title: A cluster randomised trial of an internet-based intervention program for tinnitus distress in an industrial setting.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: National eTherapy Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. jmabbott@swin.edu.au
authors.forename: Jo-Anne M
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.forename: Viktor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kaldo
authors.forename: Britt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Austin
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Piterman
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
mesh_terms: 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