A 6-month prospective randomized controlled trial of remotely delivered group format epilepsy self-management versus waitlist control for high-risk people with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Despite advances in care, many people with epilepsy have negative health events (NHEs) such as accidents, emergency department visits, and poor quality of life. "Self-management for people with epilepsy and a history of negative health events" (SMART) is a novel group format epilepsy self-management intervention. A community participatory approach informed the refinement of SMART, which was then tested in a 6-month randomized controlled trial of SMART (n = 60) versus waitlist control (WL, n = 60).

METHODS

Participants were adults aged ≥18 years with epilepsy and an NHE within the past 6 months (seizure, accident, self-harm attempt, emergency department visit, or hospitalization). Assessments were conducted at screening, baseline, 10 weeks, and 24 weeks (6 months). Primary outcome was 6-month change in total NHE count. Additional outcomes included depression on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, quality of life on the 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy, functioning on the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, and seizure severity on the Liverpool Seizure Severity Scale.

RESULTS

Mean age was 41.3 years (SD = 11.82), 69.9% were African American, 74.2% were unemployed, and 87.4% had an annual income < US$25 000; 57.5% had a seizure within 30 days of enrollment. Most NHEs were seizures. Six-month study attrition was 14.2% overall and similar between arms. Individuals randomized to SMART had greater reduction in total median NHEs from baseline to 6 months compared to WL (P = 0.04). SMART was also associated with improved nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (P = 0.032), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (P = 0.002), 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy (P < 0.001), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (P = 0.015 physical health, P = 0.003 mental health) versus WL. There was no difference in seizure severity.

SIGNIFICANCE

SMART is associated with reduced health complications and improved mood, quality of life, and health functioning in high-risk people with epilepsy. Additional efforts are needed to investigate potential for scale-up.

Correlates of epilepsy self-management in MEW Network participants: From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Managing Epilepsy Well Network

While self-management (S-M) skills of people living with epilepsy (PWE) are increasingly recognized as important for daily functioning and quality of life, there is limited information on overall skill levels, specific areas needing improvement, or associated correlates. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence on the S-M skills of PWE and identify the demographic and clinical correlates that could be used in targeting interventions. Data were derived from the Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) research network database containing epilepsy S-M data on 436 PWE participating in five studies conducted recently throughout the U.S. Common data elements included sociodemographics, clinical condition, and S-M behaviors covering five domains. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses found significant variation in total and domain-specific S-M skill levels and the associated characteristics of individuals. The findings from this national sample were remarkably consistent across sites and with existing theory and prior empirical studies indicating that competencies in information and lifestyle management were significantly lower than medication, safety, and seizure management. Self-management behavior levels were higher for females and those with less education, but lower in those with depression and lower quality of life. There were no significant differences by age, race/ethnicity, marital status, or seizure frequency after adjusting for other characteristics.

Assessing depression severity with a self-rated vs. rater-administered instrument in patients with epilepsy

RATIONALE

Up to 30-50% of individuals with epilepsy have depressive symptoms, which often complicate seizure management and reduce overall quality of life. To identify and manage depressive symptoms appropriately, clinicians need standardized instruments that can accurately identify and monitor those with clinically significant depression. The self-reported 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) has been used relatively widely to screen and monitor depression in epilepsy. The rater-administered Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a rater-administered instrument widely used in depression treatment trials but less widely applied in epilepsy. This secondary analysis from 2 epilepsy self-management clinical trials compared depression severity ratings using the PHQ-9 and the MADRS instruments.

METHODS

Data for this analysis were derived from pooled baseline and longitudinal data from 2 prospective epilepsy self-management randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Both RCTs assessed depression with the PHQ-9 and the MADRS. For this analysis, total depression severity scores and case classification of individuals with no/minimal, mild, moderate/moderately severe, and severe depression were assessed using both PHQ-9 and MADRS.

