Changing driver behavior during floods: Testing a novel e-health intervention using implementation imagery

We tested the efficacy of a novel implementation imagery intervention (N = 460) in promoting safer intentions regarding driving into floodwater post-intervention, and at a four-week follow-up using a pre-registered randomized controlled design. Results showed that the intervention reduced intentions and subjective norms regarding driving into floodwater. The control condition also improved on intentions and subjective norms, but the changes appeared to only be maintained at the follow-up for the intervention group and the between group difference at the follow-up was not significant based on our pre-specified cutoff level for statistical significance of 0.01. Results also indicated that changes in intentions may be stronger for males than females. Further exploratory analyses indicated that the intervention showed greater effects on post-intervention intentions, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived severity, anticipated regret, barrier self-efficacy, and action planning in individuals who indicated a modest level of intention to drive into floodwater prior to the intervention

An evaluation of a video-based intervention targeting alcohol consumption during aquatic activities

Objective: Alcohol consumption and being male are drowning risk factors. Changing beliefs and intentions to undertake risky aquatic-related behaviours, such as consuming alcohol, is key to reducing loss of life and injury. We evaluated the impact of a video encouraging change in young males’ social cognitions and intentions to discourage their mates as well as their own alcohol consumption around the water. Method: A three-wave non-controlled pre-test-post-test design was adopted. A convenience sample of Australian males aged 18–34 years (N = 97) who self-reported drinking alcohol and engaging in aquatic activities was recruited. Participants were surveyed at baseline (T1) regarding social cognition constructs and intentions, immediately after viewing the video (T2) and at a one-month follow-up (T3). Results: Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant main effects of time on intentions, subjective norms, and attitudes regarding discouraging mates from drinking and swimming, but no significant main effects of time on perceived behavioural control or risk perceptions. The same patterns of effects were observed regarding drinking and swimming on males’ own behaviour. Conclusions: The video has the potential to influence young males’ social cognitions regarding their mates’ and their own risky drinking behaviour around water in the short term, although sustained interventions are required. Messaging delivered on-site at popular aquatic locations in the lead-up to traditionally risky periods for alcohol-related drowning should be considered. Provision of strategies to combat social pressures among young males to act on their intentions to engage in drinking and swimming are needed. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Drowning is a significant cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity. (2) Alcohol is a risk factor for drowning, with young males commonly represented in alcohol-related drowning statistics. (3) Achieving lasting improvement in behaviour among males is challenging, despite the use of water safety interventions based on theory. What this topic adds: (1) This study presents the first evaluation of a video that aimed to encourage change in young males’ social cognitions and intentions to discourage their mates alcohol consumption around water. (2) Results indicate significant main effects of time on intentions, subjective norms, and attitudes regarding discouraging mates from drinking and swimming, as well as drinking and swimming themselves. (3) The video has potential to influence young male’s social cognition for their mates’ and their own behaviour in the short term, although sustained interventions are required

Drivers’ experiences during floods: Investigating the psychological influences underpinning decisions to avoid driving through floodwater

A major risk factor for many flood-related drownings is driving through floodwater. We aimed to understand Australian drivers’ experiences and beliefs with respect to avoid driving through floodwater using the theory of planned behaviour as a framework. Study 1 (N = 23) used a qualitative design to gain an in-depth understanding of individuals’ experiences with driving through floodwater. Study 2 (N = 157) used a survey-based design to identify the factors related to this behaviour including knowledge, beliefs, and social-cognitive factors. In Study 1, drivers identified a range of advantages (e.g., didn't damage car), disadvantages (e.g., inconvenient, but not so terrible), barriers (e.g., urgency to reach destination), and facilitators (e.g., making plans and using existing plans) to avoiding driving through floodwater. Normative factors were also important influences on drivers’ decisions including normative expectancy, approval of significant others, and a moral obligation for the safety of others. In Study 2, participants were able to recall information about driving through floodwater (e.g., dangerous/risky) and its meaning (e.g., body of water over road). A range of experiences were described for avoiding driving through floodwater (e.g., took an alternative route). Across the studies, a range of behavioural, normative, and control beliefs were elicited. Finally, sex (women more likely), attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted intentions to avoid driving through floodwater, with the model explaining 55% of the variance. These findings can inform intervention targets and development of prevention strategies for effective behaviour change, saving lives otherwise lost to Australian waterways in flood

Post-exercise hypotension time-course is influenced by exercise intensity: a randomised trial comparing moderate-intensity, high-intensity, and sprint exercise

Reductions in blood pressure (BP) induced by exercise training may be associated with the acute reduction in BP observed minutes to hours following an exercise session, termed post-exercise hypotension (PEH). However, the magnitude and time-course of PEH, including the optimal exercise characteristics to maximise it, are still unclear. Using a randomised crossover design, 16 normotensive participants (median age (range) 22 (19–31) years; 50% female) undertook three different exercise sessions: sprint interval exercise (SIE, 30 × 8-s sprints with 32 s recovery), high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE, 15 × 1-min intervals at 90% peak heart rate (HR) with 1-min recovery), and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE, 48 min at 65% peak HR). BP and HR were monitored before and up to 90 min following each session. The three exercise sessions each showed distinct PEH and of similar overall magnitude up to 90 min post exercise; however, there were distinct differences in the time-course. Systolic BP was lower 40 min after MICE compared to HIIE (−7.7 (−13.9 to −2.4) mmHg) and diastolic BP was higher 5 min after HIIE compared to SIE (8.5 (2.3–14.7) mmHg). MICE induced lower HR up to 40 min after exercise compared to HIIE and SIE. HIIE and SIE induced PEH of similar magnitude to MICE. A phasic or ‘W-shaped’ time-course of PEH observed following HIIE and SIE contrasted to a distinct ‘V-shaped’ PEH following MICE, indicating the physiological mechanisms driving BP regulation after exercise are influenced by exercise intensity

Pennsylvania\u27s Family Caregiver Support Program: A Demonstration Project

The physical, emotional, and economic burdens of family caregiving can present a serious threat to the stability and continuity of a caregiving situation. Public policymakers, aware of the high costs of replacing such voluntary efforts with publicly funded institutional care, are becoming more and more concerned about the needs of caregivers and possible intervention strategies to meet those needs. This article begins with a description of Pennsylvania\u27s new policy initiative for caregivers, the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP). Following is a discussion of the evaluation of the program\u27s demonstration phase by the Human Organization Science Institute of Villanova University. The evaluation concluded that the FCSP has a significant positive impact on the lives and abilities of caregivers, including the reduction of caregiver stress and burden. The concluding summary of program results seeks to sharpen the reader\u27s interest in the potential benefits of an intervention strategy such as this and suggests a need for additional research for the benefit of those concerned about health care cost containment