News from the NIH: using an experimental medicine approach to facilitate translational research
(Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine)
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 12, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Intervention leads to improvements in the nutrient profile of snacks served in afterschool programs: a group randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Widely adopted nutrition policies for afterschool programs (ASPs) focus on serving a fruit/vegetable daily and eliminating sugar-sweetened foods/beverages. The impact of these policies on the nutrient profile of snacks served is unclear. Evaluate changes in macro/micronutrient content of snacks served in ASPs. A 1-year group randomized controlled trial was conducted in 20 ASPs serving over 1700 elementary-age children. Intervention ASPs received a multistep adaptive framework intervention. Direct observation of snack served was collected and nutrient information determined using the USDA Nutrient...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 10, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Computer-based HIV adherence promotion interventions: a systematic review
This article reviews studies published through January 2014 utilizing computer-based delivery of such interventions to persons living with HIV. A systematic review of five databases identified ten studies (three RCTs, three pilot studies, three feasibility studies, and one single-group trial) that met the inclusion criteria. Descriptions of the interventions’ content and characteristics are included. Interventions varied widely in terms of program structure, theoretical framework, and content. Only six studies reported medication adherence outcomes. Of these, four (five RCTS and one single group pre-post test) reported s...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
RE-AIM analysis of a randomized school-based nutrition intervention among fourth-grade classrooms in California
Abstract
Childhood overweight and obesity are major health problems. School-based programs enable intervening with large groups of children, but program overall health impact is rarely completely assessed. A RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) analysis tested the overall public health impact of the fourth-grade “Nutrition Pathfinders” school-based nutrition-education program. A randomized controlled trial in 47 fourth-grade California classrooms (1713 students) tested program efficacy, and a secondary analysis of archival data tested program dissemination. Desired effects...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Desirability and feasibility of wireless electronic monitoring of medications in clinical trials
This article reports on the desirability and feasibility study of using a wireless EMD in clinical research to promote adherence to clinical regimens and research protocols. Nonadherence in transplant patients has been linked to late acute rejection and graft loss. High levels of adherence (97.7 %) were documented for six renal transplant recipients for a mean of 6 months (M = 196.1 ± 71.2 days) who indicated acceptance of the technology. MEMS data confirmed the feasibility of using wireless EMDs to monitor medication use. Monitoring provides greater assurance that research studies reflect the biological impact...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
News from the NIH: potential contributions of the behavioral and social sciences to the precision medicine initiative
(Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine)
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: SBM supports retaining healthy school lunch policies
Abstract
Schools are recognized as venues for population-based health promotion and chronic disease prevention initiatives targeting children, and the school food environment is a central component. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 utilized research-based findings and expert recommendations to significantly improve school lunch standards in the kindergarten to twelfth grade (K-12) setting to enhance the nutritional intake and ultimately the health of children. The new guidelines include increasing the availability of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; requiring children to select a fruit or ...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Enabling lay providers to conduct CBT for older adults: key steps for expanding treatment capacity
This article describes training and supervision procedures in a recent clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for older adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) delivered by bachelor-level lay providers (BLPs) and to Ph.D.-level expert providers (PLPs). Supervision and training differences, ratings by treatment integrity raters (TIRs), treatment characteristics, and patient perceptions between BLPs and PLPs are examined. The training and supervision procedures for BLPs led to comparable integrity ratings, patient perceptions, and treatment characteristics compared with PLPs. These results support this t...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Influence networks among substance abuse treatment clinics: implications for the dissemination of innovations
Abstract
Understanding influence networks among substance abuse treatment clinics may speed the diffusion of innovations. The purpose of this study was to describe influence networks in Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Washington and test two expectations, using social network analysis: (1) Social network measures can identify influential clinics; and (2) Within a network, some weakly connected clinics access out-of-network sources of innovative evidence-based practices and can spread these innovations through the network. A survey of 201 clinics in a parent study on quality improvement pr...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Recruitment of adolescents for a smoking study: use of traditional strategies and social media
This study examined and compared traditional and Facebook-based recruitment strategies on reach, enrollment, cost, and retention. Substance users aged 13–17 years were recruited through several methods, including social media, a study website, fliers, talks in schools, bus ads, and referrals. Study involvement included a one-time visit and semiannual follow-up surveys. 1265 individuals contacted study personnel; 629 were ineligible; 129 declined; and 200 participants enrolled. Facebook drew the greatest volume but had a high rate of ineligibles. Referrals were the most successful and cost-effective ($7 per enrolled part...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Factors associated with early childhood education and care service implementation of healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices in Australia: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Many early childhood education and care (ECEC) services fail to implement recommended policies and practices supportive of healthy eating and physical activity. The purpose of this study was to assess whether certain theoretically-based factors are associated with implementation of healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices in a sample of ECEC services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with Service Managers of ECEC services. The survey assessed the operational characteristics, policy, and practice implementation, and 13 factors were suggested by Damschroder’s Consolidat...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Acceptability of smartphone technology to interrupt sedentary time in adults with diabetes
Abstract
Breaking up sitting time with light- or moderate-intensity physical activity may help to alleviate some negative health effects of sedentary behavior, but few studies have examined ways to effectively intervene. This feasibility study examined the acceptability of a new technology (NEAT!) developed to interrupt prolonged bouts (≥20 min) of sedentary time among adults with type 2 diabetes. Eight of nine participants completed a 1-month intervention and agreed that NEAT! made them more conscious of sitting time. Most participants (87.5 %) expressed a desire to use NEAT! in the future. Sedenta...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
Background and rationale for the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s position statement: expand United States health plan coverage for diabetes self-management education and support
Abstract
The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) recognizes that diabetes self-management (DSM) education and support are fundamental to teaching people how to manage their diabetes and decrease disease-related complications. Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provides an opportunity to expand DSM education and support to many people who are currently excluded from such services due to lack of insurance coverage, current policy barriers, or simple failure of healthcare systems to provide them. Extending the range and provision of such services could translate into reduced ...
Source: Translational Behavioral Medicine - September 1, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research
