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Little P, Vennik J, Rumsby K, Stuart B, Becque T, Moore M, Francis N, Hay AD, Verheij T, Bradbury K, Greenwell K, Dennison L, Holt S, Denison-Day J, Ainsworth B, Raftery J, Thomas T, Butler CC, Richards-Hall S, Smith D, Patel H, Williams S, Barnett J, Middleton K, Miller S, Johnson S, Nuttall J, Webley F, Sach T, Yardley L, Geraghty AWA. Nasal sprays and behavioural interventions compared with usual care for acute respiratory illness in primary care: a randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2024; 12:619-632. [PMID: 39004091 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(24)00140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A small amount of evidence suggests that nasal sprays, or physical activity and stress management, could shorten the duration of respiratory infections. This study aimed to assess the effect of nasal sprays or a behavioural intervention promoting physical activity and stress management on respiratory illnesses, compared with usual care. METHODS This randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial was done at 332 general practitioner practices in the UK. Eligible adults (aged ≥18 years) had at least one comorbidity or risk factor increasing their risk of adverse outcomes due to respiratory illness (eg, immune compromise due to serious illness or medication; heart disease; asthma or lung disease; diabetes; mild hepatic impairment; stroke or severe neurological problem; obesity [BMI ≥30 kg/m2]; or age ≥65 years) or at least three self-reported respiratory tract infections in a normal year (ie, any year before the COVID-19 pandemic). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) using a computerised system to: usual care (brief advice about managing illness); gel-based spray (two sprays per nostril at the first sign of an infection or after potential exposure to infection, up to 6 times per day); saline spray (two sprays per nostril at the first sign of an infection or after potential exposure to infection, up to 6 times per day); or a brief behavioural intervention in which participants were given access to a website promoting physical activity and stress management. The study was partially masked: neither investigators nor medical staff were aware of treatment allocation, and investigators who did the statistical analysis were unaware of treatment allocation. The sprays were relabelled to maintain participant masking. Outcomes were assessed using data from participants' completed monthly surveys and a survey at 6 months. The primary outcome was total number of days of illness due to self-reported respiratory tract illnesses (coughs, colds, sore throat, sinus or ear infections, influenza, or COVID-19) in the previous 6 months, assessed in the modified intention-to-treat population, which included all randomly assigned participants who had primary outcome data available. Key secondary outcomes were possible harms, including headache or facial pain, and antibiotic use, assessed in all randomly assigned participants. This trial was registered with ISRCTN, 17936080, and is closed to recruitment. FINDINGS Between Dec 12, 2020, and April 7, 2023, of 19 475 individuals screened for eligibility, 13 799 participants were randomly assigned to usual care (n=3451), gel-based nasal spray (n=3448), saline nasal spray (n=3450), or the digital intervention promoting physical activity and stress management (n=3450). 11 612 participants had complete data for the primary outcome and were included in the primary outcome analysis (usual care group, n=2983; gel-based spray group, n=2935; saline spray group, n=2967; behavioural website group, n=2727). Compared with participants in the usual care group, who had a mean of 8·2 (SD 16·1) days of illness, the number of days of illness was significantly lower in the gel-based spray group (mean 6·5 days [SD 12·8]; adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0·82 [99% CI 0·76-0·90]; p<0·0001) and the saline spray group (6·4 days [12·4]; 0·81 [0·74-0·88]; p<0·0001), but not in the group allocated to the behavioural website (7·4 days [14·7]; 0·97 [0·89-1·06]; p=0·46). The most common adverse event was headache or sinus pain in the gel-based group: 123 (4·8%) of 2556 participants in the usual care group; 199 (7·8%) of 2498 participants in the gel-based group (risk ratio 1·61 [95% CI 1·30-1·99]; p<0·0001); 101 (4·5%) of 2377 participants in the saline group (0·81 [0·63-1·05]; p=0·11); and 101 (4·5%) of 2091 participants in the behavioural intervention group (0·95 [0·74-1·22]; p=0·69). Compared with usual care, antibiotic use was lower for all interventions: IRR 0·65 (95% CI 0·50-0·84; p=0·001) for the gel-based spray group; 0·69 (0·45-0·88; p=0·003) for the saline spray group; and 0·74 (0·57-0·94; p=0·02) for the behavioural website group. INTERPRETATION Advice to use either nasal spray reduced illness duration and both sprays and the behavioural website reduced antibiotic use. Future research should aim to address the impact of the widespread implementation of these simple interventions. FUNDING National Institute for Health and Care Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Jane Vennik
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Rumsby
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Theo Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Kate Greenwell
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Dennison
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sian Holt
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Ben Ainsworth
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Health Economics Analysis Team, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tammy Thomas
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Deb Smith
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hazel Patel
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samantha Williams
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Barnett
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Karen Middleton
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sascha Miller
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sophie Johnson
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jacqui Nuttall
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Fran Webley
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tracey Sach
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Graichen J, Stingl C, Pakarinen A, Rosio R, Terho K, Günther SA, Salanterä S, Staake T. Improving hand hygiene of young children with a digital intervention: a cluster-randomised controlled field trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6157. [PMID: 38486036 PMCID: PMC10940613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Contagious diseases that affect young children place a great burden on them and their families. Proper hand hygiene is an important measure to reduce the disease burden, however, its implementation in day care centres is challenging. This paper introduces a digital intervention to support independent and good handwashing among young children. The intervention leverages animated instructions triggered by water and soap use, together with a symbolic reward shown to children on a screen during and immediately after handwashing. We tested the intervention in a pre-registered, cluster-randomised controlled field trial in 4 day care centres in Finland and Germany with 162 children over 42 days. The intervention increased soaping time, used as a proxy for handwashing quality, by 5.30 s (+ 62%, p < 0.001). The effect occurs immediately at the onset of the intervention and is maintained throughout the intervention phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Graichen
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany.
| | - Carlo Stingl
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Anni Pakarinen
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Rosio
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kirsi Terho
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sebastian A Günther
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Sanna Salanterä
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Thorsten Staake
- Department of Information Systems and Applied Computer Sciences, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Department of Management, Technology and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ainsworth B, Horwood J, Walter SR, Miller S, Chalder M, De Vocht F, Denison-Day J, Elwenspoek MMC, Curtis HJ, Bates C, Mehrkar A, Bacon S, Goldacre B, Craggs P, Amlôt R, Francis N, Little P, Macleod J, Moore M, Morton K, Rice C, Sterne J, Stuart B, Towler L, Willcox ML, Yardley L. Implementing Germ Defence digital behaviour change intervention via all primary care practices in England to reduce respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic: an efficient cluster randomised controlled trial using the OpenSAFELY platform. Implement Sci 2023; 18:67. [PMID: 38049846 PMCID: PMC10694966 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-023-01321-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ Defence ( www.germdefence.org ) is an evidence-based interactive website that promotes behaviour change for infection control within households. To maximise the potential of Germ Defence to effectively reduce the spread of COVID-19, the intervention needed to be implemented at scale rapidly. METHODS With NHS England approval, we conducted an efficient two-arm (1:1 ratio) cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effectiveness of randomising implementation of Germ Defence via general practitioner (GP) practices across England, UK, compared with usual care to disseminate Germ Defence to patients. GP practices randomised to the intervention arm (n = 3292) were emailed and asked to disseminate Germ Defence to all adult patients via mobile phone text, email or social media. Usual care arm GP practices (n = 3287) maintained standard management for the 4-month trial period and then asked to share Germ Defence with their adult patients. The primary outcome was the rate of GP presentations for respiratory tract infections (RTI) per patient. Secondary outcomes comprised rates of acute RTIs, confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and suspected COVID-19 diagnoses, COVID-19 symptoms, gastrointestinal infection diagnoses, antibiotic usage and hospital admissions. The impact of the intervention on outcome rates was assessed using negative binomial regression modelling within the OpenSAFELY platform. The uptake of the intervention by GP practice and by patients was measured via website analytics. RESULTS Germ Defence was used 310,731 times. The average website satisfaction score was 7.52 (0-10 not at all to very satisfied, N = 9933). There was no evidence of a difference in the rate of RTIs between intervention and control practices (rate ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% CI 0.96, 1.06, p = 0.70). This was similar to all other eight health outcomes. Patient engagement within intervention arm practices ranged from 0 to 48% of a practice list. CONCLUSIONS While the RCT did not demonstrate a difference in health outcomes, we demonstrated that rapid large-scale implementation of a digital behavioural intervention is possible and can be evaluated with a novel efficient prospective RCT methodology analysing routinely collected patient data entirely within a trusted research environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered in the ISRCTN registry (14602359) on 12 August 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ainsworth
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK.
