Application of trans-theoretical model for smoking cessation in sample of Iranian men

The strongest predictors of compliance with health protocols among marketers and guilds based on the transtheoretical model

BACKGROUND

Global communication, an integral part of modern life, increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases to individuals. Based on the transtheoretical model (TTM), this study aimed to identify the most effective factors in adherence to health protocols among marketers and guilds.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 market sellers and guilds of Ardabil City, Iran, in 2023. The TTM questionnaire was distributed among the participants which included four sub-constructs: (1) stages of change, (2) process of change, (3) self-efficacy, and (4) decisional balance. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. One-way ANOVA and linear regression tests were employed to evaluate the prediction of effective factors of the stage transition.

RESULTS

Most participants (63.5%) were between 21 and 40. Most participants (65.5%) were in the passive stages of change (precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation). Pros (β = 0.133, P < 0.001) and behavioral processes of change (β = 0.058, P < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of the stage of change or improvement of stages of participants' willingness to follow health protocols.

CONCLUSION

A correct understanding of the stages of behavior change can strengthen strategies for promoting healthy behaviors. Also, understanding the benefits of healthy behavior means compliance with health protocols and behavioral processes such as stimulus control, reinforcement management, counterconditioning, and self-liberation, along with high self-efficacy, have an impact on improving the stages of behavior change.

Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) by nurses to college students who use electronic cigarettes

OBJECTIVE

To examine how screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) influenced nurses' knowledge, attitude, responsibility and confidence when caring for college students using electronic cigarettes (EC).

PARTICIPANTS

Nurses (n = 8) in an urban university campus in the US.

METHODS

Training sessions included classroom instruction on SBIRT and EC, and practice with a standardized patient. Surveys administered pre and post training, and at conclusion. Measurement included nurse's knowledge of SBIRT and EC; and attitude, confidence and responsibility when using SBIRT. Students with past 90-day EC use were administered SBIRT by nurses and referred to health educator on request.

RESULTS

Over 6 weeks, 103 students reported EC use, 80 received SBIRT and 36 were referred to health educator. Nurses gained knowledge, supported using SBIRT, and reported that skills increased.

CONCLUSIONS

SBIRT is a motivational interviewing skill that nurses can learn to use to engage with college students who use EC.

Evaluation of first-person storytelling on changing health-related attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and outcomes: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

First-person storytelling (FPS) has the potential to engage patients in changing behavior differently than didactic education. We assessed the prevalence of FPS in health education interventions; whether published FPS research has shown improvements in attitudinal, knowledge, behavioral, or clinical outcomes; and whether randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including FPS have shown more effectiveness than non-FPS interventions.

METHODS

A scoping review of FPS studies published before October 2019 in five medical databases was conducted.

RESULTS

22 out of 10,363 identified studies met eligibility criteria. FPS has been studied primarily in cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Of the 12 RCTs, compared to controls, patients receiving FPS interventions improved attitudes (N = 6 studies) and knowledge (N = 1), improved health behaviors like quitting smoking (N = 6), and improved clinical outcomes like lowering A1C levels (N = 3). Of the 10 non-RCT studies, compared to baseline assessments, patients who received FPS interventions had improved knowledge (N = 1), attitudes (N = 3), clinical outcomes (N = 4), and improved health behaviors (N = 7).

CONCLUSION

While rarely used, FPS interventions can improve patient health attitudes and outcomes. Future research should expand FPS to new health areas and determine best practices for developing FPS interventions.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

FPS may be particularly effective with low income patients and racial/ethnic minorities.