RESULTS

The sample contained 164 individuals with epilepsy. Demographic and clinical variables between the 2 studies were generally similar. There were 107 women (64.8%), 106 African-Americans (64.2%), and 51 Whites (30.9%). Individuals had epilepsy for an average of 22.1 (SD: 15.5). Mean past 30-day seizure frequency at baseline was 3.1 (SD: 11.6). Baseline mean PHQ-9 was 10.7 (SD: 6.80) with depression severity of 32 (19.6%) not or minimally depressed, 47 (28.8%) mildly depressed, 37 (22.7%) moderately depressed, 27 (16.6%) moderately severely depressed, and 20 (12.3%) severely depressed. Baseline mean MADRS severity was 18.5 (SD: 11.3) with 30 (18.8%) not or minimally depressed, 27 (16.9%) mildly depressed, 92 (56.1%) moderately depressed, and 11 (6.9%) severely depressed. The correlation between total PHQ-9 and total MADRS was 0.843 (p < .01) although case classification by depression severity varied somewhat between the two instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized measures to evaluate depression severity in people with epilepsy can help identify cases and monitor treatment. The PHQ-9 and MADRS both perform well in assessing depression in people with epilepsy although administration burden is less with PHQ-9 thus making it likely preferable for settings where time and epilepsy specialty resources are limited.

Epilepsy misconceptions and stigma reduction interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review identified papers that described epilepsy misconceptions or stigma in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and research interventions focused on reducing these misconceptions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Publications in the English language from January 2000 to October 2017 that described original research conducted in SSA on misconceptions about epilepsy were utilized.

RESULTS

Twenty-three publications were identified. Studies were from Nigeria (N = 4), Cameroon (N = 4), Uganda (N = 3), Zambia (N = 2), Ethiopia (N = 2), Tanzania (N = 2), Kenya (N = 2), Ghana, Zimbabwe, Benin, and Mali (N = 1 each). The studies included assessments of misconceptions among healthcare providers and medical students (N = 3), high school students (N = 2), teachers (N = 2), the general public (N = 10), people with epilepsy (N = 7), and traditional healers (N = 1). Only two studies had stigma-focused interventions. Majority of the studies reported limitations to socialization with people with epilepsy and various beliefs associated with epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Epilepsy misconceptions, stigmatizing cultural beliefs, and perceptions were widely prevalent in SSA, and there are a few studies targeting epilepsy stigma. Existing stigma-reduction educational approaches may be impractical for general population implementation. Scalable approaches to reduce stigma are urgently needed within SSA.

Identifying patients and clinical scenarios for use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics - expert consensus survey part 1

OBJECTIVE

To assess expert consensus on barriers and facilitators for long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) use and provide clinical recommendations on issues where clinical evidence is lacking, including identifying appropriate clinical situations for LAI use.

METHODS

A 50-question survey comprising 916 response options was distributed to 42 research experts and high prescribers with extensive LAI experience. Respondents rated options on relative appropriateness/importance using a 9-point scale. Consensus was determined using chi-square test of score distributions. Mean (standard deviation) ratings were calculated. Responses to 29 questions (577 options) relating to appropriate patients and clinical scenarios for LAI use are reported.

RESULTS

Recommendations aligned with research on risk factors for nonadherence and poor outcomes for patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective or bipolar disorder. Findings suggested, contrary to general practice patterns, that LAI use may be appropriate earlier in the disease course and in younger patients. Results for bipolar disorder were similar to those for schizophrenia but with less consensus. Numerous facilitators of LAI prescribing were considered important, particularly that LAIs may reduce relapses and improve outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Findings support wider use of LAIs in patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective and bipolar disorders beyond the setting of poor adherence and earlier use in the disease course.

Initiating/maintaining long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia/schizoaffective or bipolar disorder - expert consensus survey part 2

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide recommendations on initiating and maintaining long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) in individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective or bipolar disorder.

METHODS

A 50-question survey comprising 916 response options was completed by 34 expert researchers and high prescribers with extensive LAI experience, rating relative appropriateness/importance on a 9-point scale. Consensus was determined using chi-square test of score distributions. Results of 21 questions comprising 339 response options regarding LAI initiation, maintenance treatment, adequate trial definition, identifying treatment nonresponse, and switching are reported.

