Showing papers in "Annals of Behavioral Medicine in 2013"
TL;DR: “BCT taxonomy v1,” an extensive taxonomy of 93 consensually agreed, distinct BCTs, offers a step change as a method for specifying interventions, but the authors anticipate further development and evaluation based on international, interdisciplinary consensus.
Abstract: CONSORT guidelines call for precise reporting of behavior change interventions: we need rigorous methods of characterizing active content of interventions with precision and specificity. The objective of this study is to develop an extensive, consensually agreed hierarchically structured taxonomy of techniques [behavior change techniques (BCTs)] used in behavior change interventions. In a Delphi-type exercise, 14 experts rated labels and definitions of 124 BCTs from six published classification systems. Another 18 experts grouped BCTs according to similarity of active ingredients in an open-sort task. Inter-rater agreement amongst six researchers coding 85 intervention descriptions by BCTs was assessed. This resulted in 93 BCTs clustered into 16 groups. Of the 26 BCTs occurring at least five times, 23 had adjusted kappas of 0.60 or above. “BCT taxonomy v1,” an extensive taxonomy of 93 consensually agreed, distinct BCTs, offers a step change as a method for specifying interventions, but we anticipate further development and evaluation based on international, interdisciplinary consensus.
4,568 citations
TL;DR: Poverty levels were negatively associated with distances to parks and percentages of green spaces in urban/suburban areas while positively associated in rural areas, and Percentages of blacks and Hispanics were in general negatively linked to distances to Parks and green space coverage along the urban–rural spectrum.
Abstract: Background
Little national evidence is available on spatial disparities in distributions of parks and green spaces in the USA.
273 citations
TL;DR: How people respond to the daily stressors in their lives is predictive of future chronic health conditions, and greater affective reactivity to daily stressor at time 1 was associated with an increased risk of reporting a chronic physical health condition at time 2.
Abstract: Background
Daily stressors, such as an argument with a spouse or an impending deadline, are associated with short-term changes in physical health symptoms. Whether these minor hassles have long-term physical health ramifications, however, is largely unknown.
240 citations
TL;DR: The accumulated evidence supports greater integration of conscientiousness into public health, epidemiological, and medical research, with the ultimate aim of understanding how facilitating more optimal trait standing might foster better health.
Abstract: Purpose
Recent initiatives by major funding agencies have emphasized translational and personalized approaches (e.g., genetic testing) to health research and health management. While such directives are appropriate, and will likely produce tangible health benefits, we seek to highlight a confluence of several lines of research showing relations between the personality dimension of conscientiousness and a variety of health-related outcomes.
239 citations
TL;DR: Examining disparities by income and race/ethnicity in the availability, features, and quality of parks across Kansas City, Missouri found low-income CTs contained significantly more parks, but also had fewer parks with playgrounds and more quality concerns per park.
Abstract: Background
Parks are key community assets for physical activity, but some evidence suggests these resources are not equitably distributed.
194 citations
TL;DR: Using Google Street View imagery to audit the built environment and the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa statistic is a reliable method for assessing characteristics of theBuilt environment.
Abstract: Background
Observational field audits are recommended for public health research to collect data on built environment characteristics. A reliable, standardized alternative to field audits that uses publicly available information could provide the ability to efficiently compare results across different study sites and time.
189 citations
TL;DR: The ISM program effectively and sustainably reduced measures of stress and provides strong support for online stress management programs, which increase access at a fraction of cost of traditional programs.
Abstract: Background
Chronic stress affects many Americans. Stress management programs may be prohibitively expensive or have limited access.
144 citations
TL;DR: Among persons with HIV in rural Uganda, internalized stigma was negatively associated with serostatus disclosure and the inhibiting effect of stigma was greatest for the most socially distant ties.
Abstract: Background
HIV is highly stigmatized, compromising both treatment and prevention in resource-limited settings.
144 citations
TL;DR: Men achieved significant weight loss after receiving novel, minimal-contact, gender-tailored programs, which were designed for widespread dissemination.
Abstract: Background
There is limited evidence for effective obesity treatment programs that engage men.
119 citations
TL;DR: FM patients experience increases in self-efficacy for coping with pain and positive engagement in relationships, marginal increases in positive affect, and decreases in relationship stress from an automated online intervention that targets socioemotional regulation skills.
