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Background: Smoking cessation remains a critical public health challenge, necessitating effective interventions to reduce tobacco use and associated health risks. This review synthesizes findings from various studies investigating the efficacy of mobile apps, behavioral counseling, and combined therapies in promoting smoking cessation. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies. The review included randomized controlled trials, pragmatic trials, and multi-center trials focusing on smoking cessation interventions. Participant demographics, study designs, intervention types, primary and secondary outcome measures, and follow-up durations were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of different smoking cessation strategies. Results: The studies reviewed utilized a range of interventions, including mobile apps (e.g., Crush the Crave, MobileQuit, and e-Tabac Info Service), behavioral counseling (e.g., motivational interviewing and community-based participatory research), and combined therapies (e.g., mobile apps with psychopharmacological treatments). Mobile apps demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness, with some studies reporting higher abstinence rates and improved engagement, while others showed no significant difference compared to control interventions. Behavioral interventions and combined therapies generally indicated positive outcomes, such as higher biochemically confirmed abstinence rates and increased smoking abstinence in specific populations. Variability in study designs and participant characteristics highlighted the need for standardized outcome measures and longer follow-up periods to assess sustained abstinence. Conclusion: Smoking cessation interventions, particularly mobile apps and behavioral strategies, are promising in promoting tobacco cessation. Mobile apps enhance engagement and short-term abstinence but show variable effectiveness based on design and participant adherence. Behavioral counseling and combined therapies demonstrate potential synergistic effects, especially when tailored to specific populations. Future research should focus on standardized outcome measures, extended follow-up durations, and comparative effectiveness studies to optimize smoking cessation strategies and improve public health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including oral cancer and periodontal disease. Dental settings offer a unique opportunity for tobacco cessation interventions due to the frequent patient–dentist interactions. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted across 20 dental clinics. Participants included 400 adult tobacco users who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 200) or a control group (n = 200). The intervention group received a comprehensive tobacco cessation program consisting of behavioral counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and follow-up sessions over 6 months. The control group received standard care, which included general advice on quitting tobacco. Data on tobacco use, quit rates, and oral health status were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: At 6 months, the intervention group showed a significantly higher quit rate (45%) compared to the control group (20%) (P < 0.001). Additionally, participants in the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in oral health parameters, including reductions in periodontal pocket depths (a mean reduction of 2.5 mm) and improvements in gingival health scores. Satisfaction with the program was high among participants in the intervention group, with 85% reporting they would recommend the program to others. Conclusion: The tobacco cessation program implemented in dental settings significantly increased quit rates and improved oral health outcomes compared to standard care. These findings suggest that integrating tobacco cessation programs into routine dental practice can effectively reduce tobacco use and enhance oral health.

ABSTRACT: Background: Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including oral cancer and periodontal disease. Dental settings offer a unique opportunity for tobacco cessation interventions due to the frequent patient–dentist interactions. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted across 20 dental clinics. Participants included 400 adult tobacco users who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 200) or a control group (n = 200). The intervention group received a comprehensive tobacco cessation program consisting of behavioral counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and follow-up sessions over 6 months. The control group received standard care, which included general advice on quitting tobacco. Data on tobacco use, quit rates, and oral health status were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: At 6 months, the intervention group showed a significantly higher quit rate (45%) compared to the control group (20%) (P < 0.001). Additionally, participants in the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in oral health parameters, including reductions in periodontal pocket depths (a mean reduction of 2.5 mm) and improvements in gingival health scores. Satisfaction with the program was high among participants in the intervention group, with 85% reporting they would recommend the program to others. Conclusion: The tobacco cessation program implemented in dental settings significantly increased quit rates and improved oral health outcomes compared to standard care. These findings suggest that integrating tobacco cessation programs into routine dental practice can effectively reduce tobacco use and enhance oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to discuss the behavioral counseling approach that focuses on the case of hate speech and blasphemy against Yahya Waloni that sparked public debate. In behavioral theory humans are seen as neutral beings who are not good and not bad so that behavioral counseling centers on individuals to produce more positive behavioral changes. This research uses descriptive qualitative with library research-based data collection methods with descriptive collaboration methods the author explains about hate speech and its impact on religious harmony in Indonesia. The results show that the behavioral counseling approach can be an effective method because it focuses on behavior modification and encourages positive change. This approach centers on the stimulus and individual response to situations to reduce aggressive behavior.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to estimate the association between receipt of specific post-overdose care services in the emergency department (ED) and subsequent engagement in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) after discharge.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of Rhode Island residents treated at 1 of 4 EDs for opioid overdose who were not engaged in OUD treatment and were discharged home (May 2016-April 2021). Electronic health record data were used to identify ED services received, and state administrative data were used to define subsequent engagement in OUD treatment within 30 days. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between ED services received and subsequent treatment engagement.ResultsOverall, 1008 people not engaged in OUD treatment were treated at study EDs for opioid overdose and discharged home, of whom 146 (14%) subsequently engaged in OUD treatment within 30 days. Most patients were aged 25 to 44 years (59%) and non-Hispanic White (69%). Receipt of behavioral counseling in the ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-2.71) and initiation of buprenorphine treatment in/from the ED (aOR = 5.86, 95% CI = 2.70-12.71) were associated with treatment engagement. Receipt of a take-home naloxone kit or naloxone prescription and referral to treatment at discharge were not associated with treatment engagement. Overall, 49% of patients received behavioral counseling in the ED, and 3% initiated buprenorphine in/from the ED.ConclusionStrategies for increasing provision of behavioral counseling and initiation of buprenorphine in the ED may be useful for improving subsequent engagement in OUD treatment after discharge.

