CHAMPS Ancillary Studies
The reach of the national CHAMPS Study is deep and wide, inspiring researchers who are considering the health impact of service during the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers to develop specific studies on subpopulations within the larger CHAMPS dataset.
Study Detail
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the daily routines of many Americans, notably frontline healthcare workers. This longitudinal study aims to follow frontline healthcare workers enrolled in the CHAMPS study at multiple timepoints over the next two years to develop an understanding of whether fundamental changes to routines have occurred and, if so, whether and how they impact weight, eating patterns, and physical activity. The findings of this study are key to informing the development of new, and modification of existing, health promotion interventions in the post-COVID-19 environment.
Study Investigators
This study is sponsored by Villanova University's Fitzpatrick College of Nursing MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education (COPE).
- Tracy L. Oliver, PhD, RDN, LDN
- Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN
- Lisa Diewald, MS, RD, LDN
For more information, contact tracy.oliver@villanova.edu
Study Detail
CHAMPS Family Health: Impact of COVID-19 on Essential Frontline Workers who are Parents and their Children
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval to all facets of daily life including unique challenges to the essential frontline workers who have shouldered the additional burden of knowing that their family member faced increased exposure and risk. As research has identified changes in family dynamics, the loss of educational services, and increased parenting stress during previous pandemics, it is important to understand the influence on health as a result of COVID-19 pandemic for essential frontline workers who are parents and their children, specifically general health, psychological well-being, family hardiness, and family relationships.
Study Investigators
This study is sponsored by the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing’s Family Research Group and a Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Research Development Grant.
- Michelle Kelly, PhD, CRNP, CNE
- Linda Copel, PhD, RN, PMHCNS, BC, CNE, ANEF, NCC, CGP, FAPA
- Amy McKeever, PhD, RN, CRNP, WHNP-BC
- Michelle McKay, PhD, RN, CCRN
- Christine Pariseault, PhD, RN
- Janette Herbers, PhD (Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences)
For more information, contact michelle.kelly@villanova.edu.
Study Detail
Biofeedback for CHAMPS
The COVID-19 pandemic substantially exacerbated already high levels of burnout and the negative psychological consequences among health care workers. Research shows heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback is an effective intervention to help people cope with a wide variety of stress related conditions. Building on evidence that HRV biofeedback has the potential to reduce distress in healthcare professionals, the purpose of this study is to pilot and determine the feasibility and acceptability of using a new smartphone based HRV biofeedback app to enhance interoceptive awareness, resilience, and mindful self-care behaviors while reducing stress and disordered eating among health care workers enrolled in the CHAMPS parent study during the acute phase of the pandemic (May 2020 - Nov 2020). Establishing the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone based HRV biofeedback app and demonstrating early signals of efficacy may provide a new avenue for a low-cost wellness intervention to promote positive wellbeing and assist health care workers in coping with inevitable stress.
Study Investigators
This study is sponsored by the Villanova University Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
- Principal Investigator: Janell Mensinger, PhD, FAED
- Co-Investigator: Guy M. Weissinger II, MPhil, PhD, RN
- Co-Investigator: Mary Ann Cantrell, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF FAAN
For more information, contact janell.mensinger@villanova.edu .