Background Utility-value (UV) classroom interventions typically involve students completing assignments that involve writing about the usefulness of the course material. They are widely recommended and have received some empirical support. Objective This study tested the effectiveness of a UV intervention in an online research methods course. It was a conceptual replication of a study by Hulleman et al. (2017, Study 2). Method Students ( N = 264) were randomly assigned to complete three assignments that required them to write about the usefulness of course material or three assignments that required them to summarize course material. The groups were compared in terms of their scores on a research methods knowledge test, their final papers, their final exams, and their final point totals, along with measures of the interestingness and usefulness of the course material. Results There were no differences between conditions on any of the outcome variables. Conclusion The UV intervention was ineffective. Further research is needed to establish the conditions under which such interventions are and are not effective. Teaching Implications UV interventions do not necessarily improve student performance. Instructors who use them should consider doing so in a way that allows for an assessment of their effect in their local context.

Objective Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A history of prior spontaneous preterm birth is a known risk factor for recurrent preterm birth. While 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) has been found in some studies to reduce recurrent preterm birth by 34%, many women who could have benefited from its use did not receive this intervention. We sought to investigate the rate of and reasons for underutilization of 17P in Fresno County, California, where the preterm birth rate trend from 2017 and recent 2020 data showed a significantly higher rate at 10.1% and 9.8% respectively, when compared to the state average of 8.6% and 8.8% respectively. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who delivered at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno from January to December 2016, and surveys of providers and patients, to help identify barriers to 17P utilization. Results After controlling for age, body mass index, interpregnancy interval, and race/ethnicity, we determined that women who had private insurance were 3 times more likely to have received 17P compared to women with public insurance (adjusted odds ratio 2.97, 95% CI: 1.6–6.51, p<.001). We also found that only 23.3% of patients eligible for 17P actually received this intervention. The surveys identified difficulty with completing the insurance approval process and receiving the treatment within the clinically recommended timeline as primary barriers to 17P utilization. Conclusion This study confirmed that 17P intervention for prevention of recurrent preterm birth was underutilized and disproportionately affected patients with inadequate prenatal care and those who had public insurance.

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Group prenatal care is increasingly being used to improve maternal and infant physical and mental health outcomes. We assessed COVID-19–related changes in prenatal care, economic circumstances, and social needs of low-income pregnant and parenting persons to inform adapting a group prenatal care program enhanced with education, care coordination, and other support for use with telehealth. This study offers tangible ways to design and enhance telehealth group prenatal care to address the priorities identified by low-income families while incorporating limitations and requirements of medical care delivery systems. Telehealth group prenatal care programs can be implemented to increase access to health care, resources, and social connection during and after the pandemic.