Biomedical subjects

R Spoth

Publications and source records attributed to R Spoth.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1981

Differential application of cue-controlled relaxation in the reduction of general anxiety.

This exploratory study investigated the effectiveness of cue-controlled relaxation in the multiple-outcome reduction of general anxiety. Additionally, it examined the effects of matching the technique's presentation with trainee conceptual level. Results suggested that the technique significantly reduced general anxiety. Multivariate analysis of covariance also indicated that the training was differentially effective relative to trainee conceptual level, but not relative to the type of technique presentation.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Formative research on smoking cessation program attributes preferred by smokers.

BACKGROUND: This article reports formative research procedures used to identify smoking cessation program attributes preferred by smokers. A theoretical rationale and a program development framework are presented. METHODS: Findings from a series of qualitative and small sample quantitative studies were used to evaluate smoker response to specific program materials, and to identify a comprehensive set of preferred smoking cessation program attributes. These findings guided the development of a telephone survey administered to a random sample of 205 smokers interested in quitting. RESULTS: The 205 smokers completing telephone interviews frequently indicated preferences for program features having little to do with specific cessation methods used. Low demand on time, endorsements by medical authorities, relaxation instructions, weight control techniques, and a substantial research base were often cited as being most preferred. Overall, chi-square analyses provided minimal support for significant relationships between preferences and sociodemographic or smoking history variables. DISCUSSION: The benefits of combining qualitative and quantitative research methods in cessation program development efforts are noted. Implications for further research are discussed, particularly those concerning multiattribute analysis of consumer preferences.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Identifying program preferences through conjoint analysis: illustrative results from a parent sample.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to illustrate the application of conjoint analysis, a consumer research technique, using data from a survey of parents' preferences for prevention programs. DESIGN: This study utilized a one-time, cross-sectional telephone survey. SETTING: Data were collected from subjects living in economically disadvantaged rural midwestern counties. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 202 randomly selected parents with preadolescents who indicated interest in family-focused prevention programs. MEASURES: Conjoint analysis software was employed in computer-assisted telephone interviews to evaluate relative preferences for 39 individual features of family-focused prevention programs falling under 11 categories (e.g., program meeting time, facilitator background). The software also guided computer simulations of parent choices among four types of programs. RESULTS: Findings indicated that meeting time was the most important category of program features. Strongly preferred individual features included meetings scheduled on weekday evenings, instruction by child development specialists, and programs based on extensive research. Two multiple-session programs evaluated via computer simulations incorporated several preferred features and received higher ratings than did single-session programs. Estimated variance z-tests indicated limited differences in perceived importance of program feature categories across sociodemographic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight a) differences in the relative value parents place on various features of prevention programs in the surveyed population and b) the importance of practical aspects of program delivery.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Multi-attribute analysis of benefit managers' preferences for smoking cessation programs.

This article reports the results of formative research on worksite benefit managers' preferences for smoking cessation programs. Procedures focused on application of a multi-attribute preference evaluation method known as conjoint analysis. Literature reviews, small-sample telephone interviews, and a focus group were used to guide selection of cessation program attributes for this analysis. Personnel benefit managers representing a variety of worksites (N = 103) across the U.S. were then randomly selected for participation in the study. Results suggested that cost per employee, program management options, success rates, and endorsements were associated with relatively higher utility values, as compared with attributes concerning program materials or content (e.g., emphasis on cessation preparation vs. maintenance techniques). Benefit manager response simulations indicated a low-cost program with flexible delivery options received the strongest overall response of the six types of programs tested. Results also suggested there were preference differences associated with the type of worksite. Implications of these results for future study are briefly discussed.

Administrative Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Simulating smokers' acceptance of modifications in a cessation program.

Recent research has underscored the importance of assessing barriers to smokers' acceptance of cessation programs. This paper illustrates the use of computer simulations to gauge smokers' response to program modifications which may produce barriers to participation. It also highlights methodological issues encountered in conducting this work. Computer simulations were based on conjoint analysis, a consumer research method which enables measurement of smokers' relative preference for various modifications of cessation programs. Results from two studies are presented in this paper. The primary study used a randomly selected sample of 218 adult smokers who participated in a computer-assisted phone interview. Initially, the study assessed smokers' relative utility rating of 30 features of cessation programs. Utility data were used in computer-simulated comparisons of a low-cost, self-help oriented program under development and five other existing programs. A baseline version of the program under development and two modifications (for example, use of a support group with a higher level of cost) were simulated. Both the baseline version and modifications received a favorable response vis-à-vis comparison programs. Modifications requiring higher program costs were, however, associated with moderately reduced levels of favorable consumer response. The second study used a sample of 70 smokers who responded to an expanded set of smoking cessation program features focusing on program packaging. This secondary study incorporate in-person, computer-assisted interviews at a shopping mall, with smokers viewing an artist's mock-up of various program options on display. A similar pattern of responses to simulated program modifications emerged, with monetary cost apparently playing a key role. The significance of conjoint-based computer simulation as a tool in program development or dissemination, salient methodological issues, and implications for further research are discussed.

Adolescent↗