RESULTS

Experts agreed that the most important LAI selection factor was patient response/tolerability to previous antipsychotics. An adequate therapeutic LAI trial was defined as the time to steady state ± 1-2 injection cycles. Experts suggested that oral efficacy and tolerability should be established before switching to an LAI, without consensus on the required time, and that the time for oral supplementation and next injection interval should be determined by the time to attainment of therapeutic LAI levels. Most experts agreed that ≥1 adequate LAI trial is needed to identify the lack of efficacy. There was little agreement about strategies for switching between LAIs.

CONCLUSION

Expert guidance may aid clinicians in their decisions regarding initiating/maintaining LAIs in individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective or bipolar disorder.

Measurement tools for assessment of older age bipolar disorder: A systematic review of the recent global literature

OBJECTIVES

More than 50% of people with bipolar disorder will be age 60 years or older by 2030. There is a need for more data to guide assessment and treatment in older age bipolar disorder (OABD); however, interpretation of findings from small, single-site studies may not be generalizable and there are few large trials. As a step in the direction of coordinated large-scale OABD data collection, it is critical to identify which measurements are currently used and identify potential gaps in domains typically assessed.

METHODS

An international group of OABD experts performed a systematic literature review to identify studies examining OABD in the past 6 years. Relevant articles were assessed to categorize the types of clinical, cognitive, biomarker, and neuroimaging OABD tools routinely used in OABD studies.

RESULTS

A total of 53 papers were identified, with a broad range of assessments. Most studies evaluated demographic and clinical domains, with fewer studies assessing cognition. There are relatively few biomarker and neuroimaging data, and data collection methods were less comprehensively covered.

CONCLUSION

Assessment tools used in the recent OABD literature may help to identify both a minimum and a comprehensive dataset that should be evaluated in OABD. Our review also highlights gaps where key clinical outcomes have not been routinely assessed. Biomarker and neuroimaging assessment could be further developed and standardized. Clinical data could be combined with neuroimaging, genetic, and other biomarkers in large-scale coordinated data collection to further improve our understanding of OABD phenomenology and biology, thereby contributing to research that advances care.

Associations among comorbid anxiety, psychiatric symptomatology, and diabetic control in a population with serious mental illness and diabetes: Findings from an interventional randomized controlled trial

Objective Serious mental illness and type II diabetes mellitus have a high comorbidity, and both have a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders compared to the general population. Targeted Training in Illness Management is a group-based self-management training approach which targets serious mental illness and type II diabetes mellitus concurrently. This analysis examines data from a randomized controlled trial of Targeted Training in Illness Management intervention to examine the impact of comorbid anxiety on baseline psychiatric symptomatology and diabetic control, and on longitudinal treatment outcomes. Methods We conducted secondary analyses on data from a prospective, 60-week, randomized controlled trial testing Targeted Training in Illness Management versus treatment as usual in 200 individuals with serious mental illness and diabetes. Primary outcomes included measures related to serious mental illness symptoms, functional status, general health status, and diabetes control. Measures were compared between those participants with anxiety disorders versus those without anxiety at baseline as well as over time using linear mixed effects analyses. Results Forty seven percent of the participants had one or more anxiety disorders. At baseline, those with an anxiety diagnosis had higher illness severity, depressive, and other psychiatric symptomatology and disability. Diabetic control (HbA1c) was not significantly different at baseline. In the longitudinal analyses, no significant mean slope differences over time (group-by-time interaction effect) between those with anxiety diagnoses and those without in treatment as usual group were found for primary outcomes. Within the Targeted Training in Illness Management arm, those with anxiety disorders had significantly greater improvement in mental health functioning. Those with anxiety comorbidity in the Targeted Training in Illness Management group demonstrated significantly lower HbA1c levels compared to no anxiety comorbidity and also demonstrated a greater improvement in HbA1c over the first 30 weeks compared to those without anxiety comorbidity. Conclusion Comorbid anxiety in serious mental illness and type II diabetes mellitus population is associated with increased psychiatric symptomatology and greater disability. Individuals from this population appear to experience greater improvement in functioning from baseline with the Targeted Training in Illness Management intervention. Anxiety comorbidity in the serious mental illness and type II diabetes mellitus population does not appear to have a negative impact on diabetic control. These complex relationships need further study. Clinical Trials Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: Improving outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness and diabetes (NCT01410357).

