'ObjectiveTo examine attrition variables in randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavioral interventions for children with chronic illnesses.MethodsWe examined attrition rates reported on 40 randomized cognitive behavioral interventions published in six pediatric research journals, during the years 20022007. focus was limited to children with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, obesity, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, sickle cell disease, and cystic fibrosis.ResultsMean rate of enrollment refusal was 37 (range 075),' scientists in the United States report.
'Mean attrition rate was 20 (range 054) for initial follow-up and 32 (range 059) for extended follow-up. Of the reviewed articles, 40 included a CONSORT diagram.ConclusionsStrategies that can be used to limit attrition include tailoring recruitment to the study population, providing personalized feedback, maintaining consistent study procedures, providing incentives, and using intensive tracking measures,' wrote C.W. Karlson and colleagues, University of Kansas.
The researchers concluded: 'There is a need for standardized definitions and reporting of attrition rates in randomized cognitive behavioral intervention studies..'
Karlson and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology (Attrition in Randomized Controlled Trials for Pediatric Chronic Conditions. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 2009;34(7):782-793).
For more information, contact C.W. Karlson, University of Kansas, Dept. of Psychology, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
Publisher contact information for the Journal of Pediatric Psychology is: Oxford University Press Inc., Journals Dept., 2001 Evans Rd., Cary, NC 27513, USA.
Keywords: United States, Lawrence, Life Sciences, Obesity, Obesity and Diabetes, Hematology, Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Pediatric Psychology, Pediatric Research, Allergy Medicine, Asthma, Allergies, Bariatrics, Arthritis, Cancer, Oncology, Pulmonology, Genetics, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Disease, Hepatology, Mental Health, Clinical Trial Research, Pediatrics, Behavior, University of Kansas.
This article was prepared by Psychology & Psychiatry Journal editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Psychology & Psychiatry Journal via NewsRx.com.
