Prescriber perceptions of boxed warnings: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To explore how boxed warning (BW) information fits within the context of prescribers' overall treatment decision-making and communication with patients. METHODS: In-depth interviews (N = 52) were conducted with primary care providers and specialists. Participants were presented with one of two prescribing scenarios: (1) estrogen vaginal inserts to treat vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) associated with menopause; or (2) direct-acting antivirals (DAA) to treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). The semi-structured interviews explored participants' treatment decision-making within the scenario, reactions to current prescribing information for a product within the FDA-approved drug class, as well as their perceptions of BWs generally. RESULTS: Across scenarios, providers described that the BW is only one of several factors that influence treatment decision-making. In the VVA scenario, symptom severity, family history, and experience with nonprescription drugs were raised as common factors that influence prescribing considerations; compared to comorbid infections, viral load, and HCV genotype in the HCV scenario. Perceptions of the DAA BW were generally positive or neutral, as many participants found the information important and appropriate. The VVA BW was viewed less favorably, with many participants stating the BW overstates the risk for this drug. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that BWs are one of several factors that influence providers' treatment decisions, and BW influence largely depends on context. Providers across scenarios expressed notable differences in their perceptions of the risk information provided in the presented BWs; however, across scenarios participants expressed consideration of how patients may perceive the BW.

Evaluating the implementation of family-centered substance use treatment for pregnant and postpartum people: A mixed-methods study.

INTRODUCTION: Family-centered substance use treatment (FCSUT) approaches for pregnant and postpartum people have the potential to prevent intergenerational transmission of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Guided by two theoretical frameworks drawn from implementation science (the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research [CFIR] and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance [RE-AIM] framework), this study used a mixed methods approach to answer: (1) What is the extent to which FCSUT approaches are offered for pregnant and postpartum people seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment? and (2) How are FCSUT approaches for pregnant and postpartum people implemented? METHODS: This study utilized a sequential mixed methods design that began with quantitative data collection followed by qualitative data collection. The quantitative component consisted of service provision surveys of facilities that provided FCSUT to pregnant and postpartum people (n = 118). The qualitative component consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews with administrators and providers working at FCSUT facilities (n = 26) and pregnant and postpartum people who were currently receiving or had previously received services in the last two years from FCSUT facilities (n = 27). The qualitative findings were used to deepen understanding of the quantitative findings. RESULTS: Findings from the quantitative survey of treatment facilities' FCSUT provision revealed that while most facilities offered services related to substance use treatment, behavioral health, and parenting skills development or parent training, a smaller proportion offered services related to prenatal and postpartum health, sexual and reproductive health, and family-related services. Qualitative in-depth interviews with program administrators and providers and pregnant and postpartum people who had participated in FCSUT programs revealed major themes around expanding reach of facilities by maintaining participants' familial connections, resources for implementation and maintenance of FCSUT, the importance of program adaptation, and gaps in service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated there is a wide range of FCSUT services offered at treatment facilities across the United States. Furthermore, while many pregnant and postpartum people expressed positive experiences with FCSUT, there are some areas that should be considered for future progress to be made.

Dietary Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Reported Role Models Among Emerging and Young Adults With Overweight and Obesity.

This article characterizes role models identified by emerging/young adults for healthy eating and physical activity (PA), explores variations in reported role models by age, sex and race/ethnicity, and examines dietary/physical activity behaviors in relation to role models. Emerging/young adults (n=397) enrolled in a randomized controlled weight management trial completed assessments at baseline: self-reported role models for healthy eating and PA, Healthy Eating Index, device-measured PA, and demographics. Participants were 78% female, 50% non-White, with mean age 23.3 years, mean BMI 31.1 kg/m2. For both healthy eating and PA, the most frequently reported role model was friend (diet: 35%; PA: 39%). Parent was reported second most frequently for healthy eating (21%) and third most frequently for PA (11%). Role models for healthy eating, but not PA, differed by race/ethnicity. Role models did not differ by age or sex. Results may inform future interventions to promote healthy behaviors in emerging adults.