Feasibility study of a targeted self-management intervention for reducing stroke risk factors in a high-risk population in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Stroke remains a global concern due to increasing lifespan, patterns of industrialization, adoption of harmful western diets, and an increasing prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. We investigated an adopted novel self-management intervention, TargetEd mAnageMent Intervention (TEAM) to reduce modifiable stroke risk factors in Uganda.

METHODS

A six-month, uncontrolled, prospective pilot study to establish feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of TEAM in Ugandans at high risk for stroke was conducted. The primary outcome was change in systolic BP from baseline to 24-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes included change in diastolic BP, serum cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL) and triglycerides.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) baseline systolic BP was 162.9 (±25.6) mmHg while mean (SD) baseline diastolic BP was 99.1 (±13.8) mmHg. There was a significant reduction in mean baseline blood pressure of 163/98.8mmHg to blood pressure of 147.8/88.0mmHg at 24weeks, P=0.023. There were also significant reductions in the serum total cholesterol levels at 24weeks with P=0.001.

CONCLUSION

Targeted training in self-management (TEAM) adapted to the Ugandan setting is feasible, highly acceptable to participants and appears to be associated with reduced blood pressure, improved lipid profiles and improved glucose control in diabetics.

Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Seizure Frequency: Findings from the Managing Epilepsy Well Network Database

Background and Purpose

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that represents a tremendous burden on both patients and society in general. Studies have addressed how demographic variables, socioeconomic variables, and psychological comorbidity are related to the quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy (PWE). However, there has been less focus on how these factors may differ between patients who exhibit varying degrees of seizure control. This study utilized data from the Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the aim of elucidating differences in demographic variables, depression, and QOL between adult PWE.

Methods

Demographic variables, depression, and QOL were compared between PWE who experience clinically relevant differences in seizure occurrence.

Results

Gender, ethnicity, race, education, income, and relationship status did not differ significantly between the seizure-frequency categories (p>0.05). People with worse seizure control were significantly younger (p=0.039), more depressed (as assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire) (p=0.036), and had lower QOL (as determined using the 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy for Adults scale) (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The present results underscore the importance of early screening, detection, and treatment of depression, since these factors relate to both seizure occurrence and QOL in PWE.

A Systematic Review of Dementia-related Stigma Research: Can We Move the Stigma Dial?

Stigma negatively affects individuals with cognitive impairment and dementia. This literature review examined the past decade (January 2004 to December 2015) of world-wide research on dementia-related stigma. Using standard systematic review methodology, original research reports were identified and assessed for inclusion based on defined criteria. Initial database searches yielded 516 articles. After removing duplicates and articles that did not fit inclusion criteria (419), 97 articles were reviewed, yielding a final total of 51 publications, mainly originating in the United States and Europe. Studies were assessed for date, geographic region, sample description, methodology, and key findings. Reports were evaluated on 1) how stigmatizing attitudes may present in various subgroups, including in racial or ethnic minorities; 2) stigma assessment tools; and 3) prospective or experimental approaches to assess or manage stigma. Stigma impedes help-seeking and treatment, and occurs broadly and world wide. Stigmatizing attitudes appear worse among those with limited disease knowledge, those with little contact with people with dementia, in men, in younger individuals, and in the context of ethnicity and culture. In some cases, healthcare providers may have stigmatizing attitudes. In research studies, there does not appear to be consensus on how to best evaluate stigma, and there are few evidence-based stigma reduction approaches. Given the projected increase in persons with dementia globally, there is a critical need for research that better identifies and measures stigma and tests new approaches that can reduce stigmatizing attitudes.

Clinical correlates of negative health events in a research sample with epilepsy

AIMS

In spite of advances in care, people with epilepsy experience negative health events (NHEs), such as seizures, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations. Being able to identify characteristics that are associated with NHE risk can help inform care approaches that reduce complications and burden. This analysis using baseline data from a larger randomized epilepsy self-management clinical trial assessed the relationship between demographic and clinical variables vs. seizure-related complications among people with epilepsy.

