Outlook | Newsletter of the Society of Behavioral Medicine

New Articles from Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Translational Behavioral Medicine

SBM's two journals, Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Translational Behavioral Medicine: Practice, Policy, Research (TBM), continuously publish online articles, many of which become available before issues are printed. Three recently published Annals and TBM online articles are listed below.

SBM members who have paid their 2015 membership dues are able to access the full text of all Annals and TBM online articles via the SBM website by following the steps below.

Go to the Members Only section of the SBM website (https://www.sbm.org/membership/members).
Log in with your username and password.
Click on the Journals link (listed third in the list of member benefits).
Click on the title of the journal which you would like to electronically access.

To check if you are a current SBM member, or if you are having trouble accessing the journals online, please contact the SBM national office at info@sbm.org or (414) 918-3156.

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Perceived Stress and Atrial Fibrillation: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study
Authors: Wesley T. O'Neal, MD, MPH, Waqas Qureshi, MD, Suzanne E. Judd, PhD, Stephen P. Glasser, MD, Lama Ghazi, MD, LeaVonne Pulley, PhD, Virginia J. Howard, PhD, George Howard, DrPH, and Elsayed Z. Soliman, MD, MSc, MS
Abstract: The association between perceived stress and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between perceived stress and AF. A total of 25,530 participants (mean age 65 ± 9.4 years; 54% women; 41% blacks) from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study were included in this analysis. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 9 % confidence intervals (CI) for the association between the short version of the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale and AF. In a multivariable analysis adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and potential confounders, the prevalence of AF was found to increase with higher levels of stress (none: OR = 1.0, referent; low stress: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.27; moderate stress OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.47; high stress: OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.39, 1.84). Increasing levels of perceived stress are associated with prevalent AF in REGARDS.

Assessing Connections Between Behavior Change Theories Using Network Analysis
Authors: Heather L. Gainforth, PhD, Robert West, PhD, and Susan Michie, PhD
Abstract: A cross-disciplinary scoping review identified 83 behavior change theories, with many similarities and overlapping constructs. Investigating the derivation of these theories may provide further understanding of their contribution and intended application. A network analysis of the explicit "contributing to" relations between the 83 theories was conducted. Identification of relations involved textual analysis of primary theory sources. One hundred and twenty-two connections between the theories were identified amounting to 1.8% of the number possible. On average, theories contributed to one or two theories (mean = 1.47 ± 3.69 contributions) and were informed by one or two theories (mean = 1.47 ± 1.61 contributing theories). Most behavior change theories appear to be explicitly informed by few prior theories. If confirmed, this suggests a considerable dislocation between generations of theories which would be expected to undermine scientific progress.

Social Relationships and Sleep Quality
Authors: Robert G. Kent, MS, Bert N. Uchino, PhD, Matthew R. Cribbet, PhD, Kimberly Bowen, MA, MS, and Timothy W. Smith, PhD
Abstract: The quality of social relationships and social support appears to be associated with physical health outcomes and sleep quality. Almost all previous research in this area focuses on positive aspects of relationships. The present study thus intended to examine the links between supportive, aversive, ambivalent, and indifferent network ties and sleep quality. Relationship data, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)-assessed sleep quality, and depression were examined in 175 middle-aged and older adults. Consistent with hypotheses, supportive ties were positively related to sleep quality, while aversive ties predicted worse sleep quality, associations that were primarily seen for close relationships. Ambivalent and indifferent ties were not significant predictors of sleep quality. Importantly, depression was found to mediate the link between relationship quality and sleep quality. These data suggest the more specific types of social relationships that may be linked to poor sleep quality and that depression appears to underlie these associations.

Translational Behavioral Medicine

Interpersonal Communication Outcomes of a Media Literacy Alcohol Prevention Curriculum
Authors: Smita C. Banerjee, PhD, Kathryn Greene, PhD, Kate Magsamen-Conrad, PhD, Elvira Elek, PhD, and Michael L. Hecht, PhD
Abstract: Media literacy intervention efficacy literature has focused on media-relevant (e.g., knowledge and realism) and behavior-relevant outcomes (e.g., attitudes and behaviors), without much attention paid to interpersonal communication outcomes. This project examined interpersonal communication after participation in two versions (analysis plus analysis and analysis plus planning) of the Youth Message Development (YMD) intervention, a brief media literacy curriculum targeted at preventing high school student alcohol use. Participants attended a 75-minute media literacy YMD workshop and completed a delayed posttest questionnaire 3 to 4 months later. Overall, 68% of participants replied affirmatively to interpersonal communication about the YMD intervention. Communication about the workshop moderated the effects of the type of workshop (analysis plus analysis or analysis plus planning) on self-efficacy to counter-argue (but not critical thinking). Interpersonal communication moderated the effects of the YMD intervention on self-efficacy to counter-argue, thereby signaling the importance of including interpersonal communication behaviors in intervention evaluation.