Maintaining weight loss long-term is a difficult challenge for most people. Weight loss is often temporary and results in progressive weight regain. Previous research has focused on extension of weight loss methods and behavioral changes through the weight loss maintenance period without specific attention to skills specific to the maintenance phase. Further, emotional health has largely gone untested for how positive psychology influences successful long-term weight loss. We employed quantitative methodologies with a descriptive design, using individuals who self-attested to losing over 5% of their highest body weight and the Adult Hope Scale to measure participants' perceptions of their positive motivational state in weight loss maintenance. Calculations of frequencies and percentages, including median and interquartile range where appropriate, were conducted and figures and tables were used to compare demographic statistics. The findings showed that participants scored high on levels of agency (i.e., goal-setting skills) and pathway (i.e., implementation skills) scores with high overall hope scores in relation to their successful long-term weight loss. The findings indicate potential key skills to weight loss maintenance, with positive emotional health skills being indicated as potential healthy markers for positive weight regulation longterm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to (1) test the validity of the contents of the behavioral counseling manual with self-regulated learning and self-management techniques to increase student achievement motivation, (2) test the practicality of the contents of the behavioral counseling manual with self-regulated learning and self-management techniques to increase achievement motivation students, and (3) testing the effectiveness of behavioral counseling guidebooks with self-regulated learning and self-management techniques to increase student achievement motivation. This study uses research and development methods using the 4D model by Thiagarajan. This study uses a questionnaire instrument achievement motivation. Evaluation of the contents of the counseling manual was carried out by five experts in the field of counseling guidance. The results of this study (1) the content validity of the behavioral counseling guidebook with self-regulated learning and self-management techniques to increase student achievement motivation in each item is 1 (CVR>0). (2) the practicality of the contents of the behavioral counseling guidebook with self-regulated learning and self-management techniques to increase student achievement motivation in each item is 93.75. (3) the effectiveness of behavioral counseling guidebooks with self-regulated learning and self-management techniques to increase achievement motivation is 72.33.

This community service is entitled "The Effect of Behavioral Counseling Using Conditioning Techniques on the Problems of Learning Difficulties in Class X Students of the APH Department at State Vocational School 1 West Mendo, Bangka Regency." This community service aims to identify the effect of behavioral counseling with conditioning techniques on the learning difficulty problems of 10th grade students majoring in ATPH at SMK Negeri 1 Mendo Barat, Bangka Regency. The community service method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Community service was carried out at SMK Negeri 1 Mendo Barat, Bangka Regency with the subject of community service, a total of 3 students in class 10 majoring in ATPH who had learning difficulties. The results of community service show that the influence of behavioral counseling with conditioning techniques has a positive impact on the problems of learning difficulties in grade 10 students majoring in ATPH at SMK Negeri 1 Mendo Barat, Bangka Regency. This can be seen from changes in students' behavior in learning with a more focus and consistency. Conditioning techniques carried out through positive reinforcement and the formation of new behavior patterns have succeeded in increasing students' learning motivation. In addition, the interaction between counselors and students also influences the counseling process. Students feel more confident and more open in speaking, so that the problems encountered can be identified more clearly and appropriate solutions can be given. In addition, support from parents is also an important factor in helping students overcome learning difficulties. In conclusion, behavioral counseling with conditioning techniques can be an alternative solution to overcome the problems of learning difficulties for students in grade 10 majoring in ATPH at SMK Negeri 1 Mendo Barat, Bangka Regency. The counseling process carried out needs to be adjusted to the needs of students and followed by support from parents and the school to achieve optimal results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InstroductionNicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is an effective treatment for smoking cessation. However, medication usage and adherence remain a challenge that contributes to low smoking cessation rates. In Mexico, 8 in 10 smokers are interested in quitting. However, only 6% of Mexican smokers use medication for smoking cessation. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to increase usage and adherence of NRT in Mexico.MethodsThe study involves a secondary data analysis. Forty smokers were recruited to participate in a single-arm pilot study. Participants received an mHealth intervention that uses tablet-based decision support software to drive a 12-week text messaging smoking cessation program and pharmacotherapy support. The intervention allows two-way interactivity text messaging between participants and a tobacco treatment specialist. NRT was offered to participants in accordance with practice guidelines in Mexico. Outcome measures included utilization of NRT, text messaging interactivity with the program, and biochemically verified abstinence at 12 weeks.ResultsThirty smokers met the criteria for use of NRT. Average age of participants was 38.1 years (SD=10.7), and they were primarily male (56.7%) with at least an undergraduate degree (60%). All participants requested NRT at baseline, and 60% requested a refill at week 4. During the 12-week intervention period, participants sent 620 messages to the program (mean=20.6, SD=18.34) of which 79 messages (12.7%) were related to NRT. Three themes were identified in the messages related to NRT: enthusiasm, instructions, and side effects. At 12 weeks, 40% of participants reported using NRT