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Scott R Walter
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sascha Miller
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Melanie Chalder
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Frank De Vocht
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Martha M C Elwenspoek
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen J Curtis
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, The Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Amir Mehrkar
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, The Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Seb Bacon
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, The Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben Goldacre
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, The Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pippa Craggs
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Amlôt
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Nick Francis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - John Macleod
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Morton
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Sterne
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lauren Towler
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Kim HK, Min KD, Cho SI. Analysis of the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on influenza during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic by time-series forecasting. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:717. [PMID: 37875817 PMCID: PMC10594831 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified in South Korea during the 2019-2020 seasonal influenza epidemic. The social distancing measures, as effective non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), adopted to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 might have influenced influenza activity. We evaluated IFV(influenza virus) activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect of NPI intensity on influenza transmission. METHODS IFV activity and epidemic duration during COVID-19 pandemic were predicted under a counterfactual scenario with no NPIs against COVID-19. The Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model was used to quantify the effects of NPIs on the transmission of influenza virus. Influenza-like illness/1000 outpatients and IFV positivity rate from the 2011-2012 to 2021-2022 seasons were used in this study. RESULTS Comparison of the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasonal influenza activities with those in 2013-2019 showed that COVID-19 outbreaks and associated NPIs such as face mask use, school closures, and travel restrictions reduced the influenza incidence by 91%. Without NPIs against COVID-19, the rates of influenza-like illness and IFV positivity would have been high during the influenza epidemic season, as in previous seasons. NPI intensity decreased the transmission of influenza; the magnitude of the reduction increased as the intensity of social-distancing measures increased (weak social distancing; step-by-step daily recovery: 58.10%, strong social distancing; special quarantine measures: 95.12%). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that NPIs and personal hygiene can be used to suppress influenza transmission. NPIs against COVID-19 may be useful strategies for the prevention and control of influenza epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Kyung Kim
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Min
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Sung-Il Cho
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
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Uraguchi K, Mitsuhashi T, Matsumoto N, Takao S, Makihara S, Ando M, Yorifuji T. Association between handwashing and gargling education for children and prevention of respiratory tract infections: a longitudinal Japanese children population-based study. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4037-4047. [PMID: 37395829 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05062-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A longitudinal study was conducted to examine the effects of handwashing and gargling education for children on the prevention of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children in Japan. METHODS The study included 38,554 children born in 2010 who were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Information on children's hygiene education regarding handwashing and gargling was collected in a survey at the age of 3.5 years. Based on parents' reports of doctors' diagnoses, airway infections and influenza events in the 12-month duration before the survey were evaluated for RTIs at the ages of 4.5 and 9 years. Poisson regression with robust variance was performed to examine the effects of hygiene education on RTIs prevention. The supplementary analysis was stratified by household income. RESULTS Children were categorized into different groups: 38% in the handwashing and gargling group, 29% in the handwashing group, 0.1% in the gargling group, and 9.7% in the no-education group. Exclusions were made for non-respondent children (23%) and those in the gargling group. Hygiene education was associated with decreased influenza at the age of 4.5 years in the handwashing (adjusted RR [aRR] = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.8-0.9) and handwashing and gargling groups (aRR = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.8-0.9) compared with no education. However, no preventive effects on airway infections at the age of 4.5 and 9, influenza at the age of 9, or hospitalization between the ages of 3.5 and 9 years were detected. Handwashing and gargling could significantly prevent influenza in low-income households (aRR = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.8). Conclusions: Gargling education was widespread and mostly combined with handwashing education in Japan. Hygiene education significantly affected prevention of influenza infections at the age of 4.5 years, especially in low-income households. WHAT IS KNOWN • Previous intervention studies showed handwashing and gargling are effective in preventing respiratory tract infections. WHAT IS NEW • We conducted a longitudinal study on handwashing and gargling education in Japanese children and found that handwashing and gargling were widely practiced together. • Handwashing and gargling education were related to a reduction in influenza, particularly in low-income households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Uraguchi
- Department of Epidemiology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Toshiharu Mitsuhashi
- Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naomi Matsumoto
- Department of Epidemiology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Soshi Takao
- Department of Epidemiology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Makihara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mizuo Ando
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Yorifuji
- Department of Epidemiology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-5-1 Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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Hu XY, Xia RY, Moore M, Stuart B, Wen LZ, Graz B, Lai L, Liu JP, Fei YT, Willcox M. Use of antibiotics and other treatments in Chinese adults with acute cough: An online survey. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:100920. [PMID: 36684827 PMCID: PMC9850188 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2022.100920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to identify use of various treatments and their association with the use of antibiotics and patient reported clinical recovery in Chinese adults with acute cough. Methods An online survey recruiting people who had recently experienced cough was conducted. Their sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, treatments received and their perceived changes in symptoms were collected. Factors influencing avoidance of antibiotics and improvement in symptoms were explored. Results A total of 22,787 adults with recent acute cough completed the questionnaire, covering all 34 province-level administrative units in China. Most respondents were male (68.0%), young (89.4%, aged 18-45), educated to university/degree or postgraduate level (44.6%), with a median cough severity of 6/10 on a numerical rating scale. Nearly half of the participants (46.4%) reported using antibiotics, among which 93.1% were for presumed upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Pharmacies (48.8%) were the most common source of antibiotics. Fewer patients took antibiotics after taking CHM (14.9%), compared to those who started with home remedies (18.0%), or allopathic non-antibiotic medication (25.0%). Antibiotics, allopathic non-antibiotic medications, CHM and home remedies were all perceived beneficial in relieving cough. Conclusions Chinese adult responders report use of a considerable variety of treatments alone or in combination for acute cough. Patient-reported clinical recovery was similar regardless of treatment. There is likely a high proportion of inappropriate use of antibiotics for treatment of simple acute cough. As the majority of respondents did not use antibiotics as a first-line, and use of CHM was associated with relief of cough symptoms and reduction in the use of antibiotics, this presents an important opportunity for prudent antibiotic stewardship in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yang Hu
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ru-Yu Xia
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Pragmatic Trial Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ling-Zi Wen
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lily Lai
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jian-Ping Liu
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tong Fei
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,Corresponding authors at: Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11N 3rd Ring E Road, Chaoyang 100013, China (Y.-T. Fei); Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health center, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK (M. Willcox).
| | - Merlin Willcox
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK,Corresponding authors at: Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11N 3rd Ring E Road, Chaoyang 100013, China (Y.-T. Fei); Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health center, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK (M. Willcox).
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Francis NA, Becque T, Willcox M, Hay AD, Lown M, Clarke R, Stuart B, Yardley L, Moore M, Houriet J, Little P. Non-pharmaceutical interventions and risk of COVID-19 infection: survey of U.K. public from November 2020 - May 2021. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:389. [PMID: 36829127 PMCID: PMC9951136 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15209-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as handwashing, social distancing and face mask wearing, have been widely promoted to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-reported use of NPIs and COVID-19 infection. METHODS We conducted an online questionnaire study recruiting members of the UK public from November 2020 to May 2021. The association between self-reported COVID-19 illness and reported use of NPIs was explored using logistic regression and controlling for participant characteristics, month of questionnaire completion, and vaccine status. Participants who had been exposed to COVID-19 in their household in the previous 2 weeks were excluded. RESULTS Twenty-seven thousand seven hundred fifty-eight participants were included and 2,814 (10.1%) reported having a COVID-19 infection. The odds of COVID-19 infection were reduced with use of a face covering in unadjusted (OR 0.17 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.20) and adjusted (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.23) analyses. Social distancing (OR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.31; aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.43) and handwashing when arriving home (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.73; aOR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.83) also reduced the odds of COVID-19. Being in crowded places of 10-100 people (OR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.70 to 2.11; aOR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.42 to 1.85) and > 100 people (OR 2.33, 95% CI: 2.11 to 2.58; aOR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.53 to 1.97) were both associated with increased odds of COVID-19 infection. Handwashing before eating, avoiding touching the face, and cleaning things with virus on were all associated with increased odds of COVID-19 infections. CONCLUSIONS This large observational study found evidence for strong protective effects for individuals from use of face coverings, social distancing (including avoiding crowded places) and handwashing on arriving home on developing COVID-19 infection. We also found evidence for an increased risk associated with other behaviours, possibly from recall bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick A Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK.
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Merlin Willcox
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Mark Lown
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Richard Clarke
- School of Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham, GL50 4AZ, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Pragmatic Clinical Trials Unit, Queen Mary University of London, Yvonne Carter Building, 58 Turner Street, London, E1 2AB, UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12A Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Joëlle Houriet
- Antenna Foundation, Avenue de La Grenade 24, 1207, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
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Jefferson T, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, van Driel ML, Bawazeer GA, Jones MA, Hoffmann TC, Clark J, Beller EM, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD006207. [PMID: 36715243 PMCID: PMC9885521 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review last published in 2020. We include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and two trials registers in October 2022, with backwards and forwards citation analysis on the new studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, glasses, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs (610,872 participants) in this update, bringing the total number of RCTs to 78. Six of the new trials were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic; two from Mexico, and one each from Denmark, Bangladesh, England, and Norway. We identified four ongoing studies, of which one is completed, but unreported, evaluating masks concurrent with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods. Several were conducted during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Therefore, many studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Adherence with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included 12 trials (10 cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and 10 in the community). Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI)/COVID-19 like illness compared to not wearing masks (risk ratio (RR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.09; 9 trials, 276,917 participants; moderate-certainty evidence. Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza/SARS-CoV-2 compared to not wearing masks (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.42; 6 trials, 13,919 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported (very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). We are very uncertain on the effects of N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcome of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; 3 trials, 7779 participants; very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks may be effective for ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; 5 trials, 8407 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; 5 trials, 8407 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Restricting pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies (very low-certainty evidence). One previously reported ongoing RCT has now been published and observed that medical/surgical masks were non-inferior to N95 respirators in a large study of 1009 healthcare workers in four countries providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. Hand hygiene compared to control Nineteen trials compared hand hygiene interventions with controls with sufficient data to include in meta-analyses. Settings included schools, childcare centres and homes. Comparing hand hygiene interventions with controls (i.e. no intervention), there was a 14% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90; 9 trials, 52,105 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 380 events per 1000 people to 327 per 1000 people (95% CI 308 to 342). When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.09; 11 trials, 34,503 participants; low-certainty evidence), and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials, 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence), suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled 19 trials (71, 210 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. Pooled data showed that hand hygiene may be beneficial with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 200 events per 1000 people to 178 per 1000 people (95% CI 166 to 188). Few trials measured and reported harms (very low-certainty evidence). We found no RCTs on gowns and gloves, face shields, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low adherence with the interventions during the studies hampers drawing firm conclusions. There were additional RCTs during the pandemic related to physical interventions but a relative paucity given the importance of the question of masking and its relative effectiveness and the concomitant measures of mask adherence which would be highly relevant to the measurement of effectiveness, especially in the elderly and in young children. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low to moderate certainty of evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness, and although this effect was also present when ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza were analysed separately, it was not found to be a significant difference for the latter two outcomes. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, as well as the impact of adherence on effectiveness, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
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Jo S, Han SY, Howe N. Factors Associated with Handwashing Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the Community Health Survey in Korea. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608231172364. [PMID: 37139169 PMCID: PMC10150421 DOI: 10.1177/23779608231172364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Handwashing is the most effective preventive behavior for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection. However, research has shown the lower handwashing behaviors among Korean adults. Objectives This study aims to analyze factors associated with handwashing as a preventive behavior for COVID-19 infection based on the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) behavioral theories. Methods This secondary data analysis utilized the Community Health Survey developed by Disease Control and Prevention Agency conducted in 2020. Sampling method was stratified and targeted 900 people living in the territory of each community public health center. In total, 228,344 cases were used in the analysis. Handwashing behavior, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, subjective norm, and influenza vaccine uptake were used in the analysis. Regression analysis using weighing strategy by stratification and domain analysis was used. Results Less washing hand was associated with older age (B = 0.01, p < .001), males (B = 0.42, p < .001), not receiving an influenza vaccine (B = 0.09, p < .001), perceived susceptibility (B = 0.12, p < .001), subjective norm (B = 0.05, p < .001), and perceived severity (B = -0.04, p < .001). Conclusion While perceived susceptibility and social norm had positive association, perceived severity had a negative association with handwashing. Considering the Korean culture, creating a shared norm for frequent handwashing could be beneficial to promote handwashing rather than emphasizing the disease and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojung Jo
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Soo-Yeon Han
- Department of Nursing, Bucheon University, Bucheon, South Korea
- Soo-Yeon Han, Department of Nursing, Bucheon
University, Bucheon, South Korea.
| | - Nancy Howe
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation,
Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Yardley L, Morton K, Greenwell K, Stuart B, Rice C, Bradbury K, Ainsworth B, Band R, Murray E, Mair F, May C, Michie S, Richards-Hall S, Smith P, Bruton A, Raftery J, Zhu S, Thomas M, McManus RJ, Little P. Digital interventions for hypertension and asthma to support patient self-management in primary care: the DIPSS research programme including two RCTs. PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3310/bwfi7321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background
Digital interventions offer a potentially cost-effective means to support patient self-management in primary care, but evidence for the feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of digital interventions remains mixed. This programme focused on the potential for self-management digital interventions to improve outcomes in two common, contrasting conditions (i.e. hypertension and asthma) for which care is currently suboptimal, leading to excess deaths, illness, disability and costs for the NHS.
Objectives
The overall purpose was to address the question of how digital interventions can best provide cost-effective support for patient self-management in primary care. Our aims were to develop and trial digital interventions to support patient self-management of hypertension and asthma. Through the process of planning, developing and evaluating these interventions, we also aimed to generate a better understanding of what features and methods for implementing digital interventions could make digital interventions acceptable, feasible, effective and cost-effective to integrate into primary care.
Design
For the hypertension strand, we carried out systematic reviews of quantitative and qualitative evidence, intervention planning, development and optimisation, and an unmasked randomised controlled trial comparing digital intervention with usual care, with a health economic analysis and nested process evaluation. For the asthma strand, we carried out a systematic review of quantitative evidence, intervention planning, development and optimisation, and a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing digital intervention with usual care, with nested process evaluation.
