Adapting a Financial Incentives Intervention for Smoking Cessation With Alaska Native Families: Phase 1 Qualitative Research to Inform the Aniqsaaq (To Breathe) Study.

INTRODUCTION: Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) peoples in Alaska currently experience a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality from tobacco cigarette use. Financial incentives for smoking cessation are evidence-based, but a family-level incentive structure has not been evaluated. We used a community-based participatory research and qualitative approach to culturally adapt a smoking cessation intervention with ANAI families. AIMS AND METHODS: We conducted individual, semistructured telephone interviews with 12 ANAI adults who smoke, 12 adult family members, and 13 Alaska Tribal Health System stakeholders statewide between November 2022 and March 2023. Through content analysis, we explored intervention receptivity, incentive preferences, culturally aligned recruitment and intervention messaging, and future implementation needs. RESULTS: Participants were receptive to the intervention. Involving a family member was viewed as novel and aligned with ANAI cultural values of commitment to community and familial interdependence. Major themes included choosing a family member who is supportive and understanding, keeping materials positive and encouraging, and offering cash and noncash incentives for family members to choose (eg, fuel, groceries, activities). Participants indicated that messaging should emphasize family collaboration and that cessation resources and support tips should be provided. Stakeholders also reinforced that program materials should encourage the use of other existing evidence-based cessation therapies (eg, nicotine replacement, counseling). CONCLUSIONS: Adaptations, grounded in ANAI cultural strengths, were made to the intervention and recruitment materials based on participant feedback. Next steps include a beta-test for feasibility and a randomized controlled trial for efficacy. IMPLICATIONS: This is the first study to design and adapt a financial incentives intervention promoting smoking cessation among ANAI peoples and the first to involve the family system. Feedback from this formative work was used to develop a meaningful family-level incentive structure with ANAI people who smoke and family members and ensure intervention messaging is supportive and culturally aligned. The results provide qualitative knowledge that can inform future family-based interventions with ANAI communities, including our planned randomized controlled trial of the intervention.

Facebook Intervention to Connect Alaska Native People With Resources and Support to Quit Smoking: CAN Quit Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: There is some evidence that social media interventions can promote smoking cessation. This randomized controlled pilot study is the first to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of a Facebook smoking cessation intervention among Alaska Native (AN) adults. AIMS AND METHODS: Recruitment and data collection occurred from December 2019 to March 2021. Participants were recruited statewide in Alaska using Facebook advertisements with a targeted sample of 60 enrolled. Participants were stratified by gender, age, and rural or urban residence and randomly assigned to receive referral resources on evidence-based cessation treatments (EBCTs) (control, n = 30) or these resources plus a 3-month, closed (private), culturally tailored, Facebook group (intervention, n = 31) that connected participants to EBCT resources and was moderated by two Alaska Native Trained Tobacco Specialists. Assessments were conducted online post-randomization at 1, 3, and 6 months. Outcomes were feasibility (recruitment, retention, and intervention engagement), self-reported use of EBCTs, and biochemically confirmed seven-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence. RESULTS: Of intervention participants, 90% engaged (eg posted, commented) more than once. Study retention was 57% at 6 months (no group differences). The proportion utilizing EBCTs was about double for intervention compared with the control group participants at 3 and 6 months. Smoking abstinence was higher for intervention than control participants at 3 months (6.5% vs. 0%, p = .16) but comparable at 6 months (6.4% vs. 6.7%, p = .97). CONCLUSIONS: While additional research is needed to promote long-term cessation, this pilot trial supports recruitment feasibility during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, consumer uptake, and a signal for intervention efficacy on the uptake of cessation treatment and short-term smoking abstinence. IMPLICATIONS: This study is the first evaluation of a social media intervention for smoking cessation among Indigenous people. We learned that statewide Facebook recruitment of AN adults who smoke was feasible and there was a signal for the efficacy of a Facebook intervention on the uptake of EBCT and short-term (3 months) biochemically verified smoking abstinence. Clinically, social media platforms may complement current care models by connecting AN individuals and others living in hard-to-reach communities to cessation treatment resources.

Lessons Learned From Beta-Testing a Facebook Group Prototype to Promote Treatment Use in the "Connecting Alaska Native People to Quit Smoking" (CAN Quit) Study.