METHODS

Data were derived from a baseline sample of a larger prospective study of 120 individuals with epilepsy who experienced an NHE within the last 6months. Demographic characteristics, depression assessed with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression rating scale (MADRS), quality of life assessed with the 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-10), self-efficacy assessed the Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES), social support assessed with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), self-management assessed with the Epilepsy Self-Management Scale (ESMS), and stigma assessed with the Epilepsy Stigma Scale (ESS) were all examined in association with past 6-month NHE frequency and 30-day seizure frequency.

RESULTS

Except for lower levels of education and lower levels of income being associated with higher 30-day and 6-month seizure frequency, demographic variables were generally not significantly associated with NHEs. Higher 30-day seizure frequency was associated with greater depression severity on PHQ-9 (p<0.01) and MADRS (p<0.01). Higher 6-month seizure frequency was also associated with greater depression severity on PHQ-9 (p<.001) and MADRS (p=0.03). Both 30-day and 6-month seizure frequency were significantly negatively associated with QOLIE-10 (p<0.001). Both 30day (p=0.01) and 6-month (p=0.03) seizure frequency were associated with worse stigma on ESS. Total NHE count was associated with more severe depression on PHQ-9 (p=0.02), and MADRS (p=0.04), worse quality of life on QOLIE-10 (p<0.01), and more stigma on ESS (p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with previous literature, more frequent seizures were associated with worse depression severity and quality of life. A finding that is less established is that higher seizure frequency is also associated with worse epilepsy-related stigma. Epilepsy self-management approaches need to address depression and stigma as well as seizure control.

A Targeted Self-Management Approach for Reducing Stroke Risk Factors in African American Men Who Have Had a Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

PURPOSE

This study compared a novel self-management (TargetEd MAnageMent Intervention [TEAM]) versus treatment as usual (TAU) to reduce stroke risk in African American (AA) men.

DESIGN

Six-month prospective randomized controlled trial with outcomes evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

SETTING

Academic health center.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-eight (age < 65) AA men who had a stroke or transient ischemic attack and a Barthel index score of >60 were randomly assigned to TEAM (n = 19) or TAU (n = 19).

INTERVENTION

Self-management training, delivered in 1 individual and 4 group sessions (over 3 months).

MEASURES

Blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, medication adherence, weight, and standardized measures of health behaviors (diet, exercise, smoking, substances), depression, and quality of life. Qualitative assessments evaluated the perspectives of TEAM participants.

ANALYSIS

T tests for paired differences and nonparametric tests. Thematic content qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Mean age was 52.1 (standard deviation [SD] = 7.4) and mean body mass index was 31.4 (SD = 7.4). Compared to TAU, TEAM participants had significantly lower mean systolic blood pressure by 24 weeks, and there was also improvement in HbA1c and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = .03). Other biomarker and health behaviors were similar between groups. Qualitative results suggested improved awareness of risk factors as well as positive effects of group support.

What Works in a Nurse Led Self-Management Program for Patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and Diabetes (DM)

OBJECTIVE

To develop a deeper understanding of "how" a nurse led self-management intervention in a successful randomized controlled trial (RCT) for individuals with both serious mental illness (SMI) and diabetes (DM) influenced health outcomes and the lives of the participants.

METHODS

In depth interviews, were conducted with a sample of 10 participants who received the self-management intervention in the RCT. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis, with an emphasis on dominant themes.

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents was 53.9years (SD=5.6); 6 (60%) were women and the mean level of education was 12.4years (SD=2.4). Transcript based analysis generated 3 major mechanisms of action that led to improved self-management of their SMI and DM: (Colton & Manderscheid, 2006) positive group experience, (Osborn et al., 2008) increased health knowledge, and (Newcomer, 2005) increased self- confidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing complex interventions for testing in RCTs of individuals with SMI and other comorbid conditions is of increasing importance in healthcare planning for this vulnerable population. Using qualitative methods to explore mechanisms of action underlying quantitative outcomes, can enrich our understanding of processes relevant for individuals with SMI and comorbid conditions.