Setting
General practices (hypertension, n = 76; asthma, n = 7) across Wessex and Thames Valley regions in Southern England.
Participants
For the hypertension strand, people with uncontrolled hypertension taking one, two or three antihypertensive medications. For the asthma strand, adults with asthma and impaired asthma-related quality of life.
Interventions
Our hypertension intervention (i.e. HOME BP) was a digital intervention that included motivational training for patients to self-monitor blood pressure, as well as health-care professionals to support self-management; a digital interface to send monthly readings to the health-care professional and to prompt planned medication changes when patients’ readings exceeded recommended targets for 2 consecutive months; and support for optional patient healthy behaviour change (e.g. healthy diet/weight loss, increased physical activity and reduced alcohol and salt consumption). The control group were provided with a Blood Pressure UK (London, UK) leaflet for hypertension and received routine hypertension care. Our asthma intervention (i.e. My Breathing Matters) was a digital intervention to improve the functional quality of life of primary care patients with asthma by supporting illness self-management. Motivational content intended to facilitate use of pharmacological self-management strategies (e.g. medication adherence and appropriate health-care service use) and non-pharmacological self-management strategies (e.g. breathing retraining, stress reduction and healthy behaviour change). The control group were given an Asthma UK (London, UK) information booklet on asthma self-management and received routine asthma care.
Main outcome measures
The primary outcome for the hypertension randomised controlled trial was difference between intervention and usual-care groups in mean systolic blood pressure (mmHg) at 12 months, adjusted for baseline blood pressure, blood pressure target (i.e. standard, diabetic or aged > 80 years), age and general practice. The primary outcome for the asthma feasibility study was the feasibility of the trial design, including recruitment, adherence, intervention engagement and retention at follow-up. Health-care utilisation data were collected via notes review.
Review methods
The quantitative reviews included a meta-analysis. The qualitative review comprised a meta-ethnography.
Results
A total of 622 hypertensive patients were recruited to the randomised controlled trial, and 552 (89%) were followed up at 12 months. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 months, with a difference of –3.4 mmHg (95% confidence interval –6.1 to –0.8 mmHg), and this gave an incremental cost per unit of systolic blood pressure reduction of £11 (95% confidence interval £5 to £29). Owing to a cost difference of £402 and a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) difference of 0.044, long-term modelling puts the incremental cost per QALY at just over £9000. The probability of being cost-effective was 66% at willingness to pay £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, and this was higher at higher thresholds. A total of 88 patients were recruited to the asthma feasibility trial (target n = 80; n = 44 in each arm). At 3-month follow-up, two patients withdrew and six patients did not complete outcome measures. At 12 months, two patients withdrew and four patients did not complete outcome measures. A total of 36 out of 44 patients in the intervention group engaged with My Breathing Matters [with a median of four (range 0–25) logins].
Limitations
Although the interventions were designed to be as accessible as was feasible, most trial participants were white and participants of lower socioeconomic status were less likely to take part and complete follow-up measures. Challenges remain in terms of integrating digital interventions with clinical records.
Conclusions
A digital intervention using self-monitored blood pressure to inform medication titration led to significantly lower blood pressure in participants than usual care. The observed reduction in blood pressure would be expected to lead to a reduction of 10–15% in patients suffering a stroke. The feasibility trial of My Breathing Matters suggests that a fully powered randomised controlled trial of the intervention is warranted. The theory-, evidence- and person-based approaches to intervention development refined through this programme enabled us to identify and address important contextual barriers to and facilitators of engagement with the interventions.
Future work
This research justifies consideration of further implementation of the hypertension intervention, a fully powered randomised controlled trial of the asthma intervention and wide dissemination of our methods for intervention development. Our interventions can also be adapted for a range of other health conditions.
Trial and study registration
The trials are registered as ISRCTN13790648 (hypertension) and ISRCTN15698435 (asthma). The studies are registered as PROSPERO CRD42013004773 (hypertension review) and PROSPERO CRD42014013455 (asthma review).
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full in Programme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 10, No. 11. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kate Morton
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Greenwell
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Cathy Rice
- Patient and public involvement contributor, UK
| | | | - Ben Ainsworth
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rebecca Band
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murray
- Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Frances Mair
- General Practice and Primary Care, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Carl May
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Peter Smith
- Department of Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anne Bruton
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mike Thomas
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard J McManus
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Risk factors for community-acquired respiratory infections in a non-pandemic context: Secondary analysis of the PRIMIT study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277201. [PMID: 36395249 PMCID: PMC9671441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Respiratory tract infection (RTI) incidence varies between people, but little is known about why. The aim of this study is therefore to identify risk factors for acquiring RTIs. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of 16,908 participants in the PRIMIT study, a pre-pandemic randomised trial showing handwashing reduced incidence of RTIs in the community. Data was analysed using multivariable logistic regression analyses of self-reported RTI acquisition. RESULTS After controlling for handwashing, RTI in the previous year (1 to 2 RTIs: adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.13, p<0.001; 3 to 5 RTIs: aOR 3.89, 95% CI 3.49 to 4.33, p<0.001; ≥6 RTIs: OR 5.52, 95% CI 4.37 to 6.97, p<0.001); skin conditions that prevent handwashing (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.55, p<0.001); children under 16 years in the household (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12, 1.43, p<0.001); chronic lung condition (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32, p = 0.026); female sex (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.18, p = 0.005), and post-secondary education (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17, p = 0.01) increased the likelihood of RTI. Those over the age of 65 years were less likely to develop an infection (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97, p = 0.009). Household crowding and influenza vaccination do not influence RTI acquisition. A post-hoc exploratory analysis found no evidence these subgroups differentially benefited from handwashing. CONCLUSIONS Previous RTIs, chronic lung conditions, skin conditions that prevent handwashing, and the presence of household children predispose to RTI acquisition. Further research is needed to understand how host and microbial factors explain the relationship between previous and future RTIs.
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Easton S, Ainsworth B, Thomas M, Latter S, Knibb R, Cook A, Wilding S, Bahrami‐Hessari M, Kennington E, Gibson D, Wilkins H, Yardley L, Roberts G. Planning a digital intervention for adolescents with asthma (BREATHE4T): A theory-, evidence- and Person-Based Approach to identify key behavioural issues. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:2589-2602. [PMID: 35932183 PMCID: PMC9826240 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe a transparent approach to planning a digital intervention for adolescents to self-manage their asthma using breathing retraining (BRT), based on an existing, effective adult intervention (BREATHE). METHODS A theory-, evidence-, and Person-Based Approach was used to maximise the effectiveness and persuasiveness of the intervention. A scoping review and semistructured interviews with target intervention users (N = 18, adolescents aged 12-17 years with asthma and parents) were carried out to explore user perspectives, barriers, and facilitators towards the intended behaviours and potential intervention features. The combined evidence was used alongside and to inform theory-based activities and enabled iterative planning of the intervention. RESULTS The scoping review identified themes relating to user-specific self-management issues, content, education, training needs, and features for a digital intervention. Interviews elicited potential barriers to intended behaviours such as the anticipated embarrassment of using BRT and concerns around remaining calm. Facilitators included BRT delivered by adolescents who share experiences of asthma and information for performing exercises discreetly. Relevant theoretical frameworks ensured that appropriate psychological constructs were targeted. A behavioural analysis identified six intervention functions and thirty behaviour change techniques. Logic modelling mapped the programme theory and mechanisms, which aims to improve adolescent asthma-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS This study gives a transparent insight into the approach followed to plan a self-guided BRT intervention for adolescents and has led to identification of key behavioural issues, enabling relevant intervention content to be chosen. Insight has been given into adolescent perceptions of BRT, which facilitated development of the prototype intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Easton
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Ben Ainsworth
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social SciencesUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Mike Thomas
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Sue Latter
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Rebecca Knibb
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of AstonBirminghamUK
| | - Amber Cook
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
| | - Sam Wilding
- Clinical Trials Unit, University Hospital SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Michael Bahrami‐Hessari
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
| | | | - Denise Gibson
- Physiotherapy DepartmentUniversity Hospital SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Hannah Wilkins
- Physiotherapy DepartmentUniversity Hospital SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health PsychologyUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Graham Roberts
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
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Nasiri MJ, Danaei B, Deravi N, Chirani AS, Bonjar AHS, Khoshgoftar Z, Karimi F. Impact of educational interventions on the prevention of influenza: A systematic review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:978456. [PMID: 36203669 PMCID: PMC9530567 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.978456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Seasonal influenza, a contagious viral disease affecting the upper respiratory tract, circulates annually, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. The present study investigates the effectiveness of educational interventions to prevent influenza. Methods We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for relevant clinical studies up to March 1 2022. The following terms were used: "influenza," "flu," "respiratory infection," "prevent," "intervention," and "education." Results Out of 255 studies, 21 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in our study: 13 parallel randomized controlled trials (RCT) studies, two cross-over RCT studies, two cohort studies, and four quasi-experimental studies. A total of approximately 12,500 adults (18 years old or above) and 11,000 children were evaluated. Educational sessions and reminders were the most common interventions. The measured outcomes were vaccination rates, the incidence of respiratory tract infection (RTI), and preventive behaviors among participants. Eighteen out of 21 articles showed a significant association between educational interventions and the outcomes. Conclusions The included studies in the current systematic review reported the efficacy of health promotion educational interventions in improving knowledge about influenza, influenza prevention behaviors, vaccination rates, and decreased RTI incidence regardless of the type of intervention and the age of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Nasiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Mohammad Javad Nasiri
| | - Bardia Danaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Deravi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amir Hashem Shahidi Bonjar
- Clinician Scientist of Dental Materials and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Khoshgoftar
- Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Zohreh Khoshgoftar
| | - Forouzan Karimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Forouzan Karimi
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Passos IPBD, Padoveze MC, Zem-Mascarenhas SH, Kawagoe JY, Felix AMDS, Timmons S, Figueiredo RMD. An innovative strategy for nursing training on standard and transmission-based precautions in primary health care: A randomized controlled trial. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:657-662. [PMID: 34793890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies to improve adherence to standard and transmission-based precautions are essential to reduce the risk of health care-associated infections. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational strategy on precautions among nursing staff in primary health care settings. METHODS A randomized nonblinded controlled trial was conducted with 100 nursing staff working in 28 primary health care units. Groups were allocated randomly. The intervention group received a WebQuest educational strategy: a guided, creative method designed to engage participants in developing learning tasks, organized in 5 dimensions. The control group did not receive any training. Knowledge and self-reported adherence were assessed at 3 time points in the intervention group and at 2 time points in the control group. Data analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact for categorical data, and Mann-Whitney and Repeated Measures analysis of variance for quantitative data. RESULTS A higher level of knowledge was identified in the postintervention for the dimensions of risk assessment, hand hygiene, and mask use and cough etiquette (all P values P < .05). The self-reported adherence increased in intervention (P = .008) and control groups (P = .005). The differences decreased after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS The educational intervention increased the knowledge and self-reported adherence to standard and transmission-based precautions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Clara Padoveze
- Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Julia Yaeko Kawagoe
- Nursing Master Program, d Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Enfermagem, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Stephen Timmons
- Business School, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Treneman-Evans G, Ali B, Denison-Day J, Clegg T, Yardley L, Denford S, Essery R. The Rapid Adaptation and Optimisation of a Digital Behaviour-Change Intervention to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6731. [PMID: 35682312 PMCID: PMC9180389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The rapid transmission of COVID-19 in school communities has been a major concern. To ensure that mitigation systems were in place and support was available, a digital intervention to encourage and facilitate infection-control behaviours was rapidly adapted and optimised for implementation as a whole-school intervention. Using the person-based approach, 'Germ Defence' was iteratively adapted, guided by relevant literature, co-production with Patient and Public Involvement representatives, and think-aloud interviews with forty-five school students, staff, and parents. Suggested infection-control behaviours deemed feasible and acceptable by the majority of participants included handwashing/hand-sanitising and wearing a face covering in certain contexts, such as crowded public spaces. Promoting a sense of collective responsibility was reported to increase motivation for the adoption of these behaviours. However, acceptability and willingness to implement recommended behaviours seemed to be influenced by participants' perceptions of risk. Barriers to the implementation of recommended behaviours in school and at home primarily related to childcare needs and physical space. We conclude that it was possible to rapidly adapt Germ Defence to provide an acceptable resource to help mitigate against infection transmission within and from school settings. Adapted content was considered acceptable, persuasive, and accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Treneman-Evans
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (J.D.-D.); (T.C.); (L.Y.); (S.D.); (R.E.)
| | - Becky Ali
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (J.D.-D.); (T.C.); (L.Y.); (S.D.); (R.E.)
| | - James Denison-Day
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (J.D.-D.); (T.C.); (L.Y.); (S.D.); (R.E.)