Social media provides an effective tool to reach, engage, and connect smokers in cessation efforts. Our team developed a Facebook group, CAN Quit (Connecting Alaska Native People to Quit smoking), to promote use of evidence-based smoking cessation resources for Alaska Native people living in Alaska, which are underused despite their effectiveness. Often separated by geography and climate, Alaska Native people prefer group-based approaches for tobacco cessation that support their culture and values. Such preferences make Alaska Native people candidates for social media-based interventions that promote connection. This viewpoint discusses the steps involved and lessons learned in building and beta-testing our Facebook group prototype, which will then be evaluated in a pilot randomized controlled trial. We describe the process of training moderators to facilitate group engagement and foster community, and we describe how we developed and tested our intervention prototype and Facebook group. All parts of the prototype were designed to facilitate use of evidence-based cessation treatments. We include recommendations for best practices with the hope that lessons learned from the CAN Quit prototype could provide a model for others to create similar platforms that benefit Alaska Native and American Indian people in the context of smoking cessation.

Developing a Social Media Intervention to Connect Alaska Native People Who Smoke with Resources and Support to Quit Smoking: The Connecting Alaska Native Quit Study.

BACKGROUND: Face-to-face tobacco cessation has had limited reach and efficacy in Alaska Native (AN) communities. We describe our two-phased approach to develop content for Connecting Alaska Native People to Quit Smoking, a Facebook group intervention to reduce barriers to evidence-based smoking cessation treatment for AN people in Alaska. METHODS: Phase 1 included semi-structured telephone interviews with 30 AN people who smoke and ten stakeholders. They provided feedback on existing content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips campaign and AN digital stories. Phase 2 included an online survey with a new group of 40 AN smokers who provided feedback on existing content via a measure of perceived effectiveness and cultural relevance. RESULTS: Phase I results revealed participants evaluated content based upon story strength, relevance to AN culture, emotional appeal, relatability to AN people, and favorite video. No single posting was rated highly across all themes. All perceived effectiveness (PE) and cultural relevance median scores fell between 3.5 and 4.4 (range 1-5). PE scores varied across participant demographic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Content embodying characteristics perceived to be most appealing, effective, and culturally relevant were selected for the private Facebook group content library with refinements made to incorporate images of AN people engaged in AN activities. PE scores indicate a need for a wide variety of content that moderators could pull from when conducting the intervention. IMPLICATIONS: Social media content targeting specific population sectors, such as American Indian/AN people for tobacco cessation needs to be culturally tailored. Our approach provides a model others can follow to determine what is appealing, relevant, and effective messaging. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03645941.

Communication of genetic test results to family and health-care providers following disclosure of research results.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined methods to promote communication following the return of DNA mismatch repair genetic test results obtained during research. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a telephone protocol for returning research results of DNA mismatch repair gene testing to identify Lynch syndrome. METHODS: We invited individuals with known DNA mismatch repair mutations in their family, who were enrolled in the Colon Cancer Family Registry at the Mayo Clinic, to participate in this study. Participants completed surveys before and 6 months after DNA mismatch repair test result disclosure. RESULTS: Among 107 participants, 79% opted to learn their DNA mismatch repair test results; of these, 44 (41%) carried DNA mismatch repair mutations. After disclosure, 54% reported screening for any type of cancer. Among carriers, >74% reported communicating results to family; communication was predicted by baseline confidence in coping with the genetic test result (Z = 1.97; P = 0.04). Result disclosure to a physician was predicted by greater perceived cancer risk (Z = 2.08; P = 0.03) and greater intention to share results with family (Z = 3.07; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Research versus clinically based gene disclosure presents challenges. A telephone disclosure process for the return of research-based results among Lynch syndrome families led to high rates of result uptake and participant communication of results to providers and family members.