Abstract: Background Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) experience pain as well as deficits in positive affect and social relations that are not explicitly addressed in most behavioral treatments. Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of a 12-module online intervention targeting socioemotional regulation via mindful awareness/acceptance (MSER) with those of an attention-control treatment, healthy lifestyle tips (HT). Methods Seventy-nine FM patients were randomly assigned to MSER or HT, with outcomes assessed via online diary reports of pain, coping efficacy, affect, and social relations. Multilevel analyses revealed greater improvements in social functioning, positive affect, and coping efficacy for pain and stress (all ps<.05) in MSER versus HT across the 6-week trial. Conclusions FM patients experience increases in selfefficacy for coping with pain and positive engagement in relationships, marginal increases in positive affect, and decreases in relationship stress from an automated online intervention that targets socioemotional regulation skills. Findings highlight the potential utility of widely accessible, low-cost intervention methods for fibromyalgia (Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT01748786).
119 citations
TL;DR: A simple, brief intervention increased medication adherence in stroke survivors, over and above any effect of increased patient contact or mere measurement.
Abstract: Adherence to preventive medication is often poor, and current interventions have had limited success This study was conducted to pilot a randomised controlled trial aimed at increasing adherence to preventive medication in stroke survivors using a brief, personalised intervention Sixty-two stroke survivors were randomly allocated to either a two-session intervention aimed at increasing adherence via (a) introducing a plan linked to environmental cues (implementation intentions) to help establish a better medication-taking routine (habit) and (b) eliciting and modifying any mistaken patient beliefs regarding medication/stroke or a control group Primary outcome was adherence to antihypertensive medication measured objectively over 3 months using an electronic pill bottle Fifty-eight people used the pill bottle and were analysed as allocated; 54 completed treatment The intervention resulted in 10 % more doses taken on schedule (intervention, 97 %; control, 87 %; 95 % CI for difference (02, 162); p = 0048) A simple, brief intervention increased medication adherence in stroke survivors, over and above any effect of increased patient contact or mere measurement (
http://controlled-trialscom
, number ISRCTN38274953)
TL;DR: Given the association between birth weight and health across the lifespan, it is critical to reduce discrimination directed at young, urban women of color so that all children can begin life with greater promise for health.
Abstract: Background Racial/ethnic disparities in birth weight persist within the USA. Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the association between maternal everyday discrimination and infant birth weight among young, urban women of color as well as mediators (depressive symptoms, pregnancy distress, and pregnancy symptoms) and moderators (age, race/ethnicity, and attributions of discrimination) of this association. Methods A total of 420 women participated (14–21 years old; 62 % Latina, 38 % Black), completing measures of everyday discrimination and moderators during their second trimester of pregnancy and mediators during their third trimester. Birth weight was primarily recorded from medical record review. Results Path analysis demonstrated that everyday discrimination was associated with lower birth weight. Depressive symptoms mediated this relationship, and no tested factors moderated this relationship. Conclusions Given the association between birth weight and health across the lifespan, it is critical to reduce discrimination directed at young, urban women of color so that all children can begin life with greater promise for health.
TL;DR: Spontaneously generated action plans about snacking explained significantly more variance in subsequent snacking if produced by a skilled rather than a poor planner, suggesting planning interventions can compensate for a lack of planning skill.
Abstract: Theories of action control emphasise the importance of planning, but plans are not universally beneficial. The present study investigates whether the effectiveness of plans depends upon the skill of the planner. Study 1 prospectively predicted changes in unhealthy snacking behaviour over 1 week from intentions, action planning and performance on a standardised cognitive test of planning skill (n = 72). Study 2 experimentally randomised skilled and poor planners to receive (or not) a planning intervention before completing an online food diary (n = 144) Spontaneously generated action plans about snacking explained significantly more variance in subsequent snacking if produced by a skilled rather than a poor planner. The planning intervention (implementation intention) significantly improved goal attainment but only in poor planners. Plans are only as good as the people who make them. Poor planners’ plans do not help achieve goals. Planning interventions can compensate for a lack of planning skill.
TL;DR: Implementation intention imagery can improve sleep behavior for daytime employees and self-regulation imagery techniques show promise for improving sleep behaviors.
Abstract: Poor sleep habits and insufficient sleep represent significant workplace health issues. Applying self-regulation theory, we conducted a randomized, controlled trial testing the efficacy of mental imagery techniques promoting arousal reduction and implementation intentions to improve sleep behavior. We randomly assigned 104 business employees to four imagery-based interventions: arousal reduction, implementation intentions, combined arousal reduction and implementation intentions, or control imagery. Participants practiced their techniques daily for 21 days. They completed online measures of sleep quality, behaviors, and self-efficacy at baseline and Day 21; and daily measures of sleep behaviors. Participants using implementation intention imagery exhibited greater improvements in self-efficacy, sleep behaviors, sleep quality, and time to sleep relative to participants using arousal reduction and control imagery. Implementation intention imagery can improve sleep behavior for daytime employees. Use of arousal reduction imagery was unsupported. Self-regulation imagery techniques show promise for improving sleep behaviors.