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Tara Clegg
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (J.D.-D.); (T.C.); (L.Y.); (S.D.); (R.E.)
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (J.D.-D.); (T.C.); (L.Y.); (S.D.); (R.E.)
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Sarah Denford
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (J.D.-D.); (T.C.); (L.Y.); (S.D.); (R.E.)
| | - Rosie Essery
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK; (J.D.-D.); (T.C.); (L.Y.); (S.D.); (R.E.)
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK
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Social, demographic and behavioural determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case-control study carried out during mass community testing of asymptomatic individuals in South Wales, December 2020. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e115. [PMID: 35535456 PMCID: PMC9203360 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 21 November and 22 December 2020, a SARS-CoV-2 community testing pilot took place in the South Wales Valleys. We conducted a case-control study in adults taking part in the pilot using an anonymous online questionnaire. Social, demographic and behavioural factors were compared in people with a positive lateral flow test (cases) and a sample of negatives (controls). A total of 199 cases and 2621 controls completed a questionnaire (response rates: 27.1 and 37.6% respectively). Following adjustment, cases were more likely to work in the hospitality sector (aOR 3.39, 95% CI 1.43–8.03), social care (aOR 2.63, 1.22–5.67) or healthcare (aOR 2.31, 1.29–4.13), live with someone self-isolating due to contact with a case (aOR 3.07, 2.03–4.62), visit a pub (aOR 2.87, 1.11–7.37) and smoke or vape (aOR 1.54, 1.02–2.32). In this community, and at this point in the epidemic, reducing transmission from a household contact who is self-isolating would have the biggest public health impact (population-attributable fraction: 0.2). As restrictions on social mixing are relaxed, hospitality venues will become of greater public health importance, and those working in this sector should be adequately protected. Smoking or vaping may be an important modifiable risk factor.
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Gomes M, Murray E, Raftery J. Economic Evaluation of Digital Health Interventions: Methodological Issues and Recommendations for Practice. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:367-378. [PMID: 35132606 PMCID: PMC8821841 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01130-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Health care interventions are increasingly being delivered through digital technologies, offering major opportunities for delivering more health gains from scarce health care resources. Digital health interventions (DHIs) raise distinct challenges for economic evaluations compared with drugs and medical devices, not least due to their interacting, evolving features. The implications of the distinctive nature of DHIs for the methodological choices underpinning their economic evaluation is not well understood. This paper provides an in-depth discussion of distinct features of DHIs and how they might impact the design, measurement, analysis and reporting of cost-effectiveness analysis conducted alongside both randomised and non-randomised studies. These include aspects related to choice of comparator, costs and benefits assessment, study perspective and type of economic analysis. We argue that typical methodological standpoints, such as taking a health service perspective, focusing on health-related benefits and adopting cost-utility analyses, as typically adopted in the economic evaluation of non-digital technologies (pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices), are unlikely to be appropriate for DHIs. We illustrate how these methodological aspects can be appropriately addressed in an evaluation of a digitally supported, remote rehabilitation programme for patients with Long Covid in England. We highlight several methodological considerations for improving practice and areas where further methodological work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gomes
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Murray
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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18
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Amrein MA, Ruschetti GG, Baeder C, Bamert M, Inauen J. Mobile intervention to promote correct hand hygiene at key times to prevent COVID-19 in the Swiss adult general population: study protocol of a multiphase optimisation strategy. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055971. [PMID: 35351716 PMCID: PMC8960462 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Behaviour change is key to the public health measures that have been issued in many countries worldwide to contain COVID-19. Public health measures will only take preventive effect if people adhere to them. Interventions taking health psychology approaches may promote adherence to public health measures. However, evidence from randomised controlled behaviour change trials is scarce during an ongoing pandemic. We aim to use the example of hand washing with soap to optimise and test a digital, theory-based and evidence-based behaviour change intervention to prevent the spread of COVID-19. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol describes the multiphase optimisation strategy for the preparation, optimisation and evaluation of a theory-based and evidence-based intervention delivered via app. The app aims to promote correct hand hygiene at key times in the adult general population. The study will be conducted in German-speaking Switzerland. The preparation phase has identified relevant behavioural determinants of hand hygiene during a pandemic from health behaviour theories and formative research with focus groups (n=8). The optimisation phase will identify the most effective and acceptable combination and sequence of three intervention modules in a parallel randomised trial (n=387) with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis. Additionally, thematic analysis of qualitative interview data (n=15) will be used to gain insights on the feasibility, usability and satisfaction of the intervention. The evaluation phase will test the optimised intervention against an active control group in a randomised controlled trial (n=205), analysing pre-post differences and 6-month follow-up effects with ANOVA and regression analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial was approved by the Cantonal Ethics Commission Bern of the Swiss Association of Research Ethics Committees (protocol ID: 2021-00164). Final results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04830761.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carole Baeder
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Bamert
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Inauen
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Domke A, Keller J, Knoll N, Sniehotta FF, Heuse S, Wiedemann AU. Plan pursuit in the context of daily fruit and vegetable consumption: The importance of cue detection and the execution of the planned behaviour for overall behaviour change. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 27:1172-1187. [PMID: 35318775 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In action planning interventions, individuals specify and link cues with behavioural responses to implement behaviour change. To date, not much is known about how and how much the detection of the planned cue (entering and identifying the planned situation) and the execution of the planned behaviour (behavioural response exactly as planned) contribute to overall behavioural changes (changes in target behaviour) achieved by individuals. Using data from an intervention on daily fruit and vegetable (FV) action planning, this study aimed to test whether individuals' cue detection and execution of the planned behaviour are positively related to overall FV intake. DESIGN Secondary data analyses examined diary data of the intervention condition of a randomized controlled trial. Ninety participants (80% female, aged 19-63 years) formed one FV plan and completed a 13-days post-intervention self-report diary assessing daily FV consumption and situational characteristics of each consumed FV serving. Based on these self-reports and participants' FV plan, day-to-day cue detection and the execution of the planned behaviour were coded. METHODS With two-level models, cue detection and the execution of the planned behaviour were examined as between- and within-person predictors of daily FV intake. RESULTS Higher between-person execution of the planned behaviour (+1.68 daily servings), higher-than-usual within-person cue detection (+0.46 daily servings), and higher-than-usual within-person execution of the planned behaviour (+0.29 daily servings) were associated with more overall FV intake. CONCLUSIONS Detecting planned cues (within-person) and executing the planned behaviour (between- and within-person) are important for overall FV intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Domke
- Department of Education and Psychology, Division Health Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Keller
- Department of Education and Psychology, Division Health Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Knoll
- Department of Education and Psychology, Division Health Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Falko F Sniehotta
- Department of Public Health, Preventive and Social Medicine, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Silke Heuse
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amelie U Wiedemann
- Department of Education and Psychology, Division Health Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
- DearEmployee GmbH, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Kim J, Yoon K. Association among the exposure to giving knowledge, attitude and practice for handwashing in people residing in Seoul, South Korea: a retrospective cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053329. [PMID: 35168971 PMCID: PMC8852713 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Handwashing is known as the most preventive method for various infectious diseases. Health authorities have conducted various campaigns and public relations targeting the general population but few evaluations of these long-term interventions. This study aimed to investigate the association between experience of educational events or public relations (EXEP), attitude towards the effectiveness of handwashing (AEHW) and handwashing practice (HWP). SETTING Using a population-based cross-sectional study with a complex sample design, we explored the response outcomes of handwashing. Those outcomes were collected biennially using Community Health Survey among the years 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. We applied multivariate logistic regression for the association among sociodemographic factors, health conditions, EXEP, AEHW and HWP. PARTICIPANTS Total participants residing in Seoul were 23 139 (men 44.2%), 23 004 (men 44.4%), 22 955 (men 44.8%) and 22 930 (men 43.9%), in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019, respectively. RESULTS Overall, participants with EXEP are more likely to be women, aged between the 30s and 60s, and with a higher educational level. Particularly, participants with EXEP had an increased association with HWP (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.33) and AEHW (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.63). In addition, AEHW also had an increased association with HWP (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.81). The mediated effect of AEHW to HWP is not determined evidently. CONCLUSION The results showed that EXEP is positively associated with HWP and AEHW among community-dwelling people. Our results confirm that educational activity can lead to more pronounced behavioural changes only when it forms a positive attitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayeun Kim
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
- Korea Institute of Child Care and Education, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuhyun Yoon
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
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21
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‘Superbugs’: raising public awareness of antimicrobial resistance through a pop-up science shop. RESEARCH FOR ALL 2022. [DOI: 10.14324/rfa.06.1.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
‘Superbugs: A Pop-up Science Shop’ was a public engagement event in the school summer holidays of 2019, organised by members of Cardiff University’s School of Medicine. We transformed an empty retail unit in the centre of Wales’s largest shopping centre into an interactive and immersive microbiology experience. We facilitated two-way dialogue to impart positive impact on the awareness of antibiotic resistance, while concurrently evaluating the efficacy of an engagement strategy focused on the utilisation of public spaces to attract public demographics diverse to those who would normally engage with conventional science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach. Over the course of 14 days, we welcomed 6,566 visitors, with 67 per cent attending as part of the natural footfall of the shopping centre. We created 1,626 young Antibiotic Resistance Champions, located in over two hundred schools, across many of the most deprived areas in Wales. We imparted a positive impact to our stakeholders, with a significant increase in the knowledge and understanding of the subject of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); 91.7 per cent indicated that they had a better understanding after the event. In this article, we discuss the evolution of ‘Superbugs’ from concept, planning and design, to the logistics of delivering an engagement event of this scale. We focus in particular on the learning outcomes of the project, and on how this will shape the future of our ‘Superbugs’ project, and engagement events beyond.