Increasing digital equity to promote online smoking cessation program engagement among rural adults: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking prevalence is higher for rural than urban adults, yet digital access to cessation programming is reduced. We aim to investigate digital access interventions to promote engagement with an online evidence-based cessation treatment (EBCT) program among rural adults. METHODS: This pilot trial used a pragmatic, three-arm, randomized, parallel-group design (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05209451). Inclusion criteria included being aged ≥18, Mayo Clinic Midwest patient, rural residency, and currently smokes cigarettes. All participants received an online, 12-week EBCT program and were randomized to receive one of three digital access interventions: print materials (control, n = 30); print materials + loaner iPad device with data plan coverage (n = 30); or print materials + loaner device + up to six, 15-20-minute motivational interviewing-based coaching calls to support technology needs (n = 30). A composite score of trial engagement (primary outcome) and self-reported smoking abstinence and use of EBCT resources (secondary outcomes) were assessed online at 4 and 12 weeks. Qualitative interviews were used to assess patient experience. Neither participants nor outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. RESULTS: Results are reported for all 30 participants in each group. The average age of participants is 51.0 years and 61% are women. We show no significant arm differences for the trial engagement composite score (p = 0.30). We also find coaching support is significantly (p < 0.05) associated with enhanced smoking-related treatment response, including cigarette abstinence and use of EBCT resources, and participants reported positive experiences with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The coaching intervention to support technology needs is acceptable and shows preliminary evidence of its efficacy in smoking-related treatment response. Further studies could refine and implement the coaching intervention for trial engagement and long-term cessation.

More adults smoke cigarettes in rural than urban adults, yet there is less access to effective digital tools to assist people to quit smoking in rural areas. We compared three strategies to promote engagement with an online program to encourage rural adults to quit smoking. The three interventions were: print materials; print materials plus a loaner iPad device with data plan coverage; or print materials and loaner device, plus up to six, 15­20-minute individualized coaching calls to support technology needs. We found that individuals receiving the coaching support had improved smoking-related outcomes. Our study provides a better understanding of the resources needed to support digital access in rural populations and the results could be used to improve approaches to encourage people living in rural areas to stop smoking.

Receptivity and preferences of pancreatic cancer family members for participating in lifestyle programs to reduce cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a shared family experience that might provide an opportunity for lifestyle change among at-risk family members. The purpose of this study was to assess receptivity and preferences for cancer risk reduction programs among at-risk family members with two or more relatives affected with pancreas cancer. METHODS: We surveyed 401 at-risk family members in an existing pancreatic cancer family registry. Participants completed a mailed survey which examined demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of willingness to participate in lifestyle cancer risk reduction programs. Multivariable generalized estimating equation approaches were used to model preferences. RESULTS: Overall, 85% (n = 342) of at-risk family members were receptive to lifestyle cancer risk reduction programs. Participant preferred programs focused on nutrition (36%, n = 116) and weight management (33%, n = 108), with Web/Internet (46%, n = 157) being the most preferred delivery channel. Most respondents preferred to participate in programs with their family or friends (74%, n = 182), rather than alone (25%, n = 85). In multivariable analysis, younger age (p = 0.008) and higher perceived likelihood of developing cancer (p = 0.03) were associated with willingness to participate in lifestyle programs. CONCLUSIONS: Family members of those with pancreatic cancer are receptive to cancer risk reduction programs focusing on nutrition and weight management delivered via the internet. Further research is indicated to determine how to best incorporate a family-based approach when designing lifestyle intervention programs.

Development of a tobacco cessation intervention for Alaska Native youth.

Tobacco cessation treatments have not been evaluated among Alaska Native (AN) adolescents. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a targeted cessation intervention developed for AN youth. Intervention components were informed by prior focus groups assessing treatment preferences among AN youth, a social cognitive theoretical framework and feedback obtained from a teen advisory group. The intervention consisted of a weekend program where youth traveled by small airplane from their villages to stay overnight with other adolescents who quit tobacco use together. The program included recreational activities, talking circles, personal stories from elders and teen advisors, and cognitive behavioral counseling. Two intervention pilots were conducted from October 2010 to January 2011 using a non-randomized, uncontrolled study design with assessments at baseline and six-week follow-up. One village in Western Alaska was selected for each pilot with a targeted enrollment of 10 adolescents each. Participants were recruited for each pilot within five days, but recruitment challenges and ''lessons learned'' are described. The first pilot enrolled nine adolescents (all female) aged 13-16 years; all nine attended the intervention program and 78% (7/9) completed follow-up. The second pilot enrolled 12 adolescents (eight females, four males) aged 12-17 years, of which seven attended the intervention program. Six of these seven participants (86%) completed follow-up. In both pilots, participants rated the intervention as highly acceptable. A targeted cessation intervention was feasible and acceptable to AN youth. The intervention will be tested for efficacy in a subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Rural and urban residents' attitudes and preferences toward COVID-19 prevention behaviors in a midwestern community.