TL;DR: To promote walking to school, route/street improvements appear promising, but parallel educational and promotional efforts may be needed to address perceptual and attitudinal barriers.
Abstract: Long distance is a leading environmental barrier to walking to school and requires long-term, multilevel interventions. Meanwhile, childhood obesity remains highly prevalent, calling for more immediate solutions. The purpose of this study was to examine attitudinal and environmental correlates of walking to the elementary school, controlling for distance. Using parental survey data, 601 child pairs with matched home locations and different school travel modes (walking vs. private automobile) were examined, using conditional logistic regressions. Despite the same/similar objectively measured distance and home location, perceptions of distance, sidewalk and traffic conditions, park presence, and convenience of walking differed between walkers and automobile users. Parental attitudes and children’s preferences were associated with the odds of walking. Safety concerns (traffic danger, stranger danger, and getting lost) were higher among drivers, but only significant in bivariate analyses. To promote walking to school, route/street improvements appear promising, but parallel educational and promotional efforts may be needed to address perceptual and attitudinal barriers.
TL;DR: Interactions between PA reactivity and trait PA emerged, such that higher event-related change in daily positive affect was associated with impaired sleep, especially among individuals high in trait PA.
Abstract: Poor sleep contributes to adult morbidity and mortality. The study examined the extent to which trait positive affect (PA) and PA reactivity, defined as the magnitude of change in daily PA in response to daily events, were linked to sleep outcomes. Analyses are based on data from 100 respondents selected from the National Survey of Midlife in the United States. Multilevel analyses indicated that higher levels of trait PA were associated with greater morning rest and better overall sleep quality. In contrast, PA reactivity was associated with diminished sleep efficiency. Finally, interactions between PA reactivity and trait PA emerged on all three sleep measures, such that higher event-related change in daily positive affect was associated with impaired sleep, especially among individuals high in trait PA. Results suggest that high trait PA, when coupled with high PA reactivity, may contribute to poor sleep.
TL;DR: Ass associations between perceptions of neighborhood park quality and overall moderate-to-vigorous PA, park-based PA, and body mass index are investigated in Kansas City, Missouri.
Abstract: Background
Parks are important resources for physical activity (PA), yet few studies have examined how perceptions of park characteristics relate to PA and health.
TL;DR: Spouses’ autonomy support for patient physical activity, as well as their own level of activity, was concurrently associated with patients’ greater daily moderate activity and steps on days when male patients perceived that spouses exerted more pressure to be active.
Abstract: Background
Physical activity is critical for the management of knee osteoarthritis, and the spouse may play a role in encouraging or discouraging physical activity.
TL;DR: The results of the current study indicate that state pain catastrophizing plays a prominent role in the adaptation to daily pain fluctuations, particularly for those with a propensity to catastrophize.
Abstract: Background
Pain catastrophizing is a powerful predictor of pain adaptation, and both stable and time-varying aspects may influence overall emotional well-being.
TL;DR: The results are close to a medium effect size which is larger than other meta-analytic physical activity correlates among youth, and the construct should be included in contemporary theories for understanding and intervening upon youth physical activity.
Abstract: Background
A recent meta-analysis on affective judgment and physical activity in adults yielded a medium effect-sized relationship. Despite narrative reviews and topic interest, a meta-analysis in youth has not yet been conducted.
TL;DR: A culturally adapted diabetes self-management intervention of short duration was an effective approach to improving glycemic control among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.
Abstract: Culturally adapted interventions are needed to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality among Native Hawaiian and Pacific People. The purpose of this study is to pilot test the effectiveness of a culturally adapted diabetes self-management intervention. Participants were randomly assigned in an unbalanced design to the Partners in Care intervention (n = 48) or wait list control group (n = 34). Assessments of hemoglobin A1c, understanding of diabetes self-management, performance of self-care activities, and diabetes-related distress were measured at baseline and 3 months (post intervention). Analysis of covariance was used to test between-group differences. The community steering committee and focus group data informed the cultural adaptation of the intervention. There were significant baseline adjusted differences at 3 months between the Partners in Care and wait list control group in intent-to-treat (p < 0.001) and complete case analyses (p < 0.0001) for A1c, understanding (p < 0.0001), and performing diabetes self-management (p < 0.0001). A culturally adapted diabetes self-management intervention of short duration was an effective approach to improving glycemic control among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.
TL;DR: A possible behavioral suppression effect of early dietary intervention on PA that merits investigation is observed.
