A cluster randomised trial of an internet-based intervention program for tinnitus distress in an industrial setting.
The effectiveness of a therapist-supported Internet intervention program for tinnitus distress in an industrial setting was evaluated using a cluster randomised design. Fifty-six Australian employees of two industrial organisations were randomly assigned, based on their work site (18 work sites from BP Australia and five from BHP Billiton), to either a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program or an information-only control program. Participants were assessed at pre- and post-program, measuring tinnitus distress, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, and occupational health. The CBT program was not found to be superior to the information program for treating tinnitus distress. A high attrition rate and small sample size limit the generalisability of the findings, and further developments of the program and assessment process are needed to enhance engagement and compliance.
Abbott
Jo-Anne M
JA
National eTherapy Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. jmabbott@swin.edu.au
Kaldo
Viktor
V
Klein
Britt
B
Austin
David
D
Hamilton
Catherine
C
Piterman
Leon
L
Williams
Ben
B
Andersson
Gerhard
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D020407:Internet / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult