Authors:Varsha Vedapudi et al. Abstract: Optimal implementation research and practice often relies on rapidly performing, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative work such as interviews. Performing interviews in person and with traditional approaches to transcription can present substantial burdens, including logistics of in-person meetings, and the cost and time of both conducting and transcribing interviews. Recent advances in language processing technology coupled with technocultural shifts largely due to the COVID pandemic have decreased barriers to rapidly conducting qualitative implementation science work. In this viewpoint, we describe how using Zoom™ for videoconferencing with Otter.ai automated transcription allowed for rapid qualitative work in a qualitative implementation science study, and how this combination of technologies could facilitate further rapid qualitative work in the future. PubDate: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:47:24 PDT
Authors:Haley M. Sidorowicz et al. Abstract: This study assesses the impact and potential enhancements of a Pharmacy Vending Machine (PhVM) program implemented at Purdue University since January 2021. Aimed at addressing the accessibility gap for essential healthcare items, particularly sexual and reproductive health products, and over-the-counter medications, the program has expanded from two to eight PhVMs on campus. A web-based survey was completed by a random University sample (n=469) to evaluate the program's efficacy and identify avenues for improvement. Survey responses and sales data from January 2021 to April 2023 were analyzed. Findings demonstrate a positive reception of the PhVMs, highlighting a preference for increased accessibility to sexual and reproductive healthcare items. Word-of-mouth remains a key source of awareness for vending machines, suggesting the significance of targeted marketing strategies and information dissemination within on-campus groups. Sales data trends underscore the necessity for ongoing assessment to optimize student access to PhVMs. This study is a comprehensive evaluation, emphasizing the importance of continual refinement in healthcare vending initiatives to cater effectively to campus community needs. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:12:02 PDT
Authors:Scott D. Rhodes Abstract: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM), including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+), communities, continue to face profound health disparities in the United States and globally. Although the terms SGM and LGBTQ+ are used as umbrella terms, the populations they describe are highly diverse. Currently, SGM persons are increasingly open and visible in the United States and many other parts of the world, and a modest body of knowledge on the health and well-being of some SGM subgroups currently exists. However, significant gaps exist in the emerging knowledge base, and there remains a profound need to promote health equity and reduce disparities. I am committed to advancing health behavior research to promote health equity and reduce disparities using community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches. In this paper, based on the address I gave at the Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) on April 14, 2024, I describe what inspires me, a few things I have learned so far, and my future directions as I continue to partner with SGM communities to address health equity and reduce health disparities. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:18:36 PDT
Authors:Mohammad Torabi Abstract: Sapere Aude – Dare to Be Wise is a unique editorial conversational interview-type feature. It is an attempt to deep dive into an Academy members’ background, formative experience, and education – specifically, to extract factors that contributed to their development and evolution as a professional, as well as their success as a prominent researcher in the health behavior arena. Every Academy member selected has a different story to tell and numerous models for success will emerge from this exploration of the membership. PubDate: Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:52:37 PDT
Authors:Erika L. Thompson et al. Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to an increase in online recruitment of research participants as in-person interactions were limited. For quantitative and self-administered surveys, fraud and bot detection methods have been initiated to verify intended participants. However, there is limited information on participant authentication during recruitment process for qualitative studies. This study aimed to describe the recruitment and verification process for focus groups and interview participants for two qualitative studies. Participants were recruited through social media, emails, and snowball sampling online. All participants for both studies were screened based on the eligibility criteria. In the first project, 134 respondents met the eligibility criteria. Among those eligible, 46% were suspected to be fraudulent (i.e., fake identity or posed as meeting inclusion criteria when they do not) and up to 39% did not show up for their scheduled focus groups. Suspected participants were identified during screening and identification stage prior to the focus groups. In the second project, 102 respondents met the eligibility criteria for one of the samples; however, 54% of respondents were suspected to be fraudulent. In the second sample, 211 respondents met the eligibility criteria and 88% were suspected to be fraudulent. Additional protocols, such as ReCAPTCHA, ID checks, monitoring recruitment during social media posts, were initiated to further authenticate participants. This paper highlights the challenges of virtual and online recruitment strategies. Findings emphasize the need for researchers to put in place effective and innovative strategies to recruit and authenticate study participants. PubDate: Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:11:31 PDT
Authors:Brittny Bratcher-Rasmus et al. Abstract: Heart disease disproportionately impacts African American women and disparities can stem from risk factors related to limited risk factor knowledge and socioeconomic resources. Social support mitigates heart disease risk in this population. The study aimed to examine how perceived social support impacts heart disease risk factor knowledge among African American women and whether demographic characteristics moderate a relationship between perceived social support and heart disease knowledge. This was a quantitative study with purposeful, snowball sampling representative of African American women aged 30-55 in Texas (n = 121) who completed an online survey on heart disease knowledge and perceived social support. Approximately half the participants displayed heart disease knowledge deficiencies. Multiple regression analysis revealed that when demographic variables were controlled, age (standardized β= .28, p = .002) and income (standardized β= .19, p = .037) were the only predictor variables indicating that social support impacts heart disease knowledge, with nonsignificant differences in the regression model (standardized β = -.023, p = .80). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that age (F change = 1.056, R square change = .008, and p = .306), education (F (3, 115) = .583, p = .627), family history (F (2, 116) = 1.51, p = .225), and income (F change = 1.006, R2 change = .008, and p = .318) as individual predictors yielded nonsignificant differences in the overall predictive model, indicating demographic variables did not moderate a relationship between social support and heart disease knowledge. Social support is critical to decision-making and lifestyle modifications, which can protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease in African American women. Further understanding of the connection between perceived social support and heart disease knowledge through public health education programs can be instrumental in reducing heart disease disparities among African American women. PubDate: Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:11:29 PDT
Authors:Anna G. Trieloff et al. Abstract: Menstruation is a worldwide biological phenomenon that can have differing impacts based on what women were taught by their family members and friends. The purpose of this investigation was to understand menstruation experiences and communication, from menarche through menopause, among a sample of cross-generational women living in Florence, Italy. In-depth interviews (n=28) were conducted in English in May and June 2022 to investigate different aspects affecting menstruation throughout a woman’s lifetime. Most participants reported having received limited preparation for menarche, menstruation, and menopause. Education typically came from the participants’ mothers rather than school, which can be attributed to the culture and religion ingrained within Italian society. and menstrual health is still seen as a taboo by older generations. However, discussing these topics with friends and family is becoming more common among younger generations. Results indicated Italian women’s experiences surrounding menarche, menstruation, and menopause, including preparation, education, and openness and discussion. Findings revealed the changing perceptions and generational differences within Italian culture regarding women’s menstruation. This will allow educators, healthcare providers, and families to better understand what education is currently being provided and where more is needed. PubDate: Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:52:01 PDT
Authors:Joel Martin et al. Abstract: Emergency responders engage in occupations that benefit from living a healthy lifestyle to ensure physical and mental preparedness. We compared fitness and healthy lifestyle behaviors between special weapons and tactics (SWAT) officers and firefighters. We analyzed data from 14 SWAT officers and 17 firefighters. Self-reported healthy lifestyle behavior measures included physical activity, sleep quality, and dietary behaviors. Fitness measures included body composition, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance. Firefighters had higher (p < .05) body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage and fat mass than SWAT officers. SWAT officers performed better (p < .05) than the firefighters on vertical jump, push-ups, and a maximum plank hold. We found no difference regarding sleep quality or dietary behaviors; however, SWAT officers reported more minutes of vigorous (p = .006) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = .035). Our findings suggest that fitness and lifestyle behaviors vary among different emergency responder populations and public safety departments implementing health and wellness programs should consider the diversity of sub-groups of emergency responders that may exist within a department. PubDate: Fri, 31 May 2024 11:53:06 PDT
Authors:Danielle E. King et al. Abstract: Weight loss, through a reduction in energy intake and increase in energy expenditure, can reduce diabetes risk in people with prediabetes. However, lifestyle change can be challenging even with positive intentions. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) theoretical framework bridges the intention-behavior gap by targeting planning behaviors and strengthening efficacious beliefs for behavioral change. In the current trial, an adaptive design was employed to examine differences in HAPA measures (i.e., planning and self-efficacy) regarding the target behaviors of dietary intake and physical activity (PA). Adults ≥ 21 years old with overweight or obesity and prediabetes (n = 185) received the standard Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) intervention during the first month of treatment. Weight loss responders (lost> 2.5% of weight) at week five remained in GLB during weeks 5-16; slow responders (lost ≤ 2.5%) were stratified to the adaptive GLB Plus (GLB+) intervention during weeks 5-16. GLB+ augmented self-regulatory skills and practices consistent with HAPA. We conducted mixed model analyses with a group-by-time interaction for fixed effects at four months. GLB experienced greater improvement in behavioral intention for both diet and PA, planning behaviors (action and coping planning) for diet, and self-efficacy beliefs (action and maintenance self-efficacy) for PA compared to GLB+ (all ps < .0125). However, GLB+ also experienced statistically significant improvement in planning and self-efficacy and in energy intake and food group servings (all ps < .01). Whereas an adaptive intervention can be advantageous in improving HAPA measures and food choices, greater focus on increasing PA is needed. Additional research may help to determine effective PA strategies. PubDate: Fri, 31 May 2024 11:37:35 PDT
Authors:Jon Agley et al. Abstract: Brühlmann and colleagues recently examined the effects of “warning statements” on insufficient effort responding (IER) in crowdsourced research, specifically Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk). Among other findings, it showed that passively reading a warning statement did not significantly reduce careless responding relative to a control condition. This brief essay discusses the context around IER on crowdsourced data collection platforms, finding Brühlmann’s contribution valuable. It then points out how crowdsourced studies by U.S. researchers using mechanisms like attention checks to control for IER plausibly should include warning statements regardless of their effect on IER due to federal research regulations around payment transparency. PubDate: Wed, 29 May 2024 06:21:58 PDT
Abstract: The American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) hosted its 24th Annual Scientific Meeting at The DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Georgia on April 14-17, 2024. The meeting's theme was “Health Communication, (Mis-)Information, and Behavior: Leveraging Technology for Behavioral Interventions and Health Behavior Research". This publication describes the meeting theme and includes the refereed abstracts presented at the 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. PubDate: Tue, 14 May 2024 13:49:29 PDT
Authors:Robert J. McDermott Abstract: Sapere Aude – Dare to Be Wise is a unique editorial conversational interview-type feature. It is an attempt to deep dive into an Academy members’ background, formative experience, and education – specifically, to extract factors that contributed to their development and evolution as a professional, as well as their success as a prominent researcher in the health behavior arena. Every Academy member selected has a different story to tell and numerous models for success will emerge from this exploration of the membership. PubDate: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:12:34 PDT
Authors:Erica Harp et al. Abstract: Electronic nicotine products (ENPs) are the most prevalent form of tobacco use among U.S. young adults. Research is needed to investigate how to communicate new risks from ENPs to the public. In this study, we tested the comparative persuasiveness of ENP explosion and lung injury graphic warnings. We recruited a sample of 343 young adults (18 to 28 years; 146 male, 197 female), including both ENP users and nonusers, via Amazon Mechanical Turk in October 2020. We randomly assigned participants to one of six exposure conditions: two images of lung injuries with prevalence statistics, two images of battery explosion injuries with prevalence statistics, and two images of ENPs with messages about chemicals or nicotine/addiction. We measured perceptions and intention to use ENPs before and after exposure. Linear regression models examined whether exposure conditions were associated with post-exposure perceived susceptibility and severity of ENP lung injuries and explosion injuries, perceived intensity, fear, and intention to use, adjusting for baseline values and potential confounders. Compared to the chemicals/nicotine messages, explosion and lung injury stimuli were perceived to be more intense (p < .001) and evoked greater fear (p < .001). Both explosion injury images were associated with increased perceived susceptibility (p < .01) and severity (p < .001). One lung injury image was associated with increased perceived susceptibility (p < .01) and reduced intention to use ENPs (p < .05). Our results show that ENP graphic warnings can increase threat perceptions about ENP lung and explosion injuries among young adults. Similar graphic warnings may be effective for other harms associated with ENPs. PubDate: Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:37:38 PDT
Authors:Kathryn E. Dolphin et al. Abstract: Image-based social media platforms, such as Pinterest, have revolutionized how individuals seek, share, and interpret health information. Previous research suggests a link between consuming social media content and intentions to engage in health behaviors; however, it is unclear if individuals who actively seek health-related information on social media engage in healthier behaviors. This mixed-methods study explored the relationships among Pinterest use, motivations, self-efficacy, and health behaviors. Women participants (n = 227) completed surveys that included sociodemographic characteristics, motivation, self-efficacy, Pinterest use, and diet and exercise behaviors. Independent samples t-tests assessed differences in exercise behaviors, and multivariate analyses of variance determined differences in dietary behaviors. Open-ended short answers were coded using thematic analysis. There were no differences in dietary (p= .18) or exercise behaviors (p = .23) between Pinterest users and non-users. Curating health-related content was related to higher diet self-efficacy (r = .25), though there were no differences in dietary (p = .06) or exercise (p = .51) behaviors between Pinterest users with health-related boards and those without health-related boards. Four themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) Motivation to change; (2) Construction of a health toolkit; (3) The best of intentions; and (4) Looking to the future. Findings suggest that health-related content is pinned to inspire health behavior change; however, just engaging with the content on Pinterest is different than applying the information to the point of behavior change. PubDate: Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:37:37 PDT
Authors:Elbert D. Glover Abstract: This edition of 'Sapere Aude — Dare to Be Wise' will spotlight Elbert D. Glover. PubDate: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:11:55 PST