Rural populations are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 compared to their urban counterparts as they are more likely to be older, uninsured, to have more underlying medical conditions, and live further from medical care facilities. We engaged the Southeastern MN (SEMN) community (N = 7,781, 51% rural) to conduct a survey of motivators and barriers to masking to prevent COVID-19. We also assessed preferences for types of and modalities to receive education/intervention, exploring both individual and environmental factors primarily consistent with Social Cognitive Theory. Our results indicated rural compared to urban residents performed fewer COVID-19 prevention behaviors (e.g. 62% rural vs. 77% urban residents reported wearing a mask all of the time in public, p<0.001), had more negative outcome expectations for wearing a mask (e.g. 50% rural vs. 66% urban residents thought wearing a mask would help businesses stay open, p<0.001), more concerns about wearing a mask (e.g. 23% rural vs. 14% urban were very concerned about being 'too hot', p<0.001) and lower levels of self-efficacy for masking (e.g. 13.9±3.4 vs. 14.9±2.8, p<0.001). It appears that masking has not become a social norm in rural SEMN, with almost 50% (vs. 24% in urban residents) disagreeing with the expectation 'others in my community will wear a mask to stop the spread of Coronavirus'. Except for people (both rural and urban) who reported not being at all willing to wear a mask (7%), all others expressed interest in future education/interventions to help reduce masking barriers that utilized email and social media for delivery. Creative public health messaging consistent with SCT tailored to rural culture and norms is needed, using emails and social media with pictures and videos from role models they trust, and emphasizing education about when masks are necessary.

Aniqsaaq (To Breathe): Study protocol to develop and evaluate an Alaska Native family-based financial incentive intervention for smoking cessation.

Background: Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) communities in Alaska are disproportionately affected by commercial tobacco use. Financial incentive interventions promote cigarette smoking cessation, but family-level incentives have not been evaluated. We describe the study protocol to adapt and evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a remotely delivered, family-based financial incentive intervention for cigarette smoking among Alaskan ANAI people. Methods: The study has 3 phases: 1) qualitative interviews with ANAI adults who smoke, family members, and stakeholders to inform the intervention, 2) beta-test of the intervention, and 3) randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating intervention reach and effectiveness on verified, prolonged smoking abstinence at 6- and 12-months post-treatment. In the RCT, adult dyads (ANAI person who smokes [index participant] and family member) recruited throughout Alaska will be randomized to a no-incentives control condition (n = 328 dyads) or a 6-month incentive intervention (n = 328 dyads). All dyads will receive cessation support and family wellness materials. Smoking status will be assessed weekly for four weeks and at three and six months. Intervention index participants will receive escalating incentives for verified smoking abstinence at each time point (maximum $750 total); the family member will receive rewards of equal value. Results: A community advisory committee contributed input on the study design and methods for relevance to ANAI people, particularly emphasizing the involvement of families. Conclusion: Our study aligns with the strength and value AIAN people place on family. Findings, processes, and resources will inform how Indigenous family members can support smoking cessation within incentive interventions. Clinical Trials Registry: NCT05209451.

Exploring the perceived effectiveness and cultural acceptability of COVID-19 relevant social media intervention content among Alaska Native people who Smoke: The CAN Quit study.

Social media platforms have potential for reach and effectiveness to motivate smoking cessation and use of evidence-based cessation treatment, even during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. This study builds on our prior community participatory approach to developing content postings for the CAN Quit Facebook intervention among Alaska Native (AN) people who smoke. With input from a community advisory committee, we selected new content on COVID-19 preventive practices (e.g., masking) and evaluated them using a validated, six-item perceived effectiveness scale and a single item assessing cultural relevance. We obtained feedback on six content postings (two videos and four text/pictures) from an online survey administered to 41 AN people (14 men, 27 women; age range 22-61 years) who smoke in Alaska statewide with 49 % residing in rural Alaska. Perceived effectiveness scale scores were high across postings, ranging from 3.9 to 4.4 out of a maximum score of 5.0. Cultural relevance item scores ranged from 3.9 to 4.3. We found no appreciable differences by sex, age, or rural/urban location for either score. This study adds new information on the adaptation, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of content on COVID-19 preventive practices for future inclusion in a social media-based intervention for smoking cessation specifically tailored for AN people.

