Work

“the Last Thing I Have Time for Is Healthy Living!” Debriefing Attention Control Group Participants

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: A control group is an essential element in the design and conduct of a randomized controlled trial, yet few participants wish to subject themselves to a sham treatment or placebo condition. The Tele-Savvy Healthy Living Attention Control Group was created with this in mind and with respect for and acknowledgment of the busy day to day lives lead by caregivers who are providing care to a person with dementia. We conducted qualitative interviews with a sample of caregivers following their participation in the seven-week control condition to elicit their perceptions regarding the utility of the program and experience in the group. Specific questions referred to the program’s influence on their self-care behaviors and caregiving experiences. Emergent themes included: (a) good nudge, (b) minimal change in lifestyle, and (c) no time for healthy living. These findings provide behavioral researchers with options to consider when designing control groups within randomized controlled trials.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.827

Authors: F Epps, P C Griffiths, J R Nocera, M Kovaleva, K Hepburn

Institutions: Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta VA Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977