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22
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Stark AL, Geukes C, Dockweiler C. Digital Health Promotion and Prevention in Settings: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e21063. [PMID: 35089140 PMCID: PMC8838600 DOI: 10.2196/21063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital technologies are increasingly integrating into people's daily living environments such as schools, sport clubs, and health care facilities. These settings play a crucial role for health promotion and prevention because they affect the health of their members, as the World Health Organization has declared. Implementing digital health promotion and prevention in settings offers the opportunity to reach specific target groups, lower the costs of implementation, and improve the health of the population. Currently, there is a lack of scientific evidence that reviews the research on digital health promotion and prevention in settings. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to provide an overview of research targeting digital health promotion and primary prevention in settings. It assesses the range of scientific literature regarding outcomes such as applied technology, targeted setting, and area of health promotion or prevention, as well as identifies research gaps. METHODS The scoping review was conducted following the Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien framework. We searched scientific databases and gray literature for articles on digital setting-based health promotion and prevention published from 2010 to January 2020. We included empirical and nonempirical publications in English or German and excluded secondary or tertiary prevention and health promotion at the workplace. RESULTS From 8888 records, the search resulted in 200 (2.25%) included publications. We identified a huge diversity of literature regarding digital setting-based health promotion and prevention. The variety of technology types extends from computer- and web-based programs to mobile devices (eg, smartphone apps) and telemonitoring devices (sensors). We found analog, digital, and blended settings in which digital health promotion and prevention takes place. The most frequent analog settings were schools (39/200, 19.5%) and neighborhoods or communities (24/200, 12%). Social media apps were also included because in some studies they were defined as a (digital) setting. They accounted for 31.5% (63/200) of the identified settings. The most commonly focused areas of health promotion and prevention were physical activity (81/200, 40.5%), nutrition (45/200, 22.5%), and sexual health (34/200, 17%). Most of the interventions combined several health promotion or prevention methods, including environmental change; providing information, social support, training, or incentives; and monitoring. Finally, we found that the articles mostly reported on behavioral rather than structural health promotion and prevention. CONCLUSIONS The research field of digital health promotion and prevention in settings is heterogeneous. At the same time, we identified research gaps regarding the absence of valid definitions of relevant terms (eg, digital settings) and the lack of literature on structural health promotion and prevention in settings. Therefore, it remains unclear how digital technologies can contribute to structural (or organizational) changes in settings. More research is needed to successfully implement digital technologies to achieve health promotion and prevention in settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lea Stark
- School of Public Health, Centre for ePublic Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Cornelia Geukes
- School of Public Health, Centre for ePublic Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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23
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Hammond A, Halliday A, Thornton HV, Hay AD. Predisposing factors to acquisition of acute respiratory tract infections in the community: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1254. [PMID: 34906101 PMCID: PMC8670045 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06954-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preventing respiratory tract infections (RTIs) could have profound effects on quality of life, primary care workload, antibiotic prescribing and stewardship. We aimed to identify factors that increase and decrease RTI acquisition within Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries. Methods Systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane and ISI Web of Knowledge for studies conducted up to July 2020 reporting predisposing factors for community RTI acquisition. Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random-effects model. Results 23 studies investigated risk factors associated with community-acquired pneumonia (n = 15); any RTI (n = 4); influenza like illness (n = 2); and lower RTI (n = 2). Demographic, lifestyle and social factors were: underweight BMI (pooled odds ratio (ORp 2.14, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.70, p = 0.97); male sex (ORp 1.30, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.33, p = 0.66); contact with pets (ORp 1.35, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.54, p = 0.72); contact with children (ORp 1.35, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.56, p = 0.05); and ex-smoking status (ORp 1.57, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.88, p = 0.76). Health-related factors were: chronic liver condition (ORp 1.30, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.50, p = 0.34); chronic renal condition (ORp 1.47, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.85, p = 0.14); and any hospitalisation in previous five years (ORp 1.64, 95% CI 1.46 to 1.82, p = 0.66). Conclusions We identified several modifiable risk factors associated with increased likelihood of acquiring RTIs in the community, including low BMI, contact with children and pets. Modification of risk factors and increased awareness of vulnerable groups could reduce morbidity, mortality and antibiotic use associated with RTIs. PROSPERO registration CRD42019134176. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06954-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Hammond
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - Alice Halliday
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Hannah V Thornton
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
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Boeijen JA, van der Velden AW, Hullegie S, Platteel TN, Zwart DLM, Damoiseaux RAMJ, Venekamp RP, van de Pol AC. Common Infections and Antibiotic Prescribing during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Primary Care-Based Observational Cohort Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121521. [PMID: 34943733 PMCID: PMC8698485 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Presentation and antibiotic prescribing for common infectious disease episodes decreased substantially during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in Dutch general practice. We set out to determine the course of these variables during the first pandemic year. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using routine health care data from the Julius General Practitioners’ Network. All patients registered in the pre-pandemic year (n = 425,129) and/or during the first pandemic year (n = 432,122) were included. Relative risks for the number of infectious disease episodes (respiratory tract/ear, urinary tract, gastrointestinal, and skin), in total and those treated with antibiotics, and proportions of episodes treated with antibiotics (prescription rates) were calculated. Compared to the pre-pandemic year, primary care presentation for common infections remained lower during the full first pandemic year (RR, 0.77; CI, 0.76–0.78), mainly attributed to a sustained decline in respiratory tract/ear and gastrointestinal infection episodes. Presentation for urinary tract and skin infection episodes declined during the first wave, but returned to pre-pandemic levels during the second and start of the third wave. Antibiotic prescription rates were lower during the full first pandemic year (24%) as compared to the pre-pandemic year (28%), mainly attributed to a 10% lower prescription rate for respiratory tract/ear infections; the latter was not accompanied by an increase in complications. The decline in primary care presentation for common infections during the full first COVID-19 pandemic year, together with lower prescription rates for respiratory tract/ear infections, resulted in a substantial reduction in antibiotic prescribing in Dutch primary care.
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Keller J, Kwasnicka D, Wilhelm LO, Lorbeer N, Pauly T, Domke A, Knoll N, Fleig L. Hand Washing and Related Cognitions Following a Brief Behavior Change Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Pre-Post Analysis. Int J Behav Med 2021; 29:575-586. [PMID: 34843096 PMCID: PMC8628490 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10042-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Effective hand washing (for at least 20 s, with water and soap) is one of the health behaviors protecting against infection transmissions. Behavior change interventions supporting the initiation and maintenance of hand washing are crucial to prevent infection transmissions. Based on the Health Action Process Approach, the aim of this research was to conduct a pre-post analysis of hand washing and related cognitions (i.e., intention, self-efficacy, self-monitoring), measured up to 100 days following an intervention. Methods A convenience sample of N = 123 participants (age: M = 23.96 years; SD = 5.82; 80% women) received a brief intervention (key behavior change techniques: information about health consequences of hand washing; action planning) and responded to daily diaries and questionnaires up to a 100-day follow-up. Two-level models were used to analyze data of n = 89 participants who provided longitudinal data. Results Hand washing and self-monitoring increased, whereas intention and self-efficacy decreased over time. Only self-monitoring was a consistent positive correlate of hand washing on a between-person level. Conclusions Hand washing and self-monitoring considerably increased over several weeks following the intervention. Future research testing the intervention against a control condition is needed to rule out that changes in behavior and cognitions might have been prompted by completing the daily diaries. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register; https://www.drks.de; registration number: DRKS00022067. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12529-021-10042-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Keller
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland.,NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Noemi Lorbeer
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Theresa Pauly
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Domke
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Knoll
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Hullegie S, Schilder AGM, Marchisio P, de Sévaux JLH, van der Velden AW, van de Pol AC, Boeijen JA, Platteel TN, Torretta S, Damoiseaux RAMJ, Venekamp RP. A Strong Decline in the Incidence of Childhood Otitis Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Netherlands. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:768377. [PMID: 34790591 PMCID: PMC8591181 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.768377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent reports have highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of infectious disease illnesses and antibiotic use. This study investigates the effect of the pandemic on childhood incidence of otitis media (OM) and associated antibiotic prescribing in a large primary care-based cohort in the Netherlands. Material and Methods Retrospective observational cohort study using routine health care data from the Julius General Practitioners’ Network (JGPN). All children aged 0-12 registered in 62 practices before the COVID-19 pandemic (1 March 2019 - 29 February 2020) and/or during the pandemic (1 March 2020 - 28 February 2021) were included. Data on acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME), ear discharge episodes and associated antibiotic prescriptions were extracted. Incidence rates per 1,000 child years (IR), incidence rate ratios (IRR) and incidence rate differences (IRD) were compared between the two study periods. Results OM episodes declined considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic: IR pre-COVID-19 vs COVID-19 for AOM 73.7 vs 27.1 [IRR 0.37]; for OME 9.6 vs 4.1 [IRR 0.43]; and for ear discharge 12.6 vs 5.8 [IRR 0.46]. The absolute number of AOM episodes in which oral antibiotics were prescribed declined accordingly (IRD pre-COVID-19 vs COVID-19: -22.4 per 1,000 child years), but the proportion of AOM episodes with antibiotic prescription was similar in both periods (47% vs 46%, respectively). Discussion GP consultation for AOM, OME and ear discharge declined by 63%, 57% and 54% respectively in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar antibiotic prescription rates before and during the pandemic indicate that the case-mix presenting to primary care did not considerably change. Our data therefore suggest a true decline as a consequence of infection control measures introduced during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hullegie
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anne G M Schilder
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,evidENT, Ear Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research, Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Marchisio
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Joline L H de Sévaux
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alike W van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alma C van de Pol
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Josi A Boeijen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tamara N Platteel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sara Torretta
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Ear Nose Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgery Unit, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roger A M J Damoiseaux
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roderick P Venekamp
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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27
