Publications by authors named "Vicki Kullberg"
Background: While longitudinal designs can provide significant advantages compared to single measurement/cross sectional designs, they require careful attention to study infrastructure and the risk of attrition among the sample over multiple time points.
Objective: The strategies used to design and manage an appropriate infrastructure for a longitudinal study and approaches to retain samples are explored using examples from 2 studies, a 25-year study of persons living with multiple sclerosis and a 10-year longitudinal follow-up of breast cancer survivors.
Results: Key strategies (developing appropriate infrastructure, minimizing costs to participants, and maximizing rewards of study participation) have helped address the serious threat of attrition in these longitudinal samples.
Background: The effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on cognition have gained increasing recognition as one of the major disabling symptoms of the disease. Despite the prevalence of these symptoms and their impact on quality of life, limited attention has been given to strategies that might help manage the cognitive changes commonly experienced by persons with MS.
Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a novel computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation intervention MAPSS-MS (Memory, Attention, Problem Solving Skills in MS) in a multi-site trial with persons with MS.
Purpose: The aims of this study were to describe the nature and diversity of perceived cognitive deficits using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), to assess the reliability of the PDQ, and to explore self-reported predictors of PDQ scores in a large community-based sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Materials And Methods: Persons with MS enrolled in a randomized controlled trial provided demographic data and completed the PDQ along with measures of cognitive and memory strategies, cognitive abilities, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms and neuropsychological tests.
Results: Most of the 183 participants were non-Hispanic white women, approximately 49 years old, and diagnosed with MS 12.
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disease typically diagnosed in young adulthood, presents with a wide variety of symptoms, impairments and functional limitations. Given the chronic, unpredictable and long-term nature of this disease, preserving function is essential.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify psychosocial and behavioral factors that might influence the trajectory of functional limitation through eleven years of longitudinal follow-up of a sample of persons with MS.
Background: Cognitive impairment is among the most debilitating outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although several neuropsychological tests and self-report cognitive measures have been used to assess cognitive impairment, they may not be sensitive to change over time, or may not be feasible to administer in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the 8-item PROMIS Cognitive Abilities and Cognitive Concerns Scales in a large community-based sample of people with MS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose/objectives: To explore the experience of living with a preexisting functional disability and a cancer diagnosis and to identify strategies that promote health in the growing population of cancer survivors.
Research Approach: Qualitative, descriptive.
Setting: Four sites in the United States.
Objective: To explore the feasibility and effects of a computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation intervention - Memory, Attention, and Problem Solving Skills for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MAPSS-MS) - for persons with multiple sclerosis on cognitive performance, memory strategy use, self-efficacy for control of symptoms and neuropsychological competence in activities of daily living (ADL).
Design: A randomized controlled single-blinded trial with treatment and wait list control groups.
Setting: Southwestern United States.
Objective: To examine the effects of a wellness intervention, Lifestyle Counts, for women with fibromyalgia syndrome on the level of self-efficacy for health-promoting behaviours, health-promoting activity and perceived quality of life.
Design: A randomized controlled single-blinded trial with treatment and attention-control groups.
Setting: Community in the southwestern United States.
Setting goals is a useful strategy for changing behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a wellness intervention for women with multiple sclerosis (MS) on achieving health-related goals set individually by each participant in the experimental group (N = 57) using goal attainment scaling. The two-phase intervention included lifestyle-change classes over 8 weeks, then telephone follow-up over 3 months.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To examine the effects of a wellness intervention program for women with multiple sclerosis (MS) on health behaviors and quality of life (QOL).
Design: Randomized clinical trial.
Setting: Community setting in the southwestern United States.