Safety and Effectiveness of Long-Term Treatment with Lurasidone in Older Adults with Bipolar Depression: Post-Hoc Analysis of a 6-Month, Open-Label Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 6 months of treatment with lurasidone in older adults with a diagnosis of bipolar I depression.

DESIGN

Post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, 6-month, open-label extension study.

SETTING

Outpatient.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 55 to 75 years with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of bipolar I depression who had completed 6 weeks of double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment with either lurasidone monotherapy (1 study) or adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate (2 studies).

INTERVENTION

Flexible doses of lurasidone, 20 to 120 mg/day, either as monotherapy, or adjunctive with lithium or valproate.

MEASUREMENTS

Effectiveness was assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS; change from open-label-baseline to month-6, observed case analysis).

RESULTS

A total of 141 older adults entered the extension study (monotherapy, N = 55; 39%; adjunctive therapy, N = 86; 61%). At the end of 6 months of open-label treatment with lurasidone, as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, minimal changes were observed in the older adult sample in mean weight (-1.0 kg and -0.4 kg, respectively); and median total cholesterol (-2.0 mg/dL and +6.0 md/dL, respectively), triglycerides (+2.5 mg/dL and +6.0 mg/dL, respectively), and HbA1c (0.0% and -0.1%, respectively). Patients treated with 6 months of lurasidone showed a mean improvement on the MADRS in both the monotherapy (-6.2) and adjunctive therapy (-6.7) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of these post-hoc analyses found that up to 7.5 months of lurasidone treatment for bipolar depression in older adults was associated with minimal effects on weight and metabolic parameters, with low rates of switching to hypomania or mania, and was well tolerated. The antidepressant effectiveness of lurasidone in this age group was maintained over the 6-month treatment period.

A new curriculum to address dementia-related stigma: Preliminary experience with Alzheimer’s Association staff

Objective

Develop and test a stigma awareness and education curriculum targeted to non-medical staff of a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Methods

The curriculum, developed in collaboration with leadership and educational staff from the Cleveland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, included a definition, types, and domains of stigma; effects of stigma on individuals with dementia and their families; stigma evaluation studies; tips to address the topic of dementia-related stigma with individuals and families. Lastly, an interactive discussion of real-life scenarios facilitated stigma recognition and management.

Results

Most staff felt the training improved their ability to identify Alzheimer’s disease stigma, made them more comfortable talking about stigma, and would change the way they interacted with people and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusions

This brief, practical educational curriculum has potential to improve awareness of dementia stigma in Alzheimer’s Association staff. Research is needed to expand stigma awareness in individuals and groups with varying levels of dementia knowledge.

Assessing bipolar disorder in the older adult: the GERI-BD toolbox

INTRODUCTION

The evidence base regarding characteristics of older adults with bipolar disorder (BD) remains limited. The NIH-funded multicenter study Acute Pharmacotherapy of Late-Life Mania (GERI-BD) assessed various clinical domains before and during mood stabilizer treatment in older adults participating in a 9-week, double-blind randomized controlled trial. We describe the rationale for selecting these instruments.

METHODS

Domains and instruments were selected on the basis of the study design and the participants. The investigators' experience in clinical trials involving young adults with BD or older adults with major depressive disorder, along with open studies of older adults with BD, contributed to the selection process.

RESULTS

We identified domains and selected instruments that could be used to assess the participants given their diagnostic, treatment history, and medical and mood state characteristics. They were also intended to measure tolerability and efficacy and permit examination of potential moderating and mediating factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Decisions regarding the assessment domains to be included in the clinical trial highlight the challenges facing researchers studying drug treatments for older adults with BD, or more generally, mood disorders. We suggest that the domains and instruments selected by GERI-BD investigators constitute a "toolbox" that can be customized for other investigators. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Patient Participation in the Development of a Customized M-Health Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence in Poorly Adherent Individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Hypertension (HTN)

OBJECTIVE

Individuals living with bipolar disorder (BD) have poorer management of chronic medical conditions such as hypertension (HTN), and worse treatment adherence than the general population. The study objective was to obtain information from patients with both BD and HTN that would inform the development of an m-Health intervention to improve medication adherence for poorly adherent individuals living with both these chronic illnesses.