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Miller S, Ainsworth B, Weal M, Smith P, Little P, Yardley L, Morrison L. A Web-Based Intervention (Germ Defence) to Increase Handwashing During a Pandemic: Process Evaluations of a Randomized Controlled Trial and Public Dissemination. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26104. [PMID: 34519661 PMCID: PMC8494071 DOI: 10.2196/26104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Washing hands helps prevent transmission of seasonal and pandemic respiratory viruses. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT) during the swine flu outbreak, participants with access to a fully automated, digital intervention promoting handwashing reported washing their hands more often and experienced fewer respiratory tract infections than those without access to the intervention. Based on these findings, the intervention was adapted, renamed as “Germ Defence,” and a study was designed to assess the preliminary dissemination of the intervention to the general public to help prevent the spread of seasonal colds and flu. Objective This study compares the process evaluations of the RCT and Germ Defence dissemination to examine (1) how web-based research enrollment procedures affected those who used the intervention, (2) intervention usage in the 2 contexts, and (3) whether increased intentions to wash hands are replicated once disseminated. Methods The RCT ran between 2010 and 2012 recruiting participants offline from general practices, with restricted access to the intervention (N=9155). Germ Defence was disseminated as an open access website for use by the general public from 2016 to 2019 (N=624). The process evaluation plan was developed using Medical Research Council guidance and the framework for Analyzing and Measuring Usage and Engagement Data. Both interventions contained a goal-setting section where users self-reported current and intended handwashing behavior across 7 situations. Results During web-based enrolment, 54.3% (17,511/32,250) of the RCT participants dropped out of the study compared to 36.5% (358/982) of Germ Defence users. Having reached the start of the intervention, 93.8% (8586/9155) of RCT users completed the core section, whereas 65.1% (406/624) of Germ Defence users reached the same point. Users across both studies selected to increase their handwashing in 5 out of 7 situations, including before eating snacks (RCT mean difference 1.040, 95% CI 1.016-1.063; Germ Defence mean difference 0.949, 95% CI 0.766-1.132) and after blowing their nose, sneezing, or coughing (RCT mean difference 0.995, 95% CI 0.972-1.019; Germ Defence mean difference 0.842, 95% CI 0.675-1.008). Conclusions By comparing the preliminary dissemination of Germ Defence to the RCT, we were able to examine the potential effects of the research procedures on uptake and attrition such as the sizeable dropout during the RCT enrolment procedure that may have led to a more motivated sample. The Germ Defence study highlighted the points of attrition within the intervention. Despite sample bias in the trial context, the intervention replicated increases in intentions to handwash when used “in the wild.” This preliminary dissemination study informed the adaptation of the intervention for the COVID-19 health emergency, and it has now been disseminated globally. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN75058295; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN75058295
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Miller
- Center for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Ainsworth
- Bath Centre for Mindfulness and Compassion, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Weal
- Web and Internet Science Group, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Smith
- Department of Social Statistics and Demography, School of Economic, Social and Political Scientces, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Center for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Morrison
- Center for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Primary Care and Population Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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28
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Gágyor I, Hay AD. Outcome selection in primary care antimicrobial stewardship research. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 77:7-12. [PMID: 34542632 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) outcomes are highly relevant to pragmatic primary care trials, reflecting aspects, such as persistent symptoms and relapses, or antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Sometimes both can be equally important. We present evidence demonstrating the wide range of outcome measures used in previous primary care trials and observe that there are no agreed standards for their design. We describe AMS interventions and outcomes in terms of intervention types and targets, and we make recommendations for future research designs. Specifically, we argue that: (i) where co-primary outcomes are considered appropriate, investigators should pre-specify interpretation of conflicting results; (ii) intervention evaluation should ensure prescriptions from sources outside of the usual provider are included in any AMS effectiveness measure; (iii) where possible, outcomes should include antimicrobial resistance; (iv) in some contexts, it may be necessary to include the antibiotics used within the intervention as part of the outcome; and (v) patient involvement is needed to establish the principles investigators should use when deciding whether the AMS or clinical outcomes should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Gágyor
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of General Practice, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre of Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences: Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
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29
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Hayes CV, Eley CV, Ashiru-Oredope D, Hann M, McNulty CAM. Development and pilot evaluation of an educational programme on infection prevention and antibiotics with English and Scottish youth groups, informed by COM-B. J Infect Prev 2021; 22:212-219. [PMID: 34659459 PMCID: PMC8512880 DOI: 10.1177/17571774211012463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK 5-year antimicrobial resistance (AMR) National Action Plan highlights the need to prevent community infections through education of children. Activities around infection prevention (IP) and antibiotics were piloted by UK youth groups in 2016-2018, prompting Public Health England (PHE) to develop a standardised programme. The aim of the study was to develop and pilot an educational programme on IP and antibiotics for use by community youth groups in the UK. METHODS A working group, including youth group volunteers interested in IP and AMR, agreed on the programme content through consensus, informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour model (COM-B). The Antibiotic Guardian Youth Badge (AGYB) included learning through interactive e-Bug activities on IP and prudent antibiotic use, action setting through Antibiotic Guardian pledges and consolidation through poster development. The programme was piloted and evaluated with conveniently recruited youth groups in 2019, including quantitative and qualitative questionnaire feedback from community leaders and children. RESULTS Fourteen youth group leaders and 232 children from uniformed Girlguiding/Scout groups in England and Scotland participated in the pilot evaluation, as well as two primary schools. Leaders reported alignment to the themes of their youth organisation, but struggled to teach antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Children reported enjoyment and intentions to improve hygiene behaviour. CONCLUSION Community youth groups are a suitable setting for IP and antibiotics education. The AGYB was officially launched in March 2020 and promoted for use with home-schooling children and remote youth group meetings to educate about IP during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine V Hayes
- HCAI & AMR Division of the National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - Charlotte V Eley
- HCAI & AMR Division of the National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - Diane Ashiru-Oredope
- HCAI & AMR Division of the National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - Magda Hann
- HCAI & AMR Division of the National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
| | - Cliodna AM McNulty
- HCAI & AMR Division of the National Infection Service, Public Health England, UK
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30
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Hoffmann T, Bakhit M, Krzyzaniak N, Del Mar C, Scott AM, Glasziou P. Soap versus sanitiser for preventing the transmission of acute respiratory infections in the community: a systematic review with meta-analysis and dose-response analysis. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046175. [PMID: 34408031 PMCID: PMC8375726 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand sanitiser to soap and water for preventing the transmission of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and to assess the relationship between the dose of hand hygiene and the number of ARI, influenza-like illness (ILI) or influenza events. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and trial registries were searched in April 2020. INCLUSION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials that compared a community-based hand hygiene intervention (soap and water, or sanitiser) with a control, or trials that compared sanitiser with soap and water, and measured outcomes of ARI, ILI or laboratory-confirmed influenza or related consequences. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts for inclusion and extracted data. RESULTS Eighteen trials were included. When meta-analysed, three trials of soap and water versus control found a non-significant increase in ARI events (risk ratio (RR) 1.23, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.93); six trials of sanitiser versus control found a significant reduction in ARI events (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.89). When hand hygiene dose was plotted against ARI relative risk, no clear dose-response relationship was observable. Four trials were head-to-head comparisons of sanitiser and soap and water but too heterogeneous to pool: two found a significantly greater reduction in the sanitiser group compared with the soap group and two found no significant difference between the intervention arms. CONCLUSIONS Adequately performed hand hygiene, with either soap or sanitiser, reduces the risk of ARI virus transmission; however, direct and indirect evidence suggest sanitiser might be more effective in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mina Bakhit
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalia Krzyzaniak
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Del Mar
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Mae Scott
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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31
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Perski O, Szinay D, Corker E, Shahab L, West R, Michie S. Interventions to increase personal protective behaviours to limit the spread of respiratory viruses: A rapid evidence review and meta-analysis. Br J Health Psychol 2021; 27:215-264. [PMID: 34173697 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasing personal protective behaviours is critical for stopping the spread of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2: We need evidence to inform how to achieve this. We aimed to synthesize evidence on interventions to increase six personal protective behaviours (e.g., hand hygiene, face mask use, maintaining physical distancing) to limit the spread of respiratory viruses. METHODS We used best practice for rapid evidence reviews. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and Scopus. Studies conducted in adults or children with active or passive comparators were included. We extracted data on study design, intervention content, mode of delivery, population, setting, mechanism(s) of action, acceptability, practicability, effectiveness, affordability, spill-over effects, and equity impact. Study quality was assessed with Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool. A narrative synthesis and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. RESULTS We identified 39 studies conducted across 15 countries. Interventions targeted hand hygiene (n = 30) and/or face mask use (n = 12) and used two- or three-arm study designs with passive comparators. Interventions were typically delivered face-to-face and included a median of three behaviour change techniques. The quality of included studies was low. Interventions to increase hand hygiene (k = 6) had a medium, positive effect (d = .62, 95% CI = 0.43-0.80, p < .001, I2 = 81.2%). Interventions targeting face mask use (k = 4) had mixed results, with an imprecise pooled estimate (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.24-13.79, p < .001, I2 = 89.67%). Between-study heterogeneity was high. CONCLUSIONS We found low-quality evidence for positive effects of interventions targeting hand hygiene, with unclear results for interventions targeting face mask use. There was a lack of evidence for most behaviours of interest within this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Perski
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Dorothy Szinay
- Behavioural and Implementation Science Group, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Elizabeth Corker
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
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32
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Gold N, Hu XY, Denford S, Xia RY, Towler L, Groot J, Gledhill R, Willcox M, Ainsworth B, Miller S, Moore M, Little P, Amlôt R, Chadborn T, Yardley L. Effectiveness of digital interventions to improve household and community infection prevention and control behaviours and to reduce incidence of respiratory and/or gastro-intestinal infections: a rapid systematic review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1180. [PMID: 34154553 PMCID: PMC8215628 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11150-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Digital interventions have potential to efficiently support improved hygiene practices to reduce transmission of COVID-19. Objective To evaluate the evidence for digital interventions to improve hygiene practices within the community. Methods We reviewed articles published between 01 January 2000 and 26 May 2019 that presented a controlled trial of a digital intervention to improve hygiene behaviours in the community. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure and grey literature. Trials in hospitals were excluded, as were trials aiming at prevention of sexually transmitted infections; only target diseases with transmission mechanisms similar to COVID-19 (e.g. respiratory and gastrointestinal infections) were included. Trials had to evaluate a uniquely digital component of an intervention. Study designs were limited to randomised controlled trials, controlled before-and-after trials, and interrupted time series analyses. Outcomes could be either incidence of infections or change in hygiene behaviours. The Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess study quality. Results We found seven studies that met the inclusion criteria. Six studies reported successfully improving self-reported hygiene behaviour or health outcomes, but only one of these six trials, Germ Defence, confirmed improvements using objective measures (reduced consultations and antibiotic prescriptions). Settings included kindergartens, workplaces, and service station restrooms. Modes of delivery were diverse: WeChat, website, text messages, audio messages to mobiles, electronic billboards, and electronic personal care records. Four interventions targeted parents of young children with educational materials. Two targeted the general population; these also used behaviour change techniques or theory to inform the intervention. Only one trial had low risk of bias, Germ Defence; the most common concerns were lack of information about the randomisation, possible bias in reporting of behavioural outcomes, and lack of an analysis plan and possible selective reporting of results. Conclusion There was only one trial that was judged to be at low risk of bias, Germ Defence, which reduced incidence and severity of illness, as confirmed by objective measures. Further evaluation is required to determine the effectiveness of the other interventions reviewed. Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42020189919. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11150-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gold
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, UK. .,Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, England.