There are various problems faced by students, one of which is anxiety facing college entrance exams. If the anxiety is not immediately reduced, it will have an impact on student performance in taking the exam. This article aims to examine and explain the effectiveness of behavioral counseling with relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety facing college entrance exams in high school students. The research sample involved was students of SMA N (senior high school) 1 Kadipaten who experienced anxiety facing the college entrance exam. The research method used is research and development. The data collection tool uses an anxiety scale that has been validated and tested. Based on the results of calculations using the Wilcoxon test, obtained Asymp. Sig. of 0.028 (p

Aims and Objectives: Tobacco dependence is widely prevalent and a harmful chronic disorder. Achieving long-term tobacco abstinence is an important public health goal. This study aims to assess the long-term effectiveness of moderate-intensity treatment for tobacco cessation in the dental clinic setting. Materials and Methods: Out of 1206 subjects registered to the Tobacco cessation clinic (TCC) during this time period, only 999 of them completed the 1-year follow-up period. The mean age was 45.9 ± 9 years. Six hundred and three (60.3%) of these subjects were male and 396 (39.6%) of them were females. Five hundred and fifty-eight (55.8%) used smoking tobacco and 441 (44.1%) used smokeless tobacco. Patients received tailored behavioral counseling, educational material, and pharmacotherapy consisting of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and\or NON-NRT. Patients were monitored by phone or clinic visits for 11 months. Results: Outcomes assessed were complete abstinence, harm reduction (>50% reduction), no change and lost to follow-up. At the end of 12 months the tobacco quit rate was180 (18%), tobacco reduction >50% was 342 (34.2%), no change 415 (41.5%) and relapse 62 (6.2%). Conclusions: Our study has identified adequate quit-rates in a cohort of dental patients attending a hospital-based TCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research includes developing, validating a guidebook, and determining the effectiveness of behavioral counseling guidelines using web-based cognitive restructuring techniques/methods to treat anxiety in adolescent victims of violence. The counseling guide is described as a resource for an educator in a school. In relation to the steps for implementing counseling guidance services that are aligned with 4D development model by Thiagarajan (1974). The validity of this guide was evaluated by four experts in the field of counseling and one expert in the field of educational technology. The instrument used contains 14 statements concerning the acceptability of a guide. Validity analysis used calculation formulation of the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) by Lawshe (1975). According to the findings, content validity (CVI) was worth one, indicating that it had a good or unique meaning. This statement states that the behavioral counseling guide developed using cognitive restructuring techniques on a website basis has met the eligibility requirements. The effectiveness test included 30 students who had experienced anxiety as a result of violence, and the research used a one-group pre-test and post-test design method. This effectiveness test was carried out using the t test, the results of the t-test were obtained by 𝑡count = 13.352 and 𝑡𝑡𝑎ble = 2,048 which means that the value of 𝑡count > 𝑡𝑡𝑎ble , this result indicated that the development of cognitive behavioral counseling guidelines with cognitive restructuring techniques is effective to overcome anxiety in adolescent victims of violence

Abstract: This study aims to determine: (1) the effectiveness of behavioral counseling with assertive training techniques to increase the nature of abasement, (2) the effectiveness of behavioral counseling with shaping techniques to reduce the nature of aggression, and (3) the effectiveness of behavioral counseling with self-management techniques to increase the nature of endurance. This study employed an experimental study with a pre-test post-test control group. Participants involved were 37 class XI students of the Lab. School Undiksha. To recruit the participants, a purposive sampling technique was used by which the participants were students with low abasement, high aggression, and low endurance. Data were collected using scales that measure the nature of the abasement, aggression, and endurance. To test the hypothesis, the data were analyzed using the t-test. The results showed that: (1) behavioral counseling with assertive training techniques was effective for increasing the nature of abasement, (2) behavioral counseling with shaping techniques was effective to reduce the nature of aggression, and (3) behavioral counseling with self-management techniques was effective for increasing the nature of endurance. Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui: (1) keefektifan konseling behavioral teknik latihan asertif untuk meningkatkan sifat abasement, (2) keefektifan konseling behavioral dengan teknik shaping untuk mereduksi sifat aggression, dan (3) keefektifan konseling behavioral dengan teknik self-management untuk meningkatkan sifat endurance. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen dengan desain penelitian pre-test post-test control group. Sampel atau partisipan penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XI Sekolah Lab. Undiksha yang berjumlah 37 siswa. Teknik yang digunakan dalam penarikan subjek adalah purposive sampling, dalam hal mana siswa yang menjadi anggota sampel adalah siswa yang memiliki sifat abasement rendah, sifat aggression tinggi, dan sifat endurance rendah. Data dikumpulkan dengan skala pengukuran sifat abasement, skala pengukuran sifat aggression, dan skala pengukuran sifat endurance. Untuk menguji hipotesis, data dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji t. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa: (1) konseling behavioral teknik latihan asertif efektif untuk meningkatkan sifat abasement, (2) konseling behavioral teknik shaping efektif untuk mereduksi sifat aggression, dan (3) konseling behavioral teknik self-management efektif untuk meningkatkan sifat endurance.