Authors:Amir Bhochhibhoya et al. Abstract: The sudden closure of colleges and universities, among other challenges, disrupted higher education across US states during the subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacting the mental health of college students. The study was designed to comprehend the major stressors that college students encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies they employed to cope with these stressors. The participants included undergraduate students from a small rural public university in the Southeast region of the US. A survey comprising 35 items to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on mental health and coping mechanisms was employed. The study included 170 student participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data and a thematic qualitative analytic approach was employed for qualitative data. The majority of the participants reported increased stress and negative emotions, and also faced financial hardships. Participants also reported receiving social support from friends and family. The study found that students predominantly used social and entertainment-based coping mechanisms, while mindfulness-based exercises were the least utilized coping strategies. College students who experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to develop mental and behavioral health disorders, experience academic challenges, and have a lower quality of life. Even though the pandemic is over, continued proactive support and well-designed interventions are needed to address the lingering effects of the pandemic and support their overall well-being. PubDate: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:37:02 PST
Authors:Christopher Owens et al. Abstract: The mpox virus outbreak (formerly known as monkeypox) in the United States created an urgent need to inform vaccination acceptance and uptake interventions. We quantitatively examined the association of the Health Belief Model, demographic, and sexual behavioral factors with men who have sex with men (MSM) getting the mpox vaccine. We qualitatively explored MSM’s perceived barriers to obtaining the mpox vaccine. A convenience sample of MSM in the United States (n = 554) completed a mixed-method online cross-sectional survey. A series of chi-square tests of independence, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze associations between participants who were and were not vaccinated against mpox. Inductive content analysis was used to investigate perceived barriers. Participants who perceived the barriers that the mpox vaccine is expensive and troublesome had lower odds of getting the mpox vaccine. The content analysis revealed that the most cited barrier was vaccine unavailability and inaccessibility. Health campaigns can increase perceived susceptibility to mpox and the perceived benefits of the mpox vaccine. Still, structural interventions are necessary to ensure that vaccine delivery is adequate, accessible, and equitable. PubDate: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 09:57:18 PST
Authors:Xuewei Chen et al. Abstract: We examined the role of health literacy on preventive care among college students and assessed individual health literacy skills from a theory-based multidimensional perspective using both subjective and objective measures. Methods: Participants (n=561) completed our online survey with valid responses. Data collection was conducted from April to June 2020. We assessed participants’ health literacy using different measures, including Health Insurance Literacy Measure (HILM), eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), All Aspect of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS), and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS). The first three were subjective measures. The last one was an objective test. Preventive care included annual flu vaccinations, annual routine physical examinations, blood pressure checks, blood tests for cholesterol level, and annual dental checks. We performed logistic and linear regressions to examine the relationships among individual’s preventive care use, health literacy, and other factors including age, education, gender, race/ethnicity, health insurance coverage, and self-rated health status. Age, education, gender, race/ethnicity, health insurance coverage (medical health insurance and dental insurance), and self-rated health status predicted 15.42% of the variance (model R2) in the number of preventive care services received. Higher HILM, eHEALS, and AAHLS scores were significantly associated with a greater number of preventive care services received. The HILM increased the model R2 by 2.42%. The eHEALS increased the model R2 by 1.20%. The AAHLS increased the model R2 by 1.73%. We identified health insurance status, health literacy, self-related health status, age, gender, and race/ethnicity as important predictors of preventive care use. PubDate: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:26:48 PST
Authors:Ali Boolani et al. Abstract: COVID-19 profoundly impacted the world by causing disruptions in the global job markets due to business closures to support physical distancing in the earliest stages of the pandemic. To maintain basic societal function in the early stages of the pandemic, workers were classified based on the nature of their employment responsibilities as essential (i.e., continued working outside the home) and non-essential (i.e., required to work from home). Using a cross-sectional design, this study identified the lifestyle behaviors (sleep, diet, physical activity) and mood among US workers. An internet-based survey was used to collect data from US adults from April 13 to May 4, 2020. Survey questions focused on sleep, diet, physical activity, mood, grit, mental workload, and hours worked. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe differences in outcomes of interest across a 4-category variable combining sex and essential worker status (i.e., male essential, male non-essential, female essential, and female non-essential). The sample of 631 US adults (mean age = 35.99±12.17) was primarily female (72%), employed full-time (80.5%), and had at least a bachelor’s degree (85.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups based on sleep, diet, physical activity, and mood. While sex-based differences were identified between lifestyle factors and moods, both male and female essential workers slept better, were more physically active, and reported better moods than their non-essential counterparts. Findings suggest that sex and work status may have impacted physical and mental health during the earliest stages of COVID-19. The associated long-term consequences of work responsibilities during the earliest stages of the pandemic remain unknown and require further study. PubDate: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:37:10 PST
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