Bridging Barriers to Clinic-Based HIV Testing with New Technology: Translating Self-Implemented Testing for African American Youth
Authors: J. A. Catania, PhD, M. M. Dolcini, PhD, G. W. Harper, MPH, PhD, D. P. Dowhower, MPH, L. G. Dolcini-Catania, S. L. Towner, MS, PhD, A. Timmons, MA, D. N. Motley, BA, and D. H. Tyler, PhD
Abstract: Numerous barriers to clinic-based HIV testing exist (e.g., stigmatization) for African American youth. These barriers may be addressed by new technology, specifically HIV self-implemented testing (SIT). We conducted a series of formative phase 3 translation studies (49 face-to-face interviews, 9 focus groups, 1 advisory panel review) among low-income African American youth (15-19 years) and providers of adolescent services in two U.S. cities to identify potential translation difficulties of the OraQuick SIT. Based on content analysis, we found that providers and African American youth viewed SITs positively compared to clinic-based testing. Data suggest that SITs may reduce social stigma and privacy concerns and increase convenience and normalization of HIV testing. Challenges with SIT implementation include difficulties accessing confirmatory testing, coping with adverse outcomes, and instructional materials that may be inappropriate for low socioeconomic status (SES) persons. Study results underscore the need for translation studies to identify specific comprehension and implementation problems African American youth may have with oral SITs.

Sustained Use of an Occupational Sun Safety Program in a Recreation Industry: Follow-Up to a Randomized Trial on Dissemination Strategies
Authors: David B. Buller, PhD, Barbara J. Walkosz, PhD, Peter A. Andersen, PhD, Michael D. Scott, PhD, and Gary R. Cutter, PhD
Abstract: The sustainability of evidence-based programs is needed to obtain long-term benefits. To assess sustainability of Go Sun Smart (GSS), an occupational skin cancer prevention program disseminated to the North American ski industry. Fifty-three of the 68 ski areas from the original dissemination trial participated in 2012 and 2013, 5 to 7 years after program distribution by enhanced or basic dissemination strategies. Sustained use was measured by (1) on-site observation of sun protection communication and (2) an online survey with senior managers. In the sustainability assessment, sun safety communication had declined, and dissemination strategy did not affect continued use. Managers held weaker attitudes about skin cancer importance and program fit, but more managers provided free/reduced-cost sunscreen than in the dissemination trial. Manager turnover was a key factor in program discontinuance. Sustainability remains a challenge. Additional research is needed to determine the best strategies for sustainability.