Willingness of cancer patients to help family members to quit smoking.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of social support on successful smoking cessation has been well documented. However, little is known about whether personal experience with cancer may motivate cancer survivors to support smoking cessation among their family members and friends. As a first step in this line of research, we sought to explore interest in playing a supportive role for smoking cessation as well as correlates of such interest among cancer survivors. METHODS: Cancer survivors undergoing radiation therapy (N=211) completed a 77-item pencil-paper questionnaire. A section of the survey assessed interest in helping a smoker quit and characteristics of the smoking social network member. Respondents provided information on their smoking status, medical status, and psychosocial and behavioral factors related to cigarette smoking. RESULTS: Over half of the respondents 114 (54%) reported having someone close to them (family member or friend) smoking cigarettes who they thought should quit. Of these respondents (44 females, 70 males) 78% (89/114) reported they were definitely or probably interested in helping a smoker quit. Nearly all respondents wanted to help a family member (typically an adult child). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest the potential feasibility of engaging cancer survivors to help family members quit smoking. Research is needed to determine the optimal methods and timing for engaging the cancer patient to maximize positive effects and minimize potential harms.

Importance of Shared Treatment Goal Discussions in Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Cross-Sectional Survey: Patients Report Providers Seldom Discuss Treatment Goals and Outcomes Improve When Goals Are Discussed.

OBJECTIVE: Treat-to-target (T2T) and shared decision-making are valued features of current guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management. Although T2T has demonstrated value for improving RA outcomes, implementation remains inconsistent and lacks standardization and procedures for including patient input. We sought to better understand the impact of shared decisions on T2T and how treatment goal discussions between patients and providers impact RA treatment improvement and satisfaction. METHODS: An anonymous, web-based questionnaire was presented to United States residents aged 18 years or older with a self-reported diagnosis of RA by a medical professional with 28 questions regarding socio-demographics, RA disease activity (DA), diagnosis, treatments, outcomes, and goals. Analyses included descriptive statistics with χ2 and rank sum tests for comparisons. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 907 people (mean age of 58 years; mean 11 years since diagnosis; 90% female). The majority (571; 63%) did not discuss RA treatment goals with providers. Patients engaging in treatment goal discussions with their providers were three times more likely to be satisfied with their treatment plans. Patients discussing treatment goals with their providers were more likely to have improved DA levels and 68% more likely to reach remission. CONCLUSION: A majority of patients with RA report having no treatment goal discussion with their providers; however, these discussions are associated with greater DA improvement and treatment satisfaction. Further research should seek understanding of how shared treatment goal discussions relate to successful RA management and explore the development of practical tools to implement them in regular clinic practice as part of a T2T regimen.

Factors associated with willingness to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in a Midwestern Community.

OBJECTIVE: To identify motivators and barriers to wearing a mask to prevent COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: An anonymous, online survey of adults from Southeastern Minnesota conducted August 2020. We assessed willingness to wear a mask and its associations with socio-demographics, COVID-19-related factors and prevention behaviors using multivariable ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 7,786 respondents (78% women, 51% rural), 9% reported 'not at all willing', 27% 'willing', and 64% 'very willing' to wear a mask. Factors independently associated with willingness to wear a mask were: urban residence (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.44, p = 0.009); college degree or greater (OR 1.42, CI 1.05-1.93, p = 0.025); age (18-29 years OR 1.29, CI 01.02-1.64, p = 0.038; 30-39 OR = 1.37, CI 1.12-1.69, p = 0.003; 60-69 OR = 1.44, CI 1.09-1.91, p = 0.011; 70-89 OR 2.09, CI 1.32-3.37, p = 0.002; 40-49 reference group); and (all p < 0.001) democratic party affiliation (OR 1.79, CI 1.40-2.29), correct COVID-19 knowledge (OR 1.50, CI 1.28-1.75), 5 + COVID-19 prevention behaviors (OR 2.74, CI 1.98-3.81), positive perceived impacts for wearing a mask (OR 1.55, 1.52-1.59), perceived COVID-19 severity (OR 2.1, CI 1.44-3.1), and greater stress (OR 1.03, CI 1.02-1.04), and trust in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (OR 1.78, CI 1.45 -2.19). CONCLUSION: Results from this sample of SEMN residents suggest interventions to enhance COVID-19 knowledge, positive expectations for mask wearing, and trust in the CDC are warranted. Research is needed to understand cultural and other barriers and facilitators among sub-populations, e.g., rural residents less willing to wear a mask.

