate status covering pre- and during pregnancy in reducing fetus and birth defects. Our study has the potential to improve the community-based practice of reducing modifiable risk factors of disease and improving primary prevention of the defects in China. The procedures would formulate the policy on folic acid supplementation during periconception against birth defects in primary care settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry, NCT03725878 . Prospectively registered on 31 October 2018.

Community-level interventions for pre-eclampsia (CLIP) in Pakistan: A cluster randomised controlled trial

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Task-sharing activities to detect and manage pregnancy hypertension can be achieved by CHWs.

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Intervention effects may have been masked by incomplete implementation or weak in-facility care.

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Contact intensity analyses support the WHO eight contact antenatal care model.

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Condition-focused community-based interventions without facility strengthening are inadequate.

Objectives

To reduce all-cause maternal and perinatal mortality and major morbidity through Lady Health Worker (LHW)-facilitated community engagement and early diagnosis, stabilization and referral of women with preeclampsia, an important contributor to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes given delays in early detection and initial management.

Study design

In the Pakistan Community-Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) cluster randomized controlled trial (NCT01911494), LHWs engaged the community, recruited pregnant women from 20 union councils (clusters), undertook mobile health-guided clinical assessment for preeclampsia, and referral to facilities after stabilization.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was a composite of maternal, fetal and newborn mortality and major morbidity.

Findings

We recruited 39,446 women in intervention (N = 20,264) and control clusters (N = 19,182) with minimal loss to follow-up (3∙7% vs. 4∙5%, respectively). The primary outcome did not differ between intervention (26·6%) and control (21·9%) clusters (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 1∙20 [95% confidence interval 0∙84-1∙72]; p = 0∙31). There was reduction in stillbirths (0·89 [0·81-0·99]; p = 0·03), but no impact on maternal death (1·08 [0·69, 1·71]; p = 0·74) or morbidity (1·12 [0·57, 2·16]; p = 0·77); early (0·95 [0·82-1·09]; p = 0·46) or late neonatal deaths (1·23 [0·97-1·55]; p = 0·09); or neonatal morbidity (1·22 [0·77, 1·96]; p = 0·40). Improvements in outcome rates were observed with 4–7 (p = 0·015) and ≥8 (p < 0·001) (vs. 0) CLIP contacts.

Interpretation

The CLIP intervention was well accepted by the community and implemented by LHWs. Lack of effects on adverse outcomes could relate to quality care for mothers with pre-eclampsia in health facilities. Future strategies for community outreach must also be accompanied by health facility strengthening.

Funding

The University of British Columbia (PRE-EMPT), a grantee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1017337).

Measuring mosquito control: adult-mosquito catches vs egg-trap data as endpoints of a cluster-randomized controlled trial of mosquito-disseminated pyriproxyfen

BACKGROUND

Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus are the main urban vectors of arthropod-borne viruses causing human disease, including dengue, Zika, or West Nile. Although key to disease prevention, urban-mosquito control has met only limited success. Alternative vector-control tactics are therefore being developed and tested, often using entomological endpoints to measure impact. Here, we test one promising alternative and assess how three such endpoints perform at measuring its effects.

METHODS

We conducted a 16-month, two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial (CRCT) of mosquito-disseminated pyriproxyfen (MD-PPF) in central-western Brazil. We used three entomological endpoints: adult-mosquito density as directly measured by active aspiration of adult mosquitoes, and egg-trap-based indices of female Aedes presence (proportion of positive egg-traps) and possibly abundance (number of eggs per egg-trap). Using generalized linear mixed models, we estimated MD-PPF effects on these endpoints while accounting for the non-independence of repeated observations and for intervention-unrelated sources of spatial-temporal variation.

RESULTS

On average, MD-PPF reduced adult-mosquito density by 66.3% (95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 47.3-78.4%); Cx. quinquefasciatus density fell by 55.5% (95% CI: 21.1-74.8%), and Ae. aegypti density by 60.0% (95% CI: 28.7-77.5%). In contrast, MD-PPF had no measurable effect on either Aedes egg counts or egg-trap positivity, both of which decreased somewhat in the intervention cluster but also in the control cluster. Egg-trap data, therefore, failed to reflect the 60.0% mean reduction of adult Aedes density associated with MD-PPF deployment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the widely used egg-trap-based monitoring may poorly measure the impact of Aedes control; even if more costly, direct monitoring of the adult mosquito population is likely to provide a much more realistic and informative picture of intervention effects. In our CRCT, MD-PPF reduced adult-mosquito density by 66.3% in a medium-sized, spatially non-isolated, tropical urban neighborhood. Broader-scale trials will be necessary to measure MD-PPF impact on arboviral-disease transmission.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a CRSCE-based de-escalation training program among psychiatric nurses: a study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The high incidence of workplace violence (WPV) in clinical mental health settings has caused a series of negative impacts on nurses, which has subsequently increased public concern. De-escalation (DE) is recommended as a training program which aims at providing nurses with skills and strategies to more effectively respond and manage WPV. Very few studies have examined the effectiveness of DE training, with current studies possessing various limitations due to their design and small sample sizes. By using a cluster randomized controlled design, the proposed study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a CRCSE-based DE training programs among psychiatric nurses.