| | - Xiao-Yang Hu
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Denford
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School (PHS), University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ru-Yu Xia
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lauren Towler
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Julia Groot
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Rachel Gledhill
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Merlin Willcox
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ben Ainsworth
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Sascha Miller
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard Amlôt
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Tim Chadborn
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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33
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Greenwell K, Ainsworth B, Bruton A, Murray E, Russell D, Thomas M, Yardley L. Mixed methods process evaluation of my breathing matters, a digital intervention to support self-management of asthma. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2021; 31:35. [PMID: 34088903 PMCID: PMC8178311 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-021-00248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore user engagement with 'My Breathing Matters', a digital self-management intervention for asthma, and identify factors that may influence engagement. In a mixed methods design, adults with asthma allocated to the intervention arm of a feasibility trial (n = 44) participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 18) and a satisfaction questionnaire (n = 36) to explore their views and experiences of the intervention. Usage data highlighted that key intervention content was delivered to most users. The majority of questionnaire respondents (78%; n = 28) reported they would recommend the intervention to friends and family. Interviewees expressed positive views of the intervention and experienced several benefits, mainly improved asthma control, medication use, and breathing technique. Factors that may influence user engagement were identified, including perceptions of asthma control, current self-management practices, and appeal of the target behaviours and behaviour change techniques. Findings suggested My Breathing Matters was acceptable and engaging to participants, and it was used as intended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Greenwell
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Ben Ainsworth
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Anne Bruton
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Elizabeth Murray
- Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mike Thomas
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education (PPM), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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34
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Morton K, Ainsworth B, Miller S, Rice C, Bostock J, Denison-Day J, Towler L, Groot J, Moore M, Willcox M, Chadborn T, Amlot R, Gold N, Little P, Yardley L. Adapting Behavioral Interventions for a Changing Public Health Context: A Worked Example of Implementing a Digital Intervention During a Global Pandemic Using Rapid Optimisation Methods. Front Public Health 2021; 9:668197. [PMID: 33981669 PMCID: PMC8109268 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.668197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A rigorous approach is needed to inform rapid adaptation and optimisation of behavioral interventions in evolving public health contexts, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. This helps ensure that interventions are relevant, persuasive, and feasible while remaining evidence-based. This paper provides a set of iterative methods to rapidly adapt and optimize an intervention during implementation. These methods are demonstrated through the example of optimizing an effective online handwashing intervention called Germ Defense. Methods: Three revised versions of the intervention were rapidly optimized and launched within short timeframes of 1-2 months. Optimisations were informed by: regular stakeholder engagement; emerging scientific evidence, and changing government guidance; rapid qualitative research (telephone think-aloud interviews and open-text surveys), and analyses of usage data. All feedback was rapidly collated, using the Table of Changes method from the Person-Based Approach to prioritize potential optimisations in terms of their likely impact on behavior change. Written feedback from stakeholders on each new iteration of the intervention also informed specific optimisations of the content. Results: Working closely with clinical stakeholders ensured that the intervention was clinically accurate, for example, confirming that information about transmission and exposure was consistent with evidence. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors identified important clarifications to intervention content, such as whether Covid-19 can be transmitted via air as well as surfaces, and ensured that information about difficult behaviors (such as self-isolation) was supportive and feasible. Iterative updates were made in line with emerging evidence, including changes to the information about face-coverings and opening windows. Qualitative research provided insights into barriers to engaging with the intervention and target behaviors, with open-text surveys providing a useful supplement to detailed think-aloud interviews. Usage data helped identify common points of disengagement, which guided decisions about optimisations. The Table of Changes was modified to facilitate rapid collation and prioritization of multiple sources of feedback to inform optimisations. Engagement with PPI informed the optimisation process. Conclusions: Rapid optimisation methods of this kind may in future be used to help improve the speed and efficiency of adaptation, optimization, and implementation of interventions, in line with calls for more rapid, pragmatic health research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Morton
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Ainsworth
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Miller
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Rice
- Public Contributor, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Bostock
- Public Contributor, London, United Kingdom
- Quality Safety & Outcomes Policy Research Unit, University of Kent & Oxford, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - James Denison-Day
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Towler
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Groot
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Merlin Willcox
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Chadborn
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Amlot
- Behavioural Science Team, Emergency Response Department Science and Technology, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Gold
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Yuen E, Fried J, Salvador C, Gudis DA, Schlosser RJ, Nguyen SA, Brennan EA, Rowan NR. Nonpharmacological interventions to reduce respiratory viral transmission: an evidence-based review with recommendations. Rhinology 2021; 59:114-132. [PMID: 33760909 DOI: 10.4193/rhin20.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral respiratory infections are a leading cause of worldwide mortality and exert the potential to cause global socioeconomic crises. However, inexpensive, efficacious, and rapidly deployable strategies to reduce viral transmission are increasingly important in the setting of an ongoing pandemic, though not entirely understood. This article provides a comprehensive review of commonly employed nonpharmacological interventions to interrupt viral spread and provides evidence-based recommendations for their use. METHODOLOGY A systematic review of three databases was performed. Studies with defined endpoints of subjects receiving one of five interventions (nasal washing, gargling, personal protective equipment (PPE), social distancing, and hand hygiene) were included. An evidence-based review of the highest level of evidence, with recommendations, was created in accordance with a previously described, rigorous, iterative process. RESULTS Fifty-four primary studies were included. The most commonly studied intervention was hand hygiene, followed by PPE, gargling, saline nasal washing, and social distancing. CONCLUSIONS Mask use and hand hygiene are strong recommendations for prevention of viral transmission. Donning gloves, gowns, and eye protection are a recommendation in healthcare settings. Saline nasal washing and gargling are options in selected populations. Although an aggregate level of evidence is not provided, the authors recommend social distancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Yuen
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - J Fried
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - C Salvador
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - D A Gudis
- Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - R J Schlosser
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - S A Nguyen
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - E A Brennan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - N R Rowan
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Ainsworth B, Miller S, Denison-Day J, Stuart B, Groot J, Rice C, Bostock J, Hu XY, Morton K, Towler L, Moore M, Willcox M, Chadborn T, Gold N, Amlôt R, Little P, Yardley L. Infection Control Behavior at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Study of a Web-Based Behavioral Intervention (Germ Defence). J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e22197. [PMID: 33566791 PMCID: PMC7909304 DOI: 10.2196/22197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To control the COVID-19 pandemic, people should adopt protective behaviors at home (self-isolation, social distancing, putting shopping and packages aside, wearing face coverings, cleaning and disinfecting, and handwashing). There is currently limited support to help individuals conduct these behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study aims to report current household infection control behaviors in the United Kingdom and examine how they might be improved. METHODS This was a pragmatic cross-sectional observational study of anonymous participant data from Germ Defence between May 6-24, 2020. Germ Defence is an open-access fully automated website providing behavioral advice for infection control within households. A total of 28,285 users sought advice from four website pathways based on household status (advice to protect themselves generally, to protect others if the user was showing symptoms, to protect themselves if household members were showing symptoms, and to protect a household member who is at high risk). Users reported current infection control behaviors within the home and intentions to change these behaviors. RESULTS Current behaviors varied across all infection control measures but were between sometimes (face covering: mean 1.61, SD 1.19; social distancing: mean 2.40, SD 1.22; isolating: mean 2.78, SD 1.29; putting packages and shopping aside: mean 2.75, SD 1.55) and quite often (cleaning and disinfecting: mean 3.17, SD 1.18), except for handwashing (very often: mean 4.00, SD 1.03). Behaviors were similar regardless of the website pathway used. After using Germ Defence, users recorded intentions to improve infection control behavior across all website pathways and for all behaviors (overall average infection control score mean difference 0.30, 95% CI 0.29-0.31). CONCLUSIONS Self-reported infection control behaviors other than handwashing are lower than is optimal for infection prevention, although handwashing is much higher. Advice using behavior change techniques in Germ Defence led to intentions to improve these behaviors. Promoting Germ Defence within national and local public health and primary care guidance could reduce COVID-19 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ainsworth
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Miller
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - James Denison-Day
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Groot
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Rice
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Bostock
- Policy Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao-Yang Hu
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Morton
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Towler
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Merlin Willcox
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Chadborn
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Gold
- Public Health England Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Philosophy of Natural and Social Sciences, London School of Economics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Amlôt
- Behavioural Science Team, Emergency Response Department Science and Technology, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Yardley
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Jefferson T, Del Mar CB, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, Bawazeer GA, van Driel ML, Jones MA, Thorning S, Beller EM, Clark J, Hoffmann TC, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 11:CD006207. [PMID: 33215698 PMCID: PMC8094623 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The evidence summarised in this review does not include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL on 1 April 2020. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP on 16 March 2020. We conducted a backwards and forwards citation analysis on the newly included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs of trials investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. In previous versions of this review we also included observational studies. However, for this update, there were sufficient RCTs to address our study aims. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. Three pairs of review authors independently extracted data using a standard template applied in previous versions of this review, but which was revised to reflect our focus on RCTs and cluster-RCTs for this update. We did not contact trialists for missing data due to the urgency in completing the review. We extracted data on adverse events (harms) associated with the interventions. MAIN RESULTS We included 44 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs in this update, bringing the total number of randomised trials to 67. There were no included studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six ongoing studies were identified, of which three evaluating masks are being conducted concurrent with the COVID pandemic, and one is completed. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods, but several studies were conducted during the global H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Thus, studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Compliance with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included nine trials (of which eight were cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and seven in the community). There is low certainty evidence from nine trials (3507 participants) that wearing a mask may make little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI) compared to not wearing a mask (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.18. There is moderate certainty evidence that wearing a mask probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza compared to not wearing a mask (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.26; 6 trials; 3005 participants). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported. Two studies during COVID-19 plan to recruit a total of 72,000 people. One evaluates medical/surgical masks (N = 6000) (published Annals of Internal Medicine, 18 Nov 2020), and one evaluates cloth masks (N = 66,000). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). There is uncertainty over the effects of N95/P2 respirators when compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcomes of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; very low-certainty evidence; 3 trials; 7779 participants) and ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; low-certainty evidence; 5 trials; 8407 participants). The evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirator compared to a medical/surgical mask probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; moderate-certainty evidence; 5 trials; 8407 participants). Restricting the pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies. One ongoing study recruiting 576 people compares N95/P2 respirators with medical surgical masks for healthcare workers during COVID-19. Hand hygiene compared to control Settings included schools, childcare centres, homes, and offices. In a comparison of hand hygiene interventions with control (no intervention), there was a 16% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.86; 7 trials; 44,129 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.13; 10 trials; 32,641 participants; low-certainty evidence) and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials; 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence) suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled all 16 trials (61,372 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. The pooled data showed that hand hygiene may offer a benefit with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. Few trials measured and reported harms. There are two ongoing studies of handwashing interventions in 395 children outside of COVID-19. We identified one RCT on quarantine/physical distancing. Company employees in Japan were asked to stay at home if household members had ILI symptoms. Overall fewer people in the intervention group contracted influenza compared with workers in the control group (2.75% versus 3.18%; hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.97). However, those who stayed at home with their infected family members were 2.17 times more likely to be infected. We found no RCTs on eye protection, gowns and gloves, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low compliance with the interventions during the studies hamper drawing firm conclusions and generalising the findings to the current COVID-19 pandemic. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low-moderate certainty of the evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of randomised trials did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks during seasonal influenza. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris B Del Mar
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sarah Thorning
- GCUH Library, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