Tobacco use is one of the major public health problems in India and also the single most important remediable public health problem. Tobacco cessation is the need of the hour. The dentists have a unique opportunity and professional obligation to be a positive influence in reducing the economic and social burden inflicted by tobacco use on dental and general health. However, dentists, in general, have not widely embraced tobacco cessation in practice. In this article, an evidence-based model (an adaptation of the World Health Organization "5As" tobacco cessation model) is presented for the dentist to help patients avoid tobacco initiation, to encourage and assist patients in tobacco cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study provides an update on the amount and type of physical activity education occurring in medical education in the United States in 2013. It is the first study to do so since 2002. Methods: Applying content analysis methodology, we reviewed all accessible accredited doctor of medicine and doctor of osteopathic medicine institutions' websites for physical activity education related coursework (N = 118 fully accessible; 69.41%). Results: The majority of institutions did not offer any physical activity education-related courses. When offered, they were rarely required. Courses addressing sports medicine and exercise physiology were offered more than courses in other content domains. Most courses were taught using a clinical approach. No differences were observed between MD and DO institutions, or between private and public institutions. Conclusions: More than one-half of the physicians trained in the United States in 2013 received no formal education in physical activity and may, therefore, be ill-prepared to assist their patients in a manner consistent with Healthy People 2020, the National Physical Activity Plan, or the Exercise is Medicine initiative. The Bipartisan Policy Center, American College of Sports Medicine, and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation called for a reversal of this situation on June 23, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking cessation interventions implemented in emergency department (ED) settings have resulted in limited success, owing to factors such as lack of time, motivation, and incentives. A dynamic yet simple and effective approach that addresses the fast-paced nature of acute-care ED settings is needed. This study proposes a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the effectiveness of an easy to deliver proactive, multi-component tobacco treatment intervention to usual care in the ED setting.Methods: This will be a prospective four-site, single-blind, blinded-endpoint (PROBE) RCT. Participants will be recruited directly in the ED and will be approached strictly in order of arrival time. Those randomized to the Quit Card Intervention (QCI) group will receive a "quit kit" which will include: a "Quit Card" worth $300 that can be used at any Canadian pharmacy to purchase any form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); a self-help booklet; and proactive enrolment in 6 months of telephone follow-up counseling. The usual care (UC) group will receive a "quit kit" which will include a brochure for a local smoking cessation program. Quit kits for both groups will be delivered in opaque, sealed envelopes, and identical in size and weight so to conceal group allocation from the blinded research coordinator. Randomization will be stratified by site and by the Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS), a value assigned to each ED patient based on the severity of the condition. An equal number of quit kits will be prepared for each CTAS level. The primary outcome will be bio-chemically verified smoking abstinence at 26 weeks. Secondary outcomes include smoking behavior at weeks 4, 52, and 104 as well as mortality and health care utilization outcomes. Investigators, outcome assessors, and data analysts will be blinded to group allocation until after primary analyses are completed. It is hypothesized that the QCI group will have higher a abstinence rate, improved health outcomes, and decreased healthcare utilization.Discussion: There are few examples of hospital EDs in Canada that systematically initiate tobacco cessation interventions for patients who smoke. Given the high smoking prevalence among ED patients and the relation of tobacco smoking to the majority of ambulatory care sensitive conditions, EDs are a missed opportunity in the initiation of tobacco treatment interventions. We have designed and will test an evidence-based tobacco treatment intervention that is simple and highly scalable.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04163081 . Registered on November 14, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the substantial prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), evaluation of behavioral counseling for prevention of CVD is important. We pooled nationally representative cross-sectional surveys from 36 LMICs between 2013 and 2020. The population was divided into three groups according to CVD risk: the potential risk group, the risk group and the CVD group. We estimated the prevalence of six types of behavioral counseling among the three groups separately: smoking, salt reduction, fruit and vegetable intake, dietary fat reduction, physical activity and body weight. There were 16,057 (25.4%) in the potential risk group, 43,113 (49.9%) in the risk group, and 7796 (8.6%) in the CVD group. The prevalence of receiving at least four types of counseling in the three groups was 15.6% (95% CI 13.9 to 17.5), 14.9% (95% CI 14.0 to 15.9), and 19.8% (95% CI 17.7 to 22.2), respectively. The lowest prevalence was for tobacco use counseling: 24.5% (95% CI 22.5 to 26.4), 23.2% (95% CI 22.1 to 24.3), and 32.1% (95% CI 29.5 to 34.8), respectively. The prevalence of counseling was higher in upper-middle-income countries than in lower-middle-income countries. Women, older people, those with more education, and those living in urban areas were more likely to receive counseling. The prevalence of behavioral counseling for CVD is low in LMICs, especially among potentially at-risk populations and in low-income countries. These findings highlight the current urgent need to improve CVD prevention and management systems to enhance behavioral counseling and intervention. • Counseling low across all risk groups; highest in CVD group. • Tobacco counseling least prevalent across risk groups. • Counseling more in upper-middle-income countries. • Women, older, educated, urban residents receive more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: To address the widespread severe problems with opioid use disorder, buprenorphine–naloxone treatment provided by primary care physicians has greatly expanded treatment access; however, treatment is often provided with minimal or no behavioral interventions. Whether or which behavioral interventions are feasible to implement in various settings and improve treatment outcomes has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate two behavioral interventions to improve buprenorphine–naloxone treatment. Design A 2 × 2 factorial, repeated‐measures, open‐label, randomized clinical trial. Settings General medical practice offices in Muar, Malaysia. Participants: Opioid‐dependent individuals (n = 234). Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions and received study interventions for 24 weeks: (1) physician management with or without behavioral counseling and (2) physician management with or without abstinence‐contingent buprenorphine–naloxone (ACB) take‐home doses. Measurements The primary outcomes were proportions of opioid‐negative urine tests and HIV risk behaviors [assessed by audio computer‐assisted AIDS risk inventory (ACASI‐ARI)]. Findings The rates of opioid‐negative urine tests over 24 weeks of treatment were significantly higher with [68.