Outlook | Newsletter of the Society of Behavioral Medicine

Newest 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 articles online, many of which become available before issues are printed.

SBM members who have paid their 2014 membership dues are able to access the full text of all Annals and TBM 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 fourth 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 member of SBM, or if you are having trouble accessing the journals online, please contact the national office at info@sbm.org or 414-918-3156.

The three most recently published Annals and TBM articles online are listed below.

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

A Dyadic and Longitudinal Investigation of Adjustment in Couples Coping with Multiple Sclerosis

Authors: Christina Samios PhD, Kenneth I. Pakenham PhD, Jill O’Brien MPsych (Clin)

Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect adjustment at both the individual and couple level. This study examined differences and associations between MS patient and spouse adjustment, and whether one partner’s adjustment predicts the other partner’s adjustment over time. A total of 160 couples at Time 1 and 98 couples at Time 2 completed questionnaires. Mixed-model ANOVAs found that patients reported poorer adjustment than their spouse on a range of adjustment indicators and that positive affect and relationship satisfaction declined over time for both patients and spouses. Intraclass correlations found that patient and spouse scores on all adjustment indicators were related at Time 1. Multilevel modelling showed that one’s partner’s relationship satisfaction at Time 1 positively predicted one’s own relationship satisfaction at Time 2. The findings indicate that a focus on the interpersonal nature of adjustment to MS may be beneficial for future research and practice.

Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Treatment of Depression and HIV/AIDS Medication Adherence: a Comment on Sin and DiMatteo

Authors: Jeffrey S. Gonzalez Ph.D.

Excerpt:
In 2000, DiMatteo and colleagues published a major meta-analysis of 30 years of observational research relating to depression and treatment adherence in various chronic illnesses; 12 studies were identified and none focused on HIV/AIDS [1]. Just twelve years later, a meta-analysis limited to treatment adherence in HIV/AIDS collected 95 studies [2]. The new meta-analysis by Sin and DiMatteo [3] reflects the current state of the science in this rapidly growing literature and makes a timely contribution to future progress. Analyses test whether treatment of depression in individuals with HIV/AIDS would result in improved antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The analysis includes 29 observational studies and intervention trials that vary considerably in their measurement and treatment methods. Although a significant relationship between depression treatment and better ART adherence was found overall, the effect was quite variable.

The Relation between Social Support and Smoking Cessation: Revisiting an Established Measure to Improve Prediction

Authors: Rachel J. Burns BAS, Alexander J. Rothman PhD, Steven S. Fu MD, Bruce Lindgren MS, Anne M. Joseph MD, MPH

Abstract:
Although social support is an integral element in smoking cessation, the literature presents mixed findings regarding the type(s) of social support that are most helpful. The Partner Interaction Questionnaire (PIQ) is commonly used to measure social support in this context. We explored the possibility that more nuanced distinctions between items on the PIQ than what is customarily used could improve the prediction of cessation. Baseline PIQ responses of smokers enrolled in a cessation program was submitted to an exploratory factor analysis. Emergent factors were used to predict cessation at several time points. Four factors emerged, which differed from the two subscales that are typically used. The four-factor version predicted cessation; the two-factor version did not. Identifying the types of social support that predict smoking cessation depend on our ability to measure social support. More nuanced measures will likely clarify the role of social support in cessation.

Translational Behavioral Medicine

Social support for physical activity—role of Facebook with and without structured intervention

Authors: David N. Cavallo Ph.D., Deborah F. Tate Ph.D., Dianne S. Ward Ed.D.,

Robert F. DeVellis Ph.D., Linden M. Thayer, Alice S. Ammerman Dr.PH.

Abstract:
Despite their widespread use and extensive technical features, little is known about how to use online social networking sites to increase physical activity. This study aims to examine Facebook engagement among participants in the online social networking arm of a randomized controlled physical activity promotion trial (n = 67). Facebook communications were double coded and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Regression procedures were used to determine predictors of Facebook use and associations between types of use and changes in perceived social support and physical activity. Changes in perceived social support and physical activity were more strongly associated with participants’ individual Facebook use than use of the Facebook intervention group. The way social media sites are used in intervention design could have an impact on their effects. Including existing friends in interventions and using applications that incorporate intervention activities into a more naturalistic use of Facebook may improve the efficacy of future interventions.