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Zar HJ, Moore DP, Andronikou S, Argent AC, Avenant T, Cohen C, Green RJ, Itzikowitz G, Jeena P, Masekela R, Nicol MP, Pillay A, Reubenson G, Madhi SA. Diagnosis and management of community-acquired pneumonia in children: South African Thoracic Society guidelines. Afr J Thorac Crit Care Med 2020; 26:10.7196/AJTCCM.2020.v26i3.104. [PMID: 34471872 PMCID: PMC7433705 DOI: 10.7196/ajtccm.2020.v26i3.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumonia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality amongst South African children. More comprehensive immunisation regimens, strengthening of HIV programmes, improvement in socioeconomic conditions and new preventive strategies have impacted on the epidemiology of pneumonia. Furthermore, sensitive diagnostic tests and better sampling methods in young children improve aetiological diagnosis. OBJECTIVES To produce revised guidelines for pneumonia in South African children under 5 years of age. METHODS The Paediatric Assembly of the South African Thoracic Society and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases established seven expert subgroups to revise existing South African guidelines focusing on: (i) epidemiology; (ii) aetiology; (iii) diagnosis; (iv) antibiotic management and supportive therapy; (v) management in intensive care; (vi) prevention; and (vii) considerations in HIV-infected or HIVexposed, uninfected (HEU) children. Each subgroup reviewed the published evidence in their area; in the absence of evidence, expert opinion was accepted. Evidence was graded using the British Thoracic Society (BTS) grading system. Sections were synthesized into an overall guideline which underwent peer review and revision. RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations include a diagnostic approach, investigations, management and preventive strategies. Specific recommendations for HIV infected and HEU children are provided. VALIDATION The guideline is based on available published evidence supplemented by the consensus opinion of SA paediatric experts. Recommendations are consistent with those in published international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - D P Moore
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S Andronikou
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Philadephia, USA
| | - A C Argent
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - T Avenant
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - C Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - R J Green
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - G Itzikowitz
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - P Jeena
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - R Masekela
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - M P Nicol
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - A Pillay
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - G Reubenson
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S A Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Analytics Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation: South African Research Chair in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Cassidy SS, Sanders DJ, Wade J, Parkin IP, Carmalt CJ, Smith AM, Allan E. Antimicrobial surfaces: A need for stewardship? PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008880. [PMID: 33057433 PMCID: PMC7561179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sam S. Cassidy
- Materials Chemistry Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Sanders
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jim Wade
- Infection Sciences, King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan P. Parkin
- Materials Chemistry Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire J. Carmalt
- Materials Chemistry Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Smith
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Allan
- Department of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Goni MD, Hasan H, Wan-Arfah N, Naing NN, Deris ZZ, Arifin WN, Baaba AA, Aliyu A, Adam BM. Health Education Intervention as an Effective Means for Prevention of Respiratory Infections Among Hajj Pilgrims: A Review. Front Public Health 2020; 8:449. [PMID: 33014965 PMCID: PMC7494962 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of respiratory illness has continued to surge among Hajj pilgrims from different countries despite having some practices of preventive measures. Respiratory illnesses during Hajj could be due to many reasons and many factors that promote disease spread. These factors include overcrowding, cigarette smoking, and direct contact with infectious agents particularly viruses promote the spread of respiratory infections. However, due to the longer duration of the pilgrimage, there are high chances of pilgrims contracting various respiratory illnesses due to exposure to respiratory pathogens. Hajj pilgrims' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward respiratory tract infections are used as the determinant of the effectiveness of the health education interventions. Knowledge and application of basic hygiene principles, use of face masks, following cough etiquettes, engaging in social distancing, and engaging in other measures are highly important. In this paper, we reviewed the various effective intervention strategies implemented to help prevent respiratory tract infections during Hajj.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Dauda Goni
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Habsah Hasan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Nadiah Wan-Arfah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nyi Nyi Naing
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Zakuan Zainy Deris
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Wan Nor Arifin
- Unit of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Aisha Abubakar Baaba
- Centre for Language Studies and Generic Development, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Abdulwahab Aliyu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria
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Van Hecke O, Butler CC, Wang K, Tonkin-Crine S. Parents' perceptions of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance (PAUSE): a qualitative interview study. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:1741-1747. [PMID: 30879040 PMCID: PMC6524473 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There remains public misconception about antibiotic use and resistance. Preschool children are at particular risk of receiving unnecessary antibiotics because they commonly present in primary care and many childhood infections are self-limiting. OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to explore parents' perceptions and understanding of antibiotic use and resistance in the context of their young child with an acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) and to explore strategies parents would find acceptable to minimize antibiotic resistance for their families. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 parents of preschool children who recently had an acute RTI across greater Oxfordshire, UK (2016-17 winter). We explored their beliefs about antibiotics, understanding of antibiotic resistance and views on current public antibiotic awareness campaigns at the time. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Parents had a sense of optimism and considered their families to be at low risk of antibiotic resistance because their families were 'low users' of antibiotics. Very few parents considered antibiotic resistance as a possible harm of antibiotics. Parents thought they were acting morally responsibly by following campaign messages. They wanted future campaigns to have a relevant, accessible message for families about the impact of antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSIONS Future communication about the potential impact of unnecessary antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance needs to focus on outcomes that parents of young children can relate to (e.g. infection recurrence) and in a format that parents will engage with (e.g. face-to-face dissemination at playgroups and parent/child community events) to make a more informed decision about the risks and benefits of antibiotics for their child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Van Hecke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kay Wang
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison While
- Emeritus Professor of Community Nursing, King's College London, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and Fellow of the QNI
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Abstract
In the absence of an efficient drug treatment or a vaccine, the control of the COVID‐19 pandemic relies on classic infection control measures. Since these means are socially disruptive and come with substantial economic loss for societies, a better knowledge of the epidemiology of the new coronavirus epidemic is crucial to achieve control at a sustainable cost and within tolerable restrictions of civil rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Brüssow
- KU Leuven, Department of Biosystems, Laboratory of Gene Technology, Leuven, Belgium
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Hu XY, Logue M, Robinson N. Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem - a UK perspective. Eur J Integr Med 2020; 36:101136. [PMID: 32399092 PMCID: PMC7217106 DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly we are reaching a situation where current antimicrobial medicines are no longer effective for common infections, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a global public health crisis. The reliance on antimicrobials such as antibiotics has become a major issue for both medicine and agriculture, particularly given the slow development of new medicines and pharmaceutical industry investment. The UK government has been working with other international bodies in the search for solutions to the many challenges AMR poses. Herbal medicines may provide a useful modality in the fight against AMR and can work solely or in tandem with current antimicrobial approaches. Recommendations for herbal medicine use during the COVID-19 viral pandemic have featured in Chinese national guidelines and policies, but UK strategies have no such guidance on herbal treatment for any infectious disease. More research is urgently needed to explore the biological plausibility and safety of herbal medicines to manage AMR. AMR is universal, affecting anyone and everyone, at any age and in any country. Investigating how such approaches can be integrated into western medicine will be important to elucidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yang Hu
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Logue
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Robinson
- Emeritus Professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Integrated Health, School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, SE1 0AA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evidence Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
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Little P, Read RC, Amlôt R, Chadborn T, Rice C, Bostock J, Yardley L. Reducing risks from coronavirus transmission in the home-the role of viral load. BMJ 2020; 369:m1728. [PMID: 32376669 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Robert C Read
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard Amlôt
- Behavioural Science Team, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Tim Chadborn
- Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Bostock
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Stuart B, Becque T, Moore M, Little P. Clustering of continuous and binary outcomes at the general practice level in individually randomised studies in primary care - a review of 10 years of primary care trials. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:83. [PMID: 32293280 PMCID: PMC7158044 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-00971-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In randomised controlled trials, the assumption of independence of individual observations is fundamental to the design, analysis and interpretation of studies. However, in individually randomised trials in primary care, this assumption may be violated because patients are naturally clustered within primary care practices. Ignoring clustering may lead to a loss of power or, in some cases, type I error. METHODS Clustering can be quantified by intra-cluster correlation (ICC), a measure of the similarity between individuals within a cluster with respect to a particular outcome. We reviewed 17 trials undertaken by the Department of Primary Care at the University of Southampton over the last ten years. We calculated the ICC for the primary and secondary outcomes in each trial at the practice level and determined whether ignoring practice-level clustering still gave valid inferences. Where multiple studies collected the same outcome measure, the median ICC was calculated for that outcome. RESULTS The median intra-cluster correlation (ICC) for all outcomes was 0.016, with interquartile range 0.00-0.03. The median ICC for symptom severity was 0.02 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.01 to 0.07) and for reconsultation with new or worsening symptoms was 0.01 (IQR 0.00, 0.07). For HADS anxiety the ICC was 0.04 (IQR 0.02, 0.05) and for HADS depression was 0.02 (IQR 0.00, 0.05). The median ICC for EQ. 5D-3 L was 0.01 (IQR 0.01, 0.04). CONCLUSIONS There is evidence of clustering in individually randomised trials primary care. The non-zero ICC suggests that, depending on study design, clustering may not be ignorable. It is important that this is fully considered at the study design phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Stuart
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK.
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
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Dagne H, Andualem Z, Dagnew B, Taddese AA. Acute respiratory infection and its associated factors among children under-five years attending pediatrics ward at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:93. [PMID: 32111196 PMCID: PMC7047350 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-1997-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory infection is manifested by cough accompanied by short rapid breathing which may be associated with death especially when there are other co-morbidities. From an estimated 5.4 million children under -five years that died in 2017-roughly half of those deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and acute respiratory infection contributed to the highest number of deaths. The current study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, acute respiratory infection hospitalization in under-five years children hospitalized at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. METHOD An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from May 01/2019 to July 10/2019. After the selection of participants using simple random sampling, face to face interview was performed using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were also extracted from medical registration charts. We used EPI Info 7 for data entry and exported into SPSS 21 for analysis. Results were presented by simple frequency, percentage and mean for descriptive variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of covariates and outcome variable. Variables with a p < 0.2 during the bivariable binary logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Variables with p < 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with acute respiratory infection. This study is reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline. RESULTS Four hundred and twenty-two under-five years' children attending the Pediatrics ward were included in this study. The prevalence of acute respiratory infection among under-five years' children in this study was 27.3%. Children aged below 12 months (AOR:3.39, 95% CI: 1.19, 9.65), maternal age of 16 to 27 years (AOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.70), maternal age of 28 to 33 years (AOR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.40, 5.34), lack of maternal awareness of handwashing (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.15, 6.76), rural residence (AOR:2.27, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.39), and lack of meningitis (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.55), were significantly associated with acute respiratory infection. CONCLUSION Acute respiratory infection was common among children under-five years. Child and maternal age, residence and maternal hand hygiene information were significant factors identified to be associated with an acute respiratory infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zewudu Andualem
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Baye Dagnew
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asefa Adimasu Taddese
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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48
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Voß S. [Influenza: Protect effectively with simple measures]. MMW Fortschr Med 2019; 161:40-42. [PMID: 31828633 DOI: 10.1007/s15006-019-1234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Voß
- St. Katharinen Hospital Frechen, Klinik für Innere Medizin, Kapellenstr. 1-5, D-50226, Frechen, Deutschland.
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Muller I, Santer M, Morrison L, Morton K, Roberts A, Rice C, Williams M, Yardley L. Combining qualitative research with PPI: reflections on using the person-based approach for developing behavioural interventions. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2019; 5:34. [PMID: 31807316 PMCID: PMC6857167 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-019-0169-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The value and importance of qualitative research and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) for developing complex health interventions is widely recognised. However, there is often confusion between the two, with researchers relying on just one of these approaches, rather than using the two alongside one another. METHODS The Person-Based Approach (PBA) to developing health-related behaviour change interventions adapts and integrates methods from user-centred design and qualitative research. The PBA involves qualitative research at multiple stages of interventions to ensure they are acceptable, feasible, meaningful, and optimally engaging to the people who will use them. The qualitative research is carried out with research participants from a target population, who have no prior or continuing involvement in the wider research process and see the intervention from a fresh perspective. This enables in-depth understanding of the views and experiences of a wide range of target users and the contexts within which they engage with behavioural change.PPI in research is carried out with or by members of the public and is a key part of the research process. PPI contributors are involved at all stages of research design and interpretation. PPI provides input into interventions as members of the research team alongside other stakeholders, such as health professionals and behaviour change experts. RESULTS We advocate using qualitative research alongside PPI at all stages of intervention planning, development, and evaluation. We illustrate this with examples from recent projects developing complex health interventions, highlighting examples where PPI and PBA have pulled in different directions and how we have approached this, how PPI have helped optimise interventions based on PBA feedback, and how we have engaged PPI in community settings. CONCLUSIONS PPI provides a valuable alternative to the traditional researcher-led approaches, which can be poorly matched to the needs of target users. Combining PPI with the PBA can help to create optimally engaging interventions by incorporating a greater diversity of feedback than would have been possible to achieve through PPI or qualitative approaches alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Muller
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Miriam Santer
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leanne Morrison
- Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Morton
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Cathy Rice
- Patient and Public Contributor, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Lucy Yardley
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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A Severe Seasonal Influenza Epidemic During 2017–2018 in China After the 2009 Pandemic Influenza: A Modeling Study. INFECTIOUS MICROBES AND DISEASES 2019. [DOI: 10.1097/im9.0000000000000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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