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 65–71] than without behavioral counseling (59.2%, 95% CI = 56–62, P < 0.001) and with (71.0%, 95% CI = 68–74) than without ACB (56.4%, 95% CI = 53–59, P < 0.001); interaction effects between and among behavioral interventions and time were not statistically significant. Scores on ACASI‐ARI decreased significantly from baseline across all treatment groups (P < 0.001) and did not differ significantly with or without behavioral counseling (P = 0.099) or with or without ACB (P = 0.339). Conclusions: Providing opioid‐dependent patients in Muar, Malaysia with buprenorphine–naloxone and physician management plus behavioral counseling or abstinence‐contingent buprenorphine–naloxone (ACB) resulted in greater reductions of opioid use compared with providing buprenorphine–naloxone and physician management without behavioral counseling or ACB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leading causes of obesity in school-age children are unhealthy eating and less physical activity. This study examined the effectiveness of the Family-based Behavioral Counseling Program on healthy eating behavior, physical activity, and body mass index in school-age children with obesity. Participants were 10-12-year-olds from municipal schools in a southern province of Thailand. Twenty-two participants were recruited into each group: intervention Group I receiving a 7-week family-based behavioral counseling program, intervention Group II receiving a 7-week group-based behavioral counseling program, and the control group receiving only a usual program. Data were collected using the Health Eating Behavior Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Scale for Weight and Height. Repeated Measures ANOVA and ANCOVA were used to analyze data. The results revealed that after completing the interventions, healthy eating behaviors and physical activity of participants in Group I were significantly higher than those in Group II and the control group. Body mass index of the participants was not significantly different between these three groups but in Group I this decreased over time. The findings indicated that this program can enhance healthy eating behavior and physical activity, and decrease body mass index among children with obesity. This program should be further verified through being studied over a longer period and in different locations in Thailand. It has potential for school nurses to use as a modified health lifestyle leading to weight control among school-aged children with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is an effective treatment for smoking cessation. However, medication usage and adherence remain a challenge that contributes to low smoking cessation rates. In Mexico, 8 in 10 smokers are interested in quitting. However, only 6% of Mexican smokers use medication for smoking cessation. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to increase usage and adherence of NRT in Mexico. Methods The study involves a secondary data analysis. Forty smokers were recruited to participate in a single-arm pilot study. Participants received an mHealth intervention that uses tablet-based decision support software to drive a 12-week text messaging smoking cessation program and pharmacotherapy support. The intervention allows two-way interactivity text messaging between participants and a tobacco treatment specialist. NRT was offered to participants in accordance with practice guidelines in Mexico. Outcome measures included utilization of NRT, text messaging interactivity with the program, and biochemically verified abstinence at 12 weeks. Results Thirty smokers met the criteria for use of NRT. Average age of participants was 38.1 years (SD=10.7), and they were primarily male (56.7%) with at least an undergraduate degree (60%). All participants requested NRT at baseline, and 60% requested a refill at week 4. During the 12-week intervention period, participants sent 620 messages to the program (mean=20.6, SD=18.34) of which 79 messages (12.7%) were related to NRT. Three themes were identified in the messages related to NRT: enthusiasm, instructions, and side effects. At 12 weeks, 40% of participants reported using NRT

Objective: The authors explored whether demographic and psychosocial variables predicted differences in physical activity for participants with arthritis in a trial of Active Living Every Day (ALED). Method: Participants (N = 280) from 17 community sites were randomized into ALED or usual care. The authors assessed participant demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms at baseline and physical activity frequency at 20-wk follow-up. They conducted linear regression with interaction terms (Baseline Characteristic × Randomization Group). Results: Being female (p ≤ .05), less depressed (p ≤ .05), or younger (p ≤ .10) was associated with more frequent posttest physical activity for ALED participants than for those with usual care. Higher education was associated with more physical activity for both ALED and usual-care groups. Discussion: ALED was particularly effective for female, younger, and less depressed participants. Further research should determine whether modifications could produce better outcomes in other subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of behavioral counseling using assertive technique to minimize the juvenile delinquency of students. This research is an experimental research design. The study population was the eighth grade students in South Solok West Sumatra consist of 82 students using Random Sampling. Data collection methods that used in this study were a questionnaire method. Data were analyzed by t-test with SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The results showed that there are significant differences between the groups which have deviant behavior who take behavioral counseling session with a group of students who do not follow the behavioral counseling session. It could be seen from a group of students who take behavioral counseling session (133.17) compare with a group of students who do not follow behavioral counseling session (85.32), and from the analysis of t with df = 82 and 1% significance level (t = 0.053, p

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent global events, the healthcare system and its services have been negatively affected, contributing towards extensive surgical backlogs. Oncological surgical candidates have been the most impacted by these changes and recommended self-isolation practices, which could result in emotional distress, sedentary behavior, and poor lifestyle habits. Preoperative supportive intervention, prehabilitation, has been proven to improve patients' functional status and clinical trajectories. Presently, there is a critical need for prehabilitation to optimize patient health, as they experience extended wait times. However, in-hospital delivery may not be an ideal approach due to public health and safety measures. Telehealth is a field of research and practice, which has grown and evolved significantly in the last two decades, allowing for the remote delivery of health services. Therefore, the current commentary addresses the different modalities of telehealth delivery in perspective of their known feasibility and potential application in prehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) promotion remains a cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). While frontline health care providers (HCPs; e.g., family physicians, cardiologists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, etc.) are in an optimal position to administer PA-promoting interventions to their patients, many HCPs may feel ill-equipped to