Implementing a brief evidence-based HIV intervention: a mixed methods examination of compliance fidelity

Authors: M. Margaret Dolcini PhD, Joseph A. Catania PhD, Alice Gandelman MPH, Elizabeth M. Ozer PhD

Abstract:
Dissemination of HIV behavioral prevention programs has increased the reach of evidence-based interventions, but there is a paucity of data on implementation and diffusion. The present mixed methods study focused on RESPECT, a brief counseling and testing intervention, examining compliance fidelity and the extent to which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policies and training have diffused to practice settings. Using client exit surveys (N = 830) and counselor interviews (N = 64), we examined implementation in 26 community-based agencies (CBOs) and public health departments (DPHs) in the USA. Multivariate analyses showed that at-risk clients, ethnic minority clients, and those who were primarily seeking services other than HIV/STI testing, were more likely to receive the program with fidelity. Counselor data suggested that multiple factors (e.g., client characteristics, agency structure) impact program adaptations. RESPECT is being delivered with good fidelity and reaching at-risk clients. The data provide support for CDC diffusion efforts. Future studies should continue to examine compliance fidelity and program sustainability.

News from CDC: the Legacy for Children™ parenting model, partnering to translate research to practice for children in poverty

Authors: Lara R Robinson PhD, MPH, Ruth Perou PhD, Rebecca T Leeb PhD

Abstract:
Approximately 16 million US children currently live in poverty [1]. Children living in poverty experience significant disparities on indicators of physical and mental health and academic success [2–6]. The importance of positive early experiences and the benefits of early intervention to mitigate the life-long effects of poverty have been confirmed in biologic [7], economic [8, 9], and social models [10]. Unfortunately, early childhood interventions have historically been limited in producing impacts when taken to scale. This has been attributed in part to a lack of quality assurance when moving from research to practice [11] and poor attention to scalability and dissemination when developing programs [12].