METHODS

Focus group methodology was used to collect information from 13 participants on perceived barriers and facilitators to BD and HTN medication adherence, as well as feedback on the demonstration and use of a bidirectional text messaging system for medication reminders. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis with an emphasis on dominant themes.

RESULTS

Forgetfulness was the most frequently mentioned barrier to taking antihypertensive medications, and decisions about taking them were often influenced by BD mood fluctuations and the burden of having to take "too many pills" for both chronic illnesses. Participants' feedback about the use of a text-messaging system to help with medication adherence for BD and HTN was very positive, and their suggestions for modification were incorporated into a more customized system for testing in a Phase 2 trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that patient engagement in the development of an m-health intervention has the potential to improve adherence with both BD and HTN medications in individuals with known sub-optimal adherence. Patient engagement in health care is essential if we are to optimize patient outcomes.

Modifiable lifestyle risk factors for stroke among a high risk hypertensive population in Greater Kampala, Uganda; a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the modifiable lifestyle risk factors for stroke among a high risk population for stroke. Africa suffers from rapid population growth, adoption of harmful western diets, and increased prevalence of hypertension and obesity.

RESULTS

A total of 440 study participants were screened and 87 individuals with hypertension plus at least one other known stroke risk factor were enrolled. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the screened population was 19.7 and 1.8%, respectively. Among those with hypertension only 2.3% (2/87) had ever had serum lipid assessment. Seventy-two percent (68/87) had very high serum LDL-cholesterol, while 33.3% (29/87) had low levels of HDL-cholesterol, and 67.8% had mean blood pressures greater than 160/100 mmHg and 40% (35/87) were obese, with a BMI ≥30. Targeting individuals with modifiable stroke risk factors and implementing self-management programs may be a way to reduce stroke burden in Uganda.

GERI-BD: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Lithium and Divalproex in the Treatment of Mania in Older Patients With Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVE

Clinicians treating older patients with bipolar disorder with mood stabilizers need evidence from age-specific randomized controlled trials. The authors describe findings from a first such study of late-life mania.

METHOD

The authors compared the tolerability and efficacy of lithium carbonate and divalproex in 224 inpatients and outpatients age 60 or older with bipolar I disorder who presented with a manic, hypomanic, or mixed episode. Participants were randomly assigned, under double-blind conditions, to treatment with lithium (target serum concentration, 0.80-0.99 mEq/L) or divalproex (target serum valproate concentration, 80-99 μg/mL) for 9 weeks. Participants with an inadequate response after 3 weeks received open adjunctive risperidone. The authors hypothesized that divalproex would be better tolerated and more efficacious than lithium. Tolerability was assessed based on a measure of sedation and on the proportions of participants achieving target concentrations. Efficacy was assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS).

RESULTS

Attrition rates were similar for lithium and divalproex (14% and 18% at week 3 and 51% and 44% at week 9, respectively). The groups did not differ significantly in sedation. Participants in the lithium group tended to experience more tremor. Similar proportions of participants in the lithium and divalproex groups achieved target concentrations (57% and 56%, respectively). A longitudinal mixed model of improvement (change from baseline in YMRS score) favored lithium (change in score, 3.90; 97.5% CI=1.71, 6.09). Nine-week response rates did not differ significantly between the lithium and divalproex groups (79% and 73%, respectively). The need for adjunctive risperidone was low and similar between groups (17% and 14%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both lithium and divalproex were adequately tolerated and efficacious; lithium was associated with a greater reduction in mania scores over 9 weeks.

Community Perceptions of Barriers to Stroke Recovery and Prevention in Greater Kampala, Uganda: Implications for Policy and Practice

OBJECTIVE

Stroke risk and stroke burden are increasing in Sub Saharan Africa. Qualitative analysis was used to assess perceived barriers to stroke recovery and prevention in an urban/suburban Ugandan population in order to refine and implement a promising nurse and peer-led self-management intervention previously conducted in the United States.

METHODS

In depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with 48 participants (stroke survivors, caretakers, and those at risk for stroke. All interviews and focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis, with an emphasis on dominant themes.