address common obstacles to implementing and maintaining complex health behavior change. Behavioral counseling refers to a collection of theory- and empirically-supported strategies and approaches to health behavior promotion that can be learned and applied by HCPs for CVD prevention and treatment. In this selective review, we discuss prominent theories of health behavior change and the empirical intervention literature regarding PA promotion in community and CVD-samples and provide practical recommendations for integrating effective behavioral counseling strategies to clinical practice for frontline HCPs. We argue that behavioral counseling interventions for PA can be effectively executed within the contextual constraints of health settings through subtle shifts in communication strategies and brief counseling approaches. The administration of behavioral counseling for PA by HCPs has enormous potential to reduce CVD incidence and progression at a population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: One‐third of US tobacco users are non‐daily smokers (NDS). Black NDS have strikingly high levels of nicotine and carcinogen exposure. No smoking cessation studies have been conducted with this high‐risk group. This study compared the effectiveness in black NDS of smoking cessation counseling alone or in combination with the participant's choice of nicotine replacement therapy. Design Two‐arm parallel‐group individually randomized clinical trial (allocation ratio of 2 : 1 intervention to control) Setting: Academic medical and federally qualified health centers in three US cities. Participants: Non‐Hispanic black adult NDS receiving counseling with nicotine replacement therapy (C + NRT, n = 185) or counseling alone (C, n = 93). Interventions: Twelve weeks of in‐person and telephone smoking cessation counseling in combination with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; C + NRT) or counseling alone (C). All participants received five sessions of counseling; those randomized to C + NRT received their choice of nicotine gum, patch and/or lozenge after a 9‐day product trial period. The target quit day was set at 2 weeks post‐baseline for both groups. Measurements Primary outcome was biochemically verified 30‐day abstinence at week 12. Secondary outcomes were change in nicotine and carcinogen exposure [4‐(methynitrosamino)‐1‐(3) pyridyle‐1‐butanol; NNAL] and tobacco consumption patterns. Findings Abstinence was 11.4% in C + NRT and 8.6% in C [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6, 3.2, P = 0.48]. Both groups experienced significant reduction in NNAL (C + NRT: 53% reduction, C: 50% reduction, within‐group P < 0.0001) but non‐significant changes in cotinine (P = 0.69). C + NRT reported more days abstinent (P < 0.001) and fewer total cigarettes (P = 0.002) compared with C. There was no evidence of compensation with other tobacco products. Conclusions: Among black non‐daily smokers in the United States, there was no difference in abstinence between nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and counseling alone. NRT led to greater increase in days abstinent and reduction in cigarettes, with no evidence of compensation from other sources of nicotine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of behavioral counseling using modeling technique and counseling transactional analysis using role playing technique to minimize student’s tendency of aggressive behavior. This experimental research with pretest-posttest control group design is taking samples using purposive sampling technique. The sample were 18 tenth grade students from Senior High School Laboratorium Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha who have high aggressive behavior. 18 sample were randomly assigned to three group, that is: (1) experimental group of behavioral counseling using modeling technique; (2) counseling transactional analysis using role playing technique group; and (3) control group. Data on aggressive behavior tendency before and after treatment were collected using questionnaire of aggressive behavior, then analyzed by t test. The results show: (1) behavioral counseling using modeling technique were effective to minimize the tendency of aggressive behavior; (2) counseling transactional analysis using role playing technique were effective to minimize the aggressive behavior; and (3) counseling transactional analysis using role playing technique were more effectively minimizes the tendency of aggressive behavior rather than behavioral counseling using modeling technique. Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keefektifan konseling behavioral teknik modeling dan konseling analisis transaksional teknik role playing untuk meminimalkan kecenderungan perilaku agresif siswa. Penelitian eksperimen dengan rancangan pretest-posttest control group design ini mengambil sampel dengan teknik purposive sampling. Sampel terdiri dari 18 orang siswa kelas X Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) Laboratorium Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha yang memiliki perilaku agresif tinggi. 18 sampel dibagi secara acak dan merata pada tiga kelompok, yaitu: (1) kelompok eksperimen yang mendapatkan perlakuan konseling behavioral teknik modeling; (2) kelompok eksperimen yang mendapatkan perlakuan konseling analisis transaksional teknik role playing; (3) dan kelompok kontrol. Data kecenderungan perilaku agresif sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan dikumpulkan dengan kuesioner perilaku agresif, kemudian dianalisis dengan uji t. Hasil menunjukkan: (1) konseling behavioral teknik modeling efektif meminimalkan kecenderungan perilaku agresif; (2) konseling analisis transaksional teknik role playing efektif meminimalkan perilaku agresif; dan (3) konseling analisis transaksional dengan teknik role playing lebih efektif meminimalkan kecenderungan perilaku agresif dibanding konseling behavioral teknik modeling. Permalink/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17977/um001v2i42017p157

Behavioral counseling represents an efficacious approach for improving health behaviors on a population level, and the primary care setting is an appropriate context in which to implement this approach. However, evidence suggests that the utilization of behavioral counseling techniques in primary care, including those informed by motivational interviewing, is sub-optimal. Insufficient training has been cited as a barrier to utilizing counseling in the primary care setting. Recent work has evaluated the effectiveness of virtual simulations that can provide access to “virtual” patients while retaining the scalability inherent to a digital medium. However, these educational interventions have been limited to simulations delivered through a two-dimensional screen. More immersive simulations delivered through a head-mounted display can create a realistic practice environment that encompasses a learner's entire field of view, which may confer additional benefits with respect to training outcomes. The purpose of this short article is to briefly review the relevant literature across disciplines to conceptualize the potential effectiveness of this technology as a training tool for behavioral counseling. Immersive virtual simulations are designed to induce a psychological phenomenon referred to as presence, whereby a learner perceives themselves as existing within the virtual environment. As such, immersive virtual simulations can provide opportunities for practice, coaching, and feedback in an environment that closely approximates the clinical setting in which counseling will be delivered. Through its effects on presence, this technology may be particularly useful for developing empathy, which is an important component of counseling. Recommendations for future research are also provided.