Spring/Summer 2015	Return to Outlook main page »
New Articles from Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Translational Behavioral Medicine SBM's two journals, Annals of Behavioral Medicine and Translational Behavioral Medicine: Practice, Policy, Research (TBM), continuously publish online articles, many of which become available before issues are printed. Three recently published Annals and TBM online articles are listed below. SBM members who have paid their 2015 membership dues are able to access the full text of all Annals and TBM online articles via the SBM website by following the steps below. Go to the Members Only section of the SBM website (https://www.sbm.org/membership/members). Log in with your username and password. Click on the Journals link (listed third in the list of member benefits). Click on the title of the journal which you would like to electronically access. To check if you are a current SBM member, or if you are having trouble accessing the journals online, please contact the SBM national office at info@sbm.org or (414) 918-3156. Annals of Behavioral Medicine Perceived Stress and Atrial Fibrillation: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study Authors: Wesley T. O'Neal, MD, MPH, Waqas Qureshi, MD, Suzanne E. Judd, PhD, Stephen P. Glasser, MD, Lama Ghazi, MD, LeaVonne Pulley, PhD, Virginia J. Howard, PhD, George Howard, DrPH, and Elsayed Z. Soliman, MD, MSc, MS Abstract: The association between perceived stress and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between perceived stress and AF. A total of 25,530 participants (mean age 65 ± 9.4 years; 54% women; 41% blacks) from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study were included in this analysis. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 9 % confidence intervals (CI) for the association between the short version of the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale and AF. In a multivariable analysis adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and potential confounders, the prevalence of AF was found to increase with higher levels of stress (none: OR = 1.0, referent; low stress: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.27; moderate stress OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.47; high stress: OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.39, 1.84). Increasing levels of perceived stress are associated with prevalent AF in REGARDS. Assessing Connections Between Behavior Change Theories Using Network Analysis Authors: Heather L. Gainforth, PhD, Robert West, PhD, and Susan Michie, PhD Abstract: A cross-disciplinary scoping review identified 83 behavior change theories, with many similarities and overlapping constructs. Investigating the derivation of these theories may provide further understanding of their contribution and intended application. A network analysis of the explicit "contributing to" relations between the 83 theories was conducted. Identification of relations involved textual analysis of primary theory sources. One hundred and twenty-two connections between the theories were identified amounting to 1.8% of the number possible. On average, theories contributed to one or two theories (mean = 1.47 ± 3.69 contributions) and were informed by one or two theories (mean = 1.47 ± 1.61 contributing theories). Most behavior change theories appear to be explicitly informed by few prior theories. If confirmed, this suggests a considerable dislocation between generations of theories which would be expected to undermine scientific progress. Social Relationships and Sleep Quality Authors: Robert G. Kent, MS, Bert N. Uchino, PhD, Matthew R. Cribbet, PhD, Kimberly Bowen, MA, MS, and Timothy W. Smith, PhD Abstract: The quality of social relationships and social support appears to be associated with physical health outcomes and sleep quality. Almost all previous research in this area focuses on positive aspects of relationships. The present study thus intended to examine the links between supportive, aversive, ambivalent, and indifferent network ties and sleep quality. Relationship data, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)-assessed sleep quality, and depression were examined in 175 middle-aged and older adults. Consistent with hypotheses, supportive ties were positively related to sleep quality, while aversive ties predicted worse sleep quality, associations that were primarily seen for close relationships. Ambivalent and indifferent ties were not significant predictors of sleep quality. Importantly, depression was found to mediate the link between relationship quality and sleep quality. These data suggest the more specific types of social relationships that may be linked to poor sleep quality and that depression appears to underlie these associations. Translational Behavioral Medicine Interpersonal Communication Outcomes of a Media Literacy Alcohol Prevention Curriculum Authors: Smita C. Banerjee, PhD, Kathryn Greene, PhD, Kate Magsamen-Conrad, PhD, Elvira Elek, PhD, and Michael L. Hecht, PhD Abstract: Media literacy intervention efficacy literature has focused on media-relevant (e.g., knowledge and realism) and behavior-relevant outcomes (e.g., attitudes and behaviors), without much attention paid to interpersonal communication outcomes. This project examined interpersonal communication after participation in two versions (analysis plus analysis and analysis plus planning) of the Youth Message Development (YMD) intervention, a brief media literacy curriculum targeted at preventing high school student alcohol use. Participants attended a 75-minute media literacy YMD workshop and completed a delayed posttest questionnaire 3 to 4 months later. Overall, 68% of participants replied affirmatively to interpersonal communication about the YMD intervention. Communication about the workshop moderated the effects of the type of workshop (analysis plus analysis or analysis plus planning) on self-efficacy to counter-argue (but not critical thinking). Interpersonal communication moderated the effects of the YMD intervention on self-efficacy to counter-argue, thereby signaling the importance of including interpersonal communication behaviors in intervention evaluation. Bridging Barriers to Clinic-Based HIV Testing with New Technology: Translating Self-Implemented Testing for African American Youth Authors: J. A. Catania, PhD, M. M. Dolcini, PhD, G. W. Harper, MPH, PhD, D. P. Dowhower, MPH, L. G. Dolcini-Catania, S. L. Towner, MS, PhD, A. Timmons, MA, D. N. Motley, BA, and D. H. Tyler, PhD Abstract: Numerous barriers to clinic-based HIV testing exist (e.g., stigmatization) for African American youth. These barriers may be addressed by new technology, specifically HIV self-implemented testing (SIT). We conducted a series of formative phase 3 translation studies (49 face-to-face interviews, 9 focus groups, 1 advisory panel review) among low-income African American youth (15-19 years) and providers of adolescent services in two U.S. cities to identify potential translation difficulties of the OraQuick SIT. Based on content analysis, we found that providers and African American youth viewed SITs positively compared to clinic-based testing. Data suggest that SITs may reduce social stigma and privacy concerns and increase convenience and normalization of HIV testing. Challenges with SIT implementation include difficulties accessing confirmatory testing, coping with adverse outcomes, and instructional materials that may be inappropriate for low socioeconomic status (SES) persons. Study results underscore the need for translation studies to identify specific comprehension and implementation problems African American youth may have with oral SITs. Sustained Use of an Occupational Sun Safety Program in a Recreation Industry: Follow-Up to a Randomized Trial on Dissemination Strategies Authors: David B. Buller, PhD, Barbara J. Walkosz, PhD, Peter A. Andersen, PhD, Michael D. Scott, PhD, and Gary R. Cutter, PhD Abstract: The sustainability of evidence-based programs is needed to obtain long-term benefits. To assess sustainability of Go Sun Smart (GSS), an occupational skin cancer prevention program disseminated to the North American ski industry. Fifty-three of the 68 ski areas from the original dissemination trial participated in 2012 and 2013, 5 to 7 years after program distribution by enhanced or basic dissemination strategies. Sustained use was measured by (1) on-site observation of sun protection communication and (2) an online survey with senior managers. In the sustainability assessment, sun safety communication had declined, and dissemination strategy did not affect continued use. Managers held weaker attitudes about skin cancer importance and program fit, but more managers provided free/reduced-cost sunscreen than in the dissemination trial. Manager turnover was a key factor in program discontinuance. Sustainability remains a challenge. Additional research is needed to determine the best strategies for sustainability.