Abstract: Background
Few studies have evaluated how to combine dietary and physical activity (PA) interventions to enhance adherence.
TL;DR: Examination of school sport participation in middle schools with contrasting school sport delivery strategies found low-income and Black children, two groups at greater risk of physical inactivity and other negative outcomes, had greater participation in intramural programs.
Abstract: Background
School-based extracurricular sport remains an effective strategy to increase physical activity. However, school sport is often limited to a small number of elite athletes. Few schools provide more inclusive sport programs that offer a wider array of activities regardless of ability.
TL;DR: This study examined the mediating role of subjective social status in the USA and psychological distress on the relation between everyday discrimination and self-rated physical health, and the moderating roles of gender and ethnicity.
Abstract: Background
Few studies have examined the psychosocial mechanisms through which self-reported discrimination may influence the health status of Latinos.
TL;DR: These results demonstrate the utility of a syndemic framework to understand co-occurring psychosocial problems among women in South Africa and show that HIV prevention interventions should consider the compounding effects of psychossocial problems amongWomen.
Abstract: Background
In South Africa, women comprise the majority of HIV infections. Syndemics, or co-occurring epidemics and risk factors, have been applied in understanding HIV risk among marginalized groups.
TL;DR: There was an increase in cyclists on all three streets after the installation of the bike lanes, with the largest increase on the street with the new lane, and the proportion of riders cycling with traffic increased after the lanes were striped.
Abstract: Background Incorporating cycling into daily life is one way to increase physical activity. Purpose This study examined the impact of building new bike lanes in New Orleans to determine whether more people were cycling on the street and with the flow of traffic after bike lanes were built. Methods Through direct observation of one intervention and two adjacent streets, observers counted cyclists riding on the street and sidewalk, with and against traffic, before and after installation of the lanes. Data were tallied separately for adults, children, males, females, and by race for each location. Results There was an increase in cyclists on all three streets after the installation of the bike lanes, with the largest increase on the street with the new lane. Additionally, the proportion of riders cycling with traffic increased after the lanes were striped. Conclusions Bike lanes can have a positive impact in creating a healthy neighborhood.
TL;DR: Depression and anxiety were directly related to poorer quality of life 10 years later and underscore the need to attend to both emotional reactions to MI while encouraging preventive health behaviors.
Abstract: Post-myocardial infarction (MI) depression and anxiety were found to predict prognosis and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to test a behavioral pathway from post-MI depression/anxiety to future quality of life. This is a longitudinal cohort study. Five hundred forty patients (≤65 years old) filled out questionnaires after a first MI, including socio-demographics, pre-MI health status and behaviors, MI severity, social support, sense of coherence, depression, and anxiety. Reports of health behaviors were obtained 5 years and of quality of life 10 years later. A structural equations model confirmed that depression and anxiety were directly related to poorer quality of life 10 years later. These relationships were partly mediated by a positive association between anxiety and health behaviors at 5 years and a negative one between depression and health behaviors. The opposite effects of anxiety and depression underscore the need to attend to both emotional reactions to MI while encouraging preventive health behaviors.
TL;DR: The present study highlights the possible link between type D, with a specific key role for social inhibition component, and increased biological reactivity to acute emotional stress.
Abstract: Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) can be triggered by emotional events. Recently, type D personality has been established as an independent predictor of acute cardiac adverse events. We sought to examine whether type D personality can be identified in SCM patients. A case–control study with 37 SCM patients, 37 myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, who both experienced emotional triggering, and 37 SCM patients without emotional triggers was performed. The DS14 and Interview for Recent Life Events were administered. Twenty-eight (76 %) SCM emotional trigger patients were categorized as type D compared with 13 (43 %) SCM patients without emotional trigger and 12 (32 %) AMI patients (p < 0.001). SCM patients with emotional triggers had higher scores on the social inhibition subscale than the other patient groups. The present study highlights the possible link between type D, with a specific key role for social inhibition component, and increased biological reactivity to acute emotional stress.
TL;DR: PE policies, their implementation, and PE environmental variables can have important implications for recess time, and defects in PE and recess time are not likely to be effectively addressed through policy adoption alone.
Abstract: Background
The relationship between physical education (PE) policies and children’s PE and recess time is not well understood.
TL;DR: Structural model results are consistent with the notion that short sleep duration, poor sleep quality and fatigue, and decreased physical activity are associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation possibly via effects on reduced cardiorespiratory fitness.
Abstract: Background
Physical activity and fitness are independently associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction, and short sleep duration is an emerging marker of obesity. Few have examined interrelations among these factors in a comprehensive risk model.