Aim and objective In 2007 Balcova Heart Study cohort was started to determine cardiovascular disease risk in 35 years and older people in Balcova district, Izmir, Turkey. Among participants who were willing to quit smoking were invited to smoking cessation clinic. This study aims to analyze the effect of inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) against no weighting to predict relapse in smoking cessation. Methods Smokers who were screened in Balçova Heart Study for ischemic heart disease risk factors and declared the will to quit smoking were invited to the outpatient smoking cessation clinic. All patients were given behavioural counseling and a proportion of the smokers received pharmacotherapy (varenicline or bupropion) by clinical decision. After one year all patients were called to estimate the success rate of the intervention (n=359). The results of pharmacotherapy and behavioural counseling versus only behavioural counseling were compared in generalized estimating of effects model with and without IPTW weighting. The fully adjusted model included age and education category, gender, marital and working status, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence category. Results Relapse rate was 51.3% (n=184). Additional to the behavioural counselling pharmacotherapy lowered relapse rate by 20.0% [relative risk=0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64-0.99] relative to only behavioural counselling in crude analysis. In the fully adjusted model without IPTW beta regression coefficient of pharmacotherapy was -0.548 [odds ratio (OR)=0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90, p=0.016). After IPTW weighting the coefficient was -0.545 (OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90)p=0.016). Conclusions Additional to behavioural counseling pharmacotherapy is effective to prevent relapse in smoking cessation follow-up and IPTW weighting reveals only a slight change in beta regression coefficient. Funding Balçova Municipality funded Balçova Heart Study.

Prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases is critical due to high costs of healthcare and increasing prevalence. Historical trends suggest physicians underperform in behavioral counseling (including exercise, diet/nutrition, or weight management). This study investigated physicians' decision-making by examining non-clinical sociological factors that influence ordering and provision of behavioral counseling. This was a retrospective multi-year cross-sectional study. Using the Eisenberg model of physician-decision making, we analyzed data from the 2005-2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys (unweighted N = 177,599). Four weighted logistic regressions were performed to examine sociological factors associated with physician prescribing or ordering of behavioral counseling. Behavioral counseling was provided at suboptimal rates. Patient age, race/ethnicity, body weight status, and reasons for a medical visit were associated with physicians' decision to provide or order behavioral counseling. There was in general a decreasing trend of odds of provision of behavior counseling from 2005 to 2015. Patients who had been seen before were more likely to receive diet/nutrition and exercise counseling. This study concluded that ordering and provision of behavioral counseling was less than optimal. Policy makers and educators can consider factors that influence physicians' decisions for behavioral counseling to improve training and site policies. Future research examining effective behavioral counseling training and strategies to promote its provision, in particular to patients of different races/ethnicities and with different medical conditions, may increase effectiveness. Integrated care with behavioral health professionals could improve rates and/or delivery of counseling. Physicians can consider providing behavioral counseling when patients present with new problems and to newly seen patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our aim is to investigate pediatric primary healthcare providers' (PPCPs) perceptions about e-cigarettes and current e-cigarette-related clinical practices with adolescents. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 PPCPs who regularly counsel adolescents about preventive care. Prompts included topics about e-cigarettes PPCPs felt it was important to discuss in counseling, strategies for facilitating these conversations and barriers to these discussions. Results: Important topics included debunking myths and addressing risks associated with e-cigarette use, identifying the behavior as a potential gateway substance, and emphasizing lack of e-cigarette regulation. Strategies included emphasizing medical uncertainty, utilizing motivational interviewing, and providing outside resources. Barriers included a lack of medical knowledge, unfamiliarity with adolescents' motivations and slang, inadequate screening tools, and lack of time. Discussion: Providers negotiated the tension between discouraging e-cigarette use while not overstating the known harms of vaping with adolescent patients. Providers generally felt underprepared to have in-depth clinical conversations about e-cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan, health insurers are obliged to conduct Specific Health Checkup (SHC) for middle-aged and elderly persons. High-risk persons are referred to Specific Health Guidance (SHG) to receive behavioral counseling based on individual action plans including targets for modification of daily energy balance through diet and physical activity. Using individual-level observational data, we examined the effects of diet and physical activity counseling on cardiometabolic biomarkers across the country. Subjects were 363,440 high-risk persons aged 40-64 who participated in intensive support in SHG for ≥3 months between April 2008 and March 2012. We considered participants as receiving counseling on diet alone, physical activity alone, combined, or neither if they had targets for diet only, physical activity only, both, or neither, respectively. Biomarkers included body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c. Under the difference-in-differences approach, we used multivariable linear regression on repeated measures of biomarkers at SHCs before and after SHG and estimated the effects of each counseling type as an interaction with time of SHC. Compared with neither counseling, diet and physical activity counseling, alone or combined, were significantly associated with additional improvements in biomarkers after SHG, for example, body mass index (men: 0.03-0.06 kg/m2, women: 0.10-0.15 kg/m2) and waist circumference (men: 0.16-0.29 cm, women: 0.43-0.47 cm) in both sexes and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men (0.13-0.29 mg/dL). Modest improvements in biomarkers were associated with diet and physical activity counseling, although effect sizes were small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity disproportionately affects women, and many patients presenting at obstetric and gynecologic clinics will have, or be at risk for, obesity and its associated comorbid conditions. Given the high frequency of interaction between women and their gynecologists, this setting may be an ideal opportunity to support patients who would benefit from obesity treatment. This article describes evidence-based obesity treatment strategies, including behavioral