Development and Evaluation of a Cancer Literacy Intervention to Promote Mammography Screening Among Navajo Women: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: Develop and evaluate a mammography intervention that provides hope about cancer prevention and treatment. DESIGN: Pilot randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Two communities on the Navajo Nation. PARTICIPANTS: Navajo women and support persons. INTERVENTION: Both groups received standard care: one home visit discussing mammography pros/cons and barriers. The treatment group received an intervention based on Navajo language via an additional home visit with health education materials (written and oral) in English and Navajo, including a Navajo Cancer Glossary with a new descriptive phrase for cancer. ANALYSIS: Between control and intervention conditions, we compared baseline sociodemographics; changes from baseline to 3 months on mammography completion and breast cancer literacy scores. MEASURES: (1) intervention feasibility; (2) self- and clinic-reported mammography screening completion; (3) breast cancer literacy. RESULTS: A total of 25 participants were randomly assigned (13 treatment, 12 control), with 7 support persons in each arm. Mean age was 53 years, 90% had a high school degree or higher, 86% spoke Navajo and English. At 3 months, 44% had a clinically verified mammogram. Mammography completion was 57% among those with a support person and 27% among those without (P = .14). Intervention women reported more breast cancer beliefs consistent with mammography (P = .015). CONCLUSIONS: Increases in breast cancer beliefs consistent with mammography show promise. Findings highlight a need to tailor education materials to Navajo culture/language and focus on enhancing support.

Adult daughters' reports of breast cancer risk reduction and early detection advice received from their mothers: an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: Awareness of cancer family history is dependent upon communication between family members. Communication of this information and related decision-making could be important factors influencing breast cancer risk reduction and early detection behaviors. Using survey data from 2328 women (mean age 62.5 years) from 372 families enrolled in the Minnesota breast cancer family study, we explored adult daughter's reports of breast cancer risk reduction advice received from their mothers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Approximately 212 (9%) of respondents reported receiving breast cancer risk reduction advice from their mothers and 130 (89%) reported acting upon such advice. Having a mother or first degree relative (FDR) with a history of breast cancer was significantly correlated with following advice to a higher degree as compared with those not having such family history (p=0.003). Most frequently reported types of advice were to have mammograms (36%) and to have clinical breast exams (35%). Using multivariable logistic regression and after accounting for non-independence of the sample, significant independent correlates of receiving advice included younger age, having an affected mother, and having a higher perceived breast cancer risk. Receiving advice was also correlated with engaging in a higher number of health promoting behaviors and ever having received a mammogram. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings are consistent with social influence theory and suggest that mother-daughter communication about reducing risk, especially among those having a FDR with breast cancer, could be a potential pathway through which breast cancer family history is associated with the adoption of breast cancer screening and risk reduction behaviors.

Social Media Intervention to Promote Smoking Treatment Utilization and Cessation Among Alaska Native People Who Smoke: Protocol for the Connecting Alaska Native People to Quit Smoking (CAN Quit) Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of tobacco use among Alaska Native (AN) people, tobacco cessation interventions developed specifically for this group are lacking. Social media hold promise as a scalable intervention strategy to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation, given the barriers to treatment delivery (ie, geographic remoteness, limited funding, climate, and travel costs) in the state of Alaska (AK). Building on a longstanding tobacco control research partnership with the AK Tribal Health System, in this study, we are developing and pilot-testing a culturally relevant, Facebook (FB)-delivered intervention that incorporates a digital storytelling approach adapted from the effective Centers for Disease Control Tips from Former Smokers campaign. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to promote evidence-based smoking treatment (eg, state quitline and Tribal cessation programs) uptake and cessation among AN people. METHODS: This study fulfills the objectives for stage 1 of the National Institute on Drug Abuse behavioral integrative treatment development program. In stage 1a, we will use a mixed method approach to develop the FB intervention. Cultural variance and surface/deep structure frameworks will address the influence of culture in designing health messages. These developmental activities will include qualitative and quantitative assessments, followed by beta testing of proposed intervention content. In stage 1b, we will conduct a randomized pilot trial enrolling 60 AN adults who smoke. We will evaluate the feasibility, uptake, consumer response, and potential efficacy of the FB intervention compared with a control condition (quitline/treatment referral only). Primary outcome measures include feasibility and biochemically verified smoking abstinence at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported smoking cessation treatment utilization and abstinence from tobacco/nicotine products. We will also explore interdependence (relationship orientation and collaborative efforts in lifestyle change) as a culturally relevant mediator of intervention efficacy. RESULTS: The study enrolled 40 participants for phase 1, with data saturation being achieved at 30 AN people who smoke and 10 stakeholders. For phase 2, we enrolled 40 participants. Qualitative assessment of proposed intervention content was completed with 30 AN smokers and 10 stakeholders. We are currently analyzing data from the quantitative assessment with 40 participants in preparation for the beta testing, followed by the randomized pilot trial. CONCLUSIONS: The project is innovative for its use of social media communication tools that are culturally relevant in a behavioral intervention designed to reach AN people statewide to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation. The study will further advance tobacco cessation research in an underserved disparity group. If the pilot intervention is successful, we will have a blueprint to conduct a large randomized controlled efficacy trial. Our approach could be considered for other remote AN communities to enhance the reach of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/15155.

