Biomedical subjects

B L Eakin

Publications and source records attributed to B L Eakin.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Effectiveness of an intervention to increase construction workers' use of hearing protection.

In this project we tested the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention (video, pamphlets, and guided practice session) to increase the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among Midwestern construction workers and a national group of plumber/pipefitter trainers. Posttest measures were collected 10-12 months following this intervention. Pender's Health Promotion Model (1987) provided the conceptual basis for development of the training program. A total of 837 high-noise-exposed workers were included in the analysis: 652 regional Midwestern construction workers and 185 national plumber/pipefitter trainers. Effectiveness of the intervention was determined through the sequence of analyses recommended by Braver and Braver (1988) for the Solomon Four-Group Design. Analysis of variance and covariance of postintervention use and intention to use HPDs and a meta-analytic test were done. These analyses indicated that the intervention significantly increased use of HPDs but had no effect on intention to use HPDs in the future. Pretesting had no effect on use. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidance in the development of successful theory-based interventions to increase use of HPDs.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Perceived exertion and exercise intensity in children with or without structural heart defects.

To assess the ability of children with cardiac disease to quantify their effort during exercise with the Borg perceived exertion scale, and to determine the validity of the scale for use with children by comparing the ratings with direct measurements of exercise intensity, we exercised 36 children with various cardiac defects and 15 normal children to exhaustion with the Bruce treadmill protocol. The subjects were able to quantify exercise intensity, so perceived exertion ratings can be used to predetermine the level of exercise intensity in an unmonitored setting and may be useful in defining appropriate exercise programs.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Hemodynamic responses to upright exercise of adolescent cardiac transplant recipients.

To characterize the hemodynamic response to exercise after cardiac transplantation, we asked seven adolescent transplant patients (aged 15.1 +/- 0.7 years; mean +/- SE) to perform upright discontinuous exercise to volitional exhaustion on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. Data were compared with those of seven control subjects matched for age, gender, body mass, percentage of fat, and body surface area. The transplant group had lower peak power output values (92 +/- 13 vs 146 +/- 30 watts; p less than or equal to 0.001) and maximum oxygen consumption values (22 +/- 8 vs 32 +/- 8 ml/kg per minute; p less than or equal to 0.03), despite achieving the same peak venous lactic acid concentration (6.2 +/- 3 vs 5.9 +/- 3 mEq/L; p = not significant). The transplant group had a diminished heart rate in response to exercise--44% lower than the control group had (delta = 49 +/- 6.4 vs 87 +/- 9.1 beats/min; p = 0.005). The cardiac output response to exercise was maintained in the transplant group (delta = 6.5 +/- 1.5 vs 4.6 +/- 0.8 L/min; p = not significant) by an augmented stroke volume response (delta = 31 +/- 10 vs -4 +/- 3.4 ml; p = 0.01), which may relate to a greater decrease in systemic vascular resistance during exercise (delta = -13.7 +/- 2.2 vs -6.3 +/- 1.2 Wood units; p = 0.02). Thus adolescents who have undergone cardiac transplantation have a normal cardiac output response to upright exercise. This is accomplished, despite a blunted heart rate response, by an augmented stroke volume that may relate to the greater decrease in systemic resistance during exercise.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Applying the health promotion model to development of a worksite intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) decreases noise-induced hearing loss, however, many workers do not use them consistently. Past research has supported the need to use a conceptual framework to understand behaviors and guide intervention programs; however, few reports have specified a process to translate a conceptual model into an intervention. PURPOSE: The strongest predictors from the Health Promotion Model were used to design a training program to increase HPD use among construction workers. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Carpenters (n = 118), operating engineers (n = 109), and plumber/pipefitters (n = 129) in the Midwest were recruited to participate in the study. DESIGN: Written questionnaires including scales measuring the components of the Health Promotion Model were completed in classroom settings at worker trade group meetings. MEASURES: All items from scales predicting HPD use were reviewed to determine the basis for the content of a program to promote the use of HPDs. Three selection criteria were developed: (1) correlation with use of hearing protection (at least .20), (2) amenability to change, and (3) room for improvement (mean score not at ceiling). RESULTS: Linear regression and Pearson's correlation were used to assess the components of the model as predictors of HPD use. Five predictors had statistically significant regression coefficients: perceived noise exposure, self-efficacy, value of use, barriers to use, and modeling of use of hearing protection. Using items meeting the selection criteria, a 20-minute videotape with written handouts was developed as the core of an intervention. A clearly defined practice session was also incorporated in the training intervention. CONCLUSION: Determining salient factors for worker populations and specific protective equipment prior to designing an intervention is essential. These predictors provided the basis for a training program that addressed the specific needs of construction workers. Results of tests of the effectiveness of the program will be available in the near future.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Creating a tailored, multimedia, computer-based intervention.

Tailoring of health-related messages is effective in motivating behavior change. However, planning, designing, and implementing a tailored health promotion program can be a challenge. This article describes the process of creating a tailored multimedia program for presentation via computer to promote factory workers' use of hearing-protection devices to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. The creation process was segmented into 5 phases: 1) determination of program content; 2) creation of overall program design, including live action and still video and addition of sound and graphics; 3) development and integration of tailoring pathways into the final intervention; 4) development of a database and participant handouts; and 5) pilot testing of the intervention program. The approach used in this research program can serve as a prototype for future development of computerized multimedia health promotion interventions and can assist others in the effective use of this medium.

Algorithms↗