counseling, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though persons with behavioral health conditions experience large disparities in tobacco use, questions about the efficacy of evidence-based tobacco use treatment remain understudied in community health settings. This evaluation examined outcomes from eight community-based tobacco cessation programs for participants with and without behavioral health conditions (n = 974 participants). The majority (64.8%) of participants reported one or more current behavioral health conditions, including mental illness and/or substance abuse. Participants who used cessation medication during the program and who attended more counseling sessions had an increased likelihood of being quit at 4-month follow-up. Quit rates were between 9.8% (intent-to-treat rate) and 30.6% (responder rate); behavioral health status did not negatively affect reported quit rates. Findings add to the growing literature evaluating community-based interventions within the behavioral health population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research and systematic reviews have examined strategies related to weight management, less is known about lifestyle and behavioral counseling interventions optimally suited for implementation in primary care practices generally, and among racial and ethnic patient populations. Primary care practitioners may find it difficult to access and use available research findings on effective behavioral and lifestyle counseling strategies and to assess their effects on health behaviors among their patients. This systematic review compiled existing evidence from randomized trials to inform primary care providers about which lifestyle and behavioral change interventions are shown to be effective for changing patients' diet, physical activity and weight outcomes. Searches identified 444 abstracts from all sources (01/01/2004-05/15/2014). Duplicate abstracts were removed, selection criteria applied and dual abstractions conducted for 106 full text articles. As of June 12, 2015, 29 articles were retained for inclusion in the body of evidence. Randomized trials tested heterogeneous multi-component behavioral interventions for an equally wide array of outcomes in three population groups: diverse patient populations (23 studies), African American patients only (4 studies), and Hispanic/Mexican American/Latino patients only (2 studies). Significant and consistent findings among diverse populations showed that weight and physical activity related outcomes were more amenable to change via lifestyle and behavioral counseling interventions than those associated with diet modification. Evidence to support specific interventions for racial and ethnic minorities was promising, but insufficient based on the small number of studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research this aims to determine: (1) differences in prosocial behavior among students who received behavioral counseling techniques token economy with students who do not receive behavioral counseling techniques token economy,(2) differences in prosocial behavior among students who are parenting her acceptance to students who are parenting of his rejection parents, and (3) the effect of the interaction of behavioral counseling techniques token economy and parenting parents toward prosocial behavior. This research is a quasi-experimental design with nonequivalent pretest-posstest control. group design. The population of this research is the class x totaling 30 students. Samples were taken by using purposive sampling with the number of members of the sample 14 students who have low prosocial behavior and very low. Data collection methods used were a questionnaire and analyzed by analysis of variance of two lanes. Research results revealed that: (1) there are differences in prosocial behavior of students who received behavioral counseling techniques token economy and students do not get, (2) there are no differences in prosocial behavior among students who are parenting their parents acceptance and students who are parenting their parents rejection and(3) there is no interaction effect behavioral counseling techniques token economy and parenting parents toward prosocial behavior. The results of this research can be used as a reference for teachers to be able to support Counseling in providing guidance to students who do not understand prosocial behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:In Canada, two counseling services are offered to facilitate physical activity participation among persons with physical disabilities, yet both have encountered concerns related to the recruitment and retainment of clients. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors related to service adoption among nonusers, and the barriers and facilitators to maintaining service participation among adopters. Methods:Individuals who had never enrolled in the services (nonusers,n = 13) as well as current/previous service clients (adopters,n = 26) participated in interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. Transcripts were subjected to deductive thematic analysis according to participant group. Results:Fifteen themes relating to service adoption within 10 of the 12 theoretical domains were identified for nonusers, while 23 themes relating to maintenence of service participation were identified across all 12 theoretical domains for adopters. Conclusions:The findings provide strategies to improve recruitment, adoption, and retention of clients in counseling services and to enhance the experiences of targeted service users. Implications for RehabiliationPeer support and education for equipment use should be built into physical activity programs to encourage participation among persons with physical disabilities.Programs that encourage physical activity among individuals with disabilities should be designed by practitioners to be responsive to a variety of needs, which are addressed in the program’s advertisements and offerings.The Theoretical Domains Framework is a useful framework for providing valuable insight about clients’ experiences of adoption and maintenance of a behavior change service, suggesting merit in other rehabilitation settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although healthy lifestyles (HL) offer a number of health benefits, nonadherence to recommended lifestyle changes remains a frequent and difficult obstacle to realizing these benefits. Behavioral counseling can improve adherence to an HL. However, individuals' motivation for change and resistance to altering unhealthy habits must be considered when developing an effective approach to counseling. In the present article, we review psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors that may promote adherence and contribute to nonadherence. We discuss two established models for counseling, motivational interviewing and the transtheoretical model of behavior change, and provide an example of how these approaches can be used to counsel patients to exercise and increase their levels of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is often caused by modifiable risk factors related to diet and lifestyle behaviors. Counseling patients to adopt lifestyle changes for CVD risk-reduction is needed. Using the 5As strategy (ask, assess, advise, agree, assist) can help patients incorporate positive behavior changes and reduce CVD risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]