Development and preliminary validation of the cancer family impact scale for colorectal cancer.

AIM: The aim of our study was to develop a measure of how a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) affects families from the viewpoint of unaffected family members. METHOD: Using data from 1,285 participants (637 families) in the Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Genetic Testing study, we developed and validated The Cancer Family Impact Scale (CFIS), an instrument for use in studies investigating relationships among family factors and CRC prevention behaviors when family history is a risk factor. RESULTS: Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using a 50% random sample of participants, we identified 5 latent constructs among 18 items: (1) NEGATIVE: negative effects of cancer on the family; (2) POSITIVE: positive effects of cancer on the family; (3) COMMUNICATE: how families communicate about cancer; (4) FLOW: how information about cancer is conveyed in families; and (5) NORM: how individuals react to family norms about cancer. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the same sample showed the CFIS to have a reasonably good fit (chi(2) = 389.97, degree of freedom (df ) = 122, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06 [0.05-0.07], comparative fit index = 0.90, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.88, goodness of fit index = 0.94), and findings were cross-validated on the remaining 50% of the participants. The reliability of the scale was alpha = 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: The CFIS could be used to clarify the role that family factors play in the association between CRC family history and CRC prevention behaviors, and also aid in the development and evaluation of family-based cancer prevention interventions.

Using Garden Cafés to engage community stakeholders in health research.

Science Cafés, informal venues to promote bidirectional dialog, inquiry and learning about science between community members, scientists, healthcare and service providers, hold promise as an innovative tool for healthcare researchers and community members to improve health outcomes, especially among populations with health disparities. However, the process of optimizing science cafés is under-studied. We describe the pilot evaluation of a series of Science Cafés, called Garden Cafés (n = 9), conducted from September 2015 through April 2016 in Olmsted County, MN and Duval County, FL to connect Mayo Clinic researchers and local service providers with the community. Selection of discussion topics was guided by a county health needs assessment, which identified community priorities. Before leaving the events, community participants completed a brief anonymous survey assessing sociodemographics and their knowledge of research benefits, readiness to participate as a partner in health research, and health and science literacy confidence. Of the 112 attendees who responded, 51% were female and 51% were Black. Respondents reported that participating in the event significantly improved (all at p<0.001) their understanding on all three measures. Preliminary findings suggest that Garden Cafés are an effective forum to increase community understanding and disposition to collaborate in health research, especially in members from diverse backgrounds.

Receptivity and Preferences for Lifestyle Programs to Reduce Cancer Risk among Lung Cancer Family Members.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle factors and genetic information has been found to contribute to the occurrence of lung cancer. This study assessed receptivity to participating in lifestyle programs to reduce cancer risk among unaffected lung cancer family members. We also explored demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of willingness to participate in lifestyle programs. METHODS: Family members who are part of a lung Cancer Family Registry were asked to fill out a survey assessing their receptivity to cancer risk reduction programs including preferences for an individual or family-based program. RESULTS: Of the 583 respondents, 85% were "Somewhat" or "Definitely" willing to participate in a lifestyle program. Among those receptive, about half (56%) preferred a family-based approach. Preferred programs included weight management (36%) and nutritional information (30%). Preferred delivery channels were Internet (45%) and mail-based (29%) programs. On multivariate analysis, those definitely/somewhat receptive reported greater exercise self-efficacy scores (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: The majority of the sample was receptive to lifestyle programs that might decrease cancer risk. There was a large preference for family-based weight management and nutritional programs. Further research is indicated to determine how to best incorporate a family-based approach to lifestyle programs for cancer family members.