Spring/Summer 2014	Return to Outlook Main page »
Newest 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 articles online, many of which become available before issues are printed. SBM members who have paid their 2014 membership dues are able to access the full text of all Annals and TBM 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 fourth 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 member of SBM, or if you are having trouble accessing the journals online, please contact the national office at info@sbm.org or 414-918-3156. The three most recently published Annals and TBM articles online are listed below. Annals of Behavioral Medicine A Dyadic and Longitudinal Investigation of Adjustment in Couples Coping with Multiple Sclerosis Authors: Christina Samios PhD, Kenneth I. Pakenham PhD, Jill O’Brien MPsych (Clin) Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect adjustment at both the individual and couple level. This study examined differences and associations between MS patient and spouse adjustment, and whether one partner’s adjustment predicts the other partner’s adjustment over time. A total of 160 couples at Time 1 and 98 couples at Time 2 completed questionnaires. Mixed-model ANOVAs found that patients reported poorer adjustment than their spouse on a range of adjustment indicators and that positive affect and relationship satisfaction declined over time for both patients and spouses. Intraclass correlations found that patient and spouse scores on all adjustment indicators were related at Time 1. Multilevel modelling showed that one’s partner’s relationship satisfaction at Time 1 positively predicted one’s own relationship satisfaction at Time 2. The findings indicate that a focus on the interpersonal nature of adjustment to MS may be beneficial for future research and practice. Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Treatment of Depression and HIV/AIDS Medication Adherence: a Comment on Sin and DiMatteo Authors: Jeffrey S. Gonzalez Ph.D. Excerpt: In 2000, DiMatteo and colleagues published a major meta-analysis of 30 years of observational research relating to depression and treatment adherence in various chronic illnesses; 12 studies were identified and none focused on HIV/AIDS [1]. Just twelve years later, a meta-analysis limited to treatment adherence in HIV/AIDS collected 95 studies [2]. The new meta-analysis by Sin and DiMatteo [3] reflects the current state of the science in this rapidly growing literature and makes a timely contribution to future progress. Analyses test whether treatment of depression in individuals with HIV/AIDS would result in improved antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The analysis includes 29 observational studies and intervention trials that vary considerably in their measurement and treatment methods. Although a significant relationship between depression treatment and better ART adherence was found overall, the effect was quite variable. The Relation between Social Support and Smoking Cessation: Revisiting an Established Measure to Improve Prediction Authors: Rachel J. Burns BAS, Alexander J. Rothman PhD, Steven S. Fu MD, Bruce Lindgren MS, Anne M. Joseph MD, MPH Abstract: Although social support is an integral element in smoking cessation, the literature presents mixed findings regarding the type(s) of social support that are most helpful. The Partner Interaction Questionnaire (PIQ) is commonly used to measure social support in this context. We explored the possibility that more nuanced distinctions between items on the PIQ than what is customarily used could improve the prediction of cessation. Baseline PIQ responses of smokers enrolled in a cessation program was submitted to an exploratory factor analysis. Emergent factors were used to predict cessation at several time points. Four factors emerged, which differed from the two subscales that are typically used. The four-factor version predicted cessation; the two-factor version did not. Identifying the types of social support that predict smoking cessation depend on our ability to measure social support. More nuanced measures will likely clarify the role of social support in cessation. Translational Behavioral Medicine Social support for physical activity—role of Facebook with and without structured intervention Authors: David N. Cavallo Ph.D., Deborah F. Tate Ph.D., Dianne S. Ward Ed.D., Robert F. DeVellis Ph.D., Linden M. Thayer, Alice S. Ammerman Dr.PH. Abstract: Despite their widespread use and extensive technical features, little is known about how to use online social networking sites to increase physical activity. This study aims to examine Facebook engagement among participants in the online social networking arm of a randomized controlled physical activity promotion trial (n = 67). Facebook communications were double coded and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Regression procedures were used to determine predictors of Facebook use and associations between types of use and changes in perceived social support and physical activity. Changes in perceived social support and physical activity were more strongly associated with participants’ individual Facebook use than use of the Facebook intervention group. The way social media sites are used in intervention design could have an impact on their effects. Including existing friends in interventions and using applications that incorporate intervention activities into a more naturalistic use of Facebook may improve the efficacy of future interventions. Implementing a brief evidence-based HIV intervention: a mixed methods examination of compliance fidelity Authors: M. Margaret Dolcini PhD, Joseph A. Catania PhD, Alice Gandelman MPH, Elizabeth M. Ozer PhD Abstract: Dissemination of HIV behavioral prevention programs has increased the reach of evidence-based interventions, but there is a paucity of data on implementation and diffusion. The present mixed methods study focused on RESPECT, a brief counseling and testing intervention, examining compliance fidelity and the extent to which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policies and training have diffused to practice settings. Using client exit surveys (N = 830) and counselor interviews (N = 64), we examined implementation in 26 community-based agencies (CBOs) and public health departments (DPHs) in the USA. Multivariate analyses showed that at-risk clients, ethnic minority clients, and those who were primarily seeking services other than HIV/STI testing, were more likely to receive the program with fidelity. Counselor data suggested that multiple factors (e.g., client characteristics, agency structure) impact program adaptations. RESPECT is being delivered with good fidelity and reaching at-risk clients. The data provide support for CDC diffusion efforts. Future studies should continue to examine compliance fidelity and program sustainability. News from CDC: the Legacy for Children™ parenting model, partnering to translate research to practice for children in poverty Authors: Lara R Robinson PhD, MPH, Ruth Perou PhD, Rebecca T Leeb PhD Abstract: Approximately 16 million US children currently live in poverty [1]. Children living in poverty experience significant disparities on indicators of physical and mental health and academic success [2–6]. The importance of positive early experiences and the benefits of early intervention to mitigate the life-long effects of poverty have been confirmed in biologic [7], economic [8, 9], and social models [10]. Unfortunately, early childhood interventions have historically been limited in producing impacts when taken to scale. This has been attributed in part to a lack of quality assurance when moving from research to practice [11] and poor attention to scalability and dissemination when developing programs [12].