RESULTS

Three major domains of perceived barriers to stroke recovery and prevention emerged from the data: (1) Individual barriers (PTSD, stress, resistance to seeking care, medication non-adherence, unhealthy lifestyles, functional impairment, and a paucity of stroke knowledge); (2) Family/community barriers (lack of family and community support and caretaker burden); and (3) Provider and healthcare system barriers (lack of access and inadequate follow-up). Importantly, participants in this study identified a pressing need for increasing stroke awareness in the community as part of recovery and prevention efforts.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke risk reduction efforts implemented at the patient, community, and healthcare system levels are needed. These efforts could, perhaps, be modeled along the lines of a previous very successful public health initiative to reduce HIV burden in Uganda.

Clinic Appointment Attendance in Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

We assessed characteristics that may predict outpatient appointment attendance in outpatient medical clinics among patients comorbid for serious mental illness (SMI) and type 2 diabetes (DM).

METHODS

Baseline covariate data from 200 individuals with SMI-DM enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) were used to examine characteristics associated with electronic health record-identified clinic appointment attendance using a generalized estimating equations approach. The analyses evaluated the relationship between clinic attendance and potentially modifiable factors including disease knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, physical health, and mental health, as well as demographic information.

RESULTS

Demographic and mental health characteristics were most associated with clinic attendance in adults with SMI-DM. Physical health was not associated with clinic attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

Information on clinical and demographic characteristics and factors potentially modifiable by psychological interventions may be useful in improving adherence to treatment among SMI-DM patients. It is our hope that clinicians and researchers will use these results to help tailor adherence-facilitating interventions among people at particular risk for poor engagement in care.

A randomized prospective pilot trial of Web-delivered epilepsy stigma reduction communications in young adults

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that is often associated with stigmatizing attitudes and negative stereotypes among the general public. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) tested two new communication approaches targeting epilepsy stigma versus an education-alone approach.

METHODS

Two brief stigma-reduction videos were developed, informed by community stakeholder input; one highlighted role competency in people with epilepsy; the other highlighted social inclusion of people with epilepsy. A control video was also developed. A Web-based survey using a prospective RCT design compared effects of experimental videos and control on acceptability, perceived impact, epilepsy knowledge, and epilepsy stigma. Epilepsy knowledge and stigma were measured with the Epilepsy Knowledge Questionnaire (EKQ) and Attitudes and Beliefs about Living with Epilepsy (ABLE), respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 295 participants completed the study. Mean age was 23.1 (standard deviation = 3.27) years; 59.0% were male, and 71.4% were white. Overall, respondents felt videos impacted their epilepsy attitudes. EKQ scores were similar across videos, with a trend for higher knowledge in experimental videos versus control (p = 0.06). The role competency and control videos were associated with slightly better perceived impact on attitudes. There were no differences between videos on ABLE scores (p = 0.568). There were subgroup differences suggesting that men, younger individuals, whites, and those with personal epilepsy experience had more stigmatizing attitudes.

SIGNIFICANCE

This RCT tested communication strategies to improve knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy. Although this initial effort will require follow-up, we have demonstrated the acceptability, feasibility, and potential of novel communication strategies to target epilepsy stigma, and a Web-based approach for assessing them.

Evaluating PROMIS Physical Function Measures in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Activities of daily living can be affected by cognitive decline. Self-report measurement of functioning is attractive due to ease of data collection, low cost, and accessibility via technology-assisted means, and for understanding patient perspective. A concern is with reliability of such measurement as cognitive decline occurs. We compared a widely used, self-report “legacy” measure of functioning, Lawton and Brody’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADLS), with a subset of physical functioning items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). The study sample consisted of 304 individuals of varying cognitive status: normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or early dementia. An expert consensus method was used to select PROMIS functional items most relevant to neurocognitive disorder and to identify major functional sub-domains. Selected PROMIS functional subscales and the IADLS were then evaluated with respect to cognitive status. Few PROMIS functional items were useful in identifying MCI, while we reaffirmed the utility of the IADLS. Also, even mild depression levels were found to have negative effects on functioning according to both PROMIS and IADLS.