METHOD

A cluster randomized controlled trial, with a 6-month follow-up period after the end of the intervention, will be conducted among psychiatric hospitals in Guangdong, China. The randomization unit is each involved psychiatric hospital. Participants in the control group will be assigned to routine WPV management training, participants of the intervention group will undergo the same training while additionally receiving DE training. The DE training will include the following five modules: communication, response, solution, care, and environment (CRSCE). Primary outcomes are objective clinical indicators, which will be extracted from the information systems of the enrolled hospitals. These include the incidence of WPV, injuries caused by WPV, and the use of coercion (physical restraint and seclusion) by nurses. Secondary outcomes, aims at evaluating the effects of DE training on nurses, include the capacity of DE, DE confidence, level of job burnout, and professional quality of life. Data will be collected at baseline (T0), at 3 months (T1, intervention completed), and at 6 months after intervention (T2, follow-up).

DISCUSSION

This study will offer trial-based evidence of the efficacy of a DE training program targeted at WPV among psychiatric nurses. DE training is expected to reduce both the total incidence and negative impacts of WPV, with additional improvements in psychiatric nurses' coping skills.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900022211 . Prospectively registered on 30 March 2019.

Community-level interventions for pre-eclampsia (CLIP) in Mozambique: A cluster randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Pregnancy hypertension is the third leading cause of maternal mortality in Mozambique and contributes significantly to fetal and neonatal mortality. The objective of this trial was to assess whether task-sharing care might reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes related to delays in triage, transport, and treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

The Mozambique Community-Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) cluster randomised controlled trial (NCT01911494) recruited pregnant women in 12 administrative posts (clusters) in Maputo and Gaza Provinces. The CLIP intervention (6 clusters) consisted of community engagement, community health worker-provided mobile health-guided clinical assessment, initial treatment, and referral to facility either urgently (<4hrs) or non-urgently (<24hrs), dependent on algorithm-defined risk. Treatment effect was estimated by multi-level logistic regression modelling, adjusted for prognostically-significant baseline variables. Predefined secondary analyses included safety and evaluation of the intensity of CLIP contacts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

20% reduction in composite of maternal, fetal, and newborn mortality and major morbidity.

RESULTS

15,013 women (15,123 pregnancies) were recruited in intervention (N = 7930; 2·0% loss to follow-up (LTFU)) and control (N = 7190; 2·8% LTFU) clusters. The primary outcome did not differ between intervention and control clusters (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1·31, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0·70, 2·48]; p = 0·40). Compared with intervention arm women without CLIP contacts, those with ≥8 contacts experienced fewer primary outcomes (aOR 0·79 (95% CI 0·63, 0·99); p = 0·041), primarily due to improved maternal outcomes (aOR 0·72 (95% CI 0·53, 0·97); p = 0·033).

INTERPRETATION

As generally implemented, the CLIP intervention did not improve pregnancy outcomes; community implementation of the WHO eight contact model may be beneficial.

FUNDING

The University of British Columbia (PRE-EMPT), a grantee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1017337).

Effectiveness of reminders to sustain practice change among direct care providers in residential care facilities: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The study purpose was to compare the effectiveness of monthly or quarterly peer reminder knowledge translation interventions, with monthly or quarterly paper-based reminders, to sustain a mobility innovation, the sit-to-stand activity.

METHOD

A cluster RCT using a stratified 2 × 2 factorial design was conducted in 24 Canadian residential care facilities with 416 residents and 54 peer reminder care aides. The 1-year intervention included two intensities of reminders (high: socially based peer reminders delivered by volunteer care aides to other care aides; low: paper-based reminders posted in residents' rooms), at two frequencies (monthly; every 3 months). Intervention fidelity was assessed using questionnaires and observations. Monthly sustainability rate of the sit-to-stand activity was calculated as the percentage of opportunities that residents successfully completed the activity in 30 days. Residents' sustainability rates were analyzed using a linear mixed model that mirrored the clustered repeated-measures factorial trial design. The model included a random intercept to account for clustering within sites. An unstructured covariance structure characterized the interdependence of repeated measures over time.

RESULTS

Twenty-four sites were randomized. One site was excluded because of falsifying data, leaving 23 sites and 349 residents for intention-to-treat analysis. Paper reminders were implemented with high fidelity across all arms (91.5% per protocol), while the peer reminders were implemented with moderate fidelity in the monthly group (81.0% per protocol) and poor fidelity in the quarterly group (51.7% per protocol). At month 1, mean sustainability ranged from 40.7 to 47.2 per 100 opportunities, across the four intervention arms (p = 0.43). Mean rate of sustainability in the high intensity, high frequency group diverged after randomization, yielding statistically significant differences among the groups at 4 months which persisted for the remainder of the trial. After 12 months, the mean sustainability in the high intensity, high frequency group was approximately twice that of the other three groups combined (64.1 versus 37.8 per 100 opportunities, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A monthly peer reminder intervention was more effective than a quarterly peer reminder intervention, a monthly paper-based reminder intervention, and a quarterly paper-based reminder intervention, in supporting care aides to sustain a mobility innovation in residential care facilities over 1 year.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT01746459. Registered 11 December 2012: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01746459 .