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| International Poster Session - Behavioural Medicine and Public Health |
| Tuesday, August 14, 2007 |
| 11:00 AM–11:50 AM |
| L4 Room 1 |
| Area: CBM |
| Chair: Michelle Nicola Grainger (University of Otago) |
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| Evaluation of a Multi-Faceted, Behavioural-Based Intervention to Improve Preventative Medication Adherence in Asthmatics. |
| Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| MICHELLE NICOLA GRAINGER (University of Otago), Louis S. Leland Jr. (University of Otago) |
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| Abstract: Previous research conducted in our laboratory suggests that the main (self-reported) reasons for non-adherence with asthma preventative medication are forgetting to take the medication, and a belief that the participant’s asthma is too mild to warrant preventative therapy. However, even if participants report belief that their medication is efficacious, this frequently does not translate into actual medication use. We devised a short, multi-faceted, behavioural-based intervention to address these issues. The intervention consisted of a proximal prompt (Velcro-ing participants’ preventative inhalers to their toothpaste tube) in an effort to remind participants to take their medication; the use of a signed pledge card; and plotting of morning peak-flow measurements to show that taking preventative medication regularly can improve asthma control. Self-report questionnaires were used to record participants’ adherence and views about their asthma, as well as their participation in a variety of health-behaviours (such as appointment-keeping and exercise), with inhaler weights used as an objective adherence measure. A total of four university-based participants (three females and one male) took part in the intervention - their results and views on the usefulness of the intervention will be discussed. |
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| A Self-Management Course to Increase Condom Use and Abstinence: Ten Years of Research Findings. |
| Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| RYAN SAIN (Washington State University), Thomas A. Brigham (Washington State University), Raymond O. Sacchi (Washington State University), Holly Denice Shockley (Washington State University) |
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| Abstract: A peer-taught, HIV education course at Washington State University has been shown to increase student knowledge and reduce high-risk sexual behavior. The course integrates safer-sex information, risk factors, self-management and sexual decision making skills in a small group format. Previous research has demonstrated significant changes in sexual behavior but the generality of the findings was limited because of the lack of appropriate control groups. A paired-sample control group was established using 57 students from introductory psychology classes. Over the course of the semester, experimental participants significantly reduced their level of sexual activity, significantly increased condom use and significantly reduced alcohol consumption in comparison to the control group. The results of the study confirm earlier findings and suggest that students in the self-management HIV education program made important changes in their behavior and life style. |
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| Three Perspectives on Generality: From Single Case Science to Public Health Impact. |
| Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| TREVOR F. STOKES (University of South Florida) |
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| Abstract: Generality is a concept that resonates within behaviour analysis and applied science. Relevant here are three differing and important meanings of the term. First, within the history of Applied Behaviour Analysis, generality refers to the dimensions of the widespread effects of interventions, to generalization across people, circumstances, repertoires and time. These relevant outcomes should be pursued within single case experimental designs exploring functional variables. Treatment development and effectiveness is ideally examined in this manner. Second, within behavioural science, generality refers to the representativeness of findings within populations. This generalizability is assessed through systematic replication of case research across participants conducted by independent researchers. Similarly, randomized controlled experiments examining treatment protocols with groups of participants also contributes to this generalizability. Third, within our nations and internationally, the generality of programmes relates to large-scale adoption and implementation of proven technologies of treatment. This is where the public health of persons within societies becomes a generality issue of singular moment. This is where government policy should attend to facilitated access and optimal utilization of efficacious services as a priority. These goals are supported by the health economics and social implications of behavioral health support, where the data encourage early intervention. |
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