Canino 2008.
Methods | Single‐blinded randomised controlled trial comparing intervention "Take Control, Empower Yourself and Achieve Management of Asthma" (CALMA) program with control (usual care group). All study participants completed a one hour in‐home baseline interview and similar post‐interview 4 months after randomisation. Randomisation by computer algorithm based on mixed block design. |
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Participants | Participants were identified and screened for eligibility before invitation to participate. Inclusion criteria:
Exclusion criteria:
All study participants completed a one‐hour in‐home baseline interview and similar post‐interview 4 months after randomisation. Randomisation by computer algorithm based on mixed block design. Number screened: n = 332 Number eligible: n = 256 Number randomised: n = 221 (Intervention group n = 110 and Control group n = 111) 1 participant from control group and 2 participants from CALMA (intervention) group were lost to follow‐up. All analyses were based on intention‐to‐treat. |
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Interventions |
Recruitment dates: April 2006 to October 2006 Sample size: Not stated Intervention group: CALMA is the abbreviation of the Spanish for "Take Control, Empower Yourself and Achieve Asthma Managment". The intervention was developed for reducing asthma morbidity in poor Puerto Rican children (aged 5 to 12 years) with asthma. Children and families enrolled in the intervention group received 8 asthma education modules, delivered over the course of 2 home visits with telephone contact for follow‐up and reinforcement of recommended plans and assignments. The modules aimed to help the patient/family with the following goals.
The modules were culturally adapted with inclusions such as common practices and myths that Puerto Rican parents have about asthma, proper use of home remedies, culturally congruent pictures, and common asthma triggers in the island, such as Sahara dust and eruptions from Caribbean volcanoes. Educational material was developed relating to coping with marital and family stress resulting from the consequences of the child's asthma, increasing parental empowerment to deal with the Puerto Rican health system and educating parents how to teach their child and others how to manage asthma. Control group: received five flyers of educational materials that contained information about:
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Outcomes |
Primary outcome
Secondary outcome
Assessments were performed at baseline and 4 months post randomisation |
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Notes |
Lost to follow‐up at final assessment: n = 3 Funding: National Centre for Minority Health and Health Disparities and the National Institutes of Health |
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Risk of bias | ||
Bias | Authors' judgement | Support for judgement |
Random sequence generation (selection bias) | Low risk | Study authors state randomisation was done based on a mixed block randomisation scheme |
Allocation concealment (selection bias) | Unclear risk | Randomisation by computerised algorithm based on mixed block randomisation scheme. No information provided on how allocation concealment was maintained |
Blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias) All outcomes | High risk | Complete blinding was not possible after randomisation, given the nature of the intervention compared to the control group |
Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) All outcomes | High risk | Study authors do not describe if outcome assessment was completed by study personnel who were blinded to treatment allocation, yet describe the strict training and certification of asthma counsellors |
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes | Low risk | Complete outcome data were measured in > 95% of participants |
Selective reporting (reporting bias) | Low risk | Intention to treat analysis used |
Other bias | Unclear risk | Nil |