The effectiveness of collaborative care delivered via telehealth in a pediatric primary care population.

Introduction: The prevalence of mental health conditions among children and adolescents in the United States has become a pressing concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative care is an evidence-based model for identifying and treating depression and anxiety in healthcare settings, with additional promise for remote healthcare delivery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a telehealth collaborative care model for adolescents with depression and anxiety in pediatric and primary care settings. Methods: Secondary analysis was conducted using de-identified national data from Concert Health, a behavioral health medical group offering remote collaborative care across 17 states. Baseline, 90-day, and 120-day assessments of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were collected, along with baseline covariates. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of select covariates to improvement rates. Results: Among the analyzed data, 263 participants had complete PHQ-9 data, and 230 had complete GAD-7 data. In both the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 groups, over 50% of patients experienced treatment success based on success at discharge, as well as 90- and 120-day improvement rates. Predictors of success at discharge for the GAD-7 group included age at enrollment (OR 1.2258, 95% CI 1.01-1.496), clinical touchpoints (OR 1.1469, 95% CI 1.086-1.218), and lower baseline GAD-7 score (OR 0.9319, 95% CI 0.874-0.992). For the PHQ-9 group, Medicaid was significantly associated with not achieving a 50% reduction in PHQ-9 score at 120 days (OR 0.5874, 95% CI 0.349-0.979). Discussion: Collaborative care has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating adolescent populations, providing an opportunity to expand access to evidence-based behavioral health treatment for young individuals. Notably, collaborative care is already integrated into the Medicaid fee schedule for 22 states and accepted by all commercial payers. Given that individuals often turn to their trusted primary care providers for behavioral health care, offering collaborative care to adolescents can play a crucial role in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis.

Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Intervention to the Military Setting.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes and obesity pose a significant burden for the U.S. military beneficiary population, creating a great need to provide evidence-based diabetes and obesity prevention services for military personnel, retirees, and their dependents. Despite increasing dissemination of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention nationwide, formal evaluation of implementation of this highly successful program is limited in the military setting. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate delivery of a direct adaptation of a 1-year DPP lifestyle intervention at a U.S. Air Force medical facility, Wright-Patterson Medical Center (WPMC), to determine the feasibility of delivery of the program in a group of at-risk active duty military, retirees, and family members, as well as assess effectiveness in improving weight and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pre/post study design was utilized to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of the DPP Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB), an up-to-date, 22-session direct adaptation of the DPP curriculum, at WPMC. Participants chose to complete the 1-year program either in coach-led face-to-face groups or via DVD with weekly telephonic coach contact. The study was approved by the University of Pittsburgh and WPMC Institutional Review Boards. RESULTS: A total of 99 individuals enrolled in the study, with 83 (84%) and 77 (78%) completing 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments, respectively. The mean age of participants at baseline was 57 (range 20-85 years), with 63% being female. The group was comprised of individuals who were non-Hispanic White (73.7%), non-Hispanic Black (18.2%), and other race or Hispanic ethnicity (8.1%). Within this group, there were 10 active duty military, 37 retirees, and 52 family members. The DPP-GLB program was shown to be feasible to implement in this military healthcare setting as demonstrated by the high engagement over the course of the year-long program. Significant improvements were shown in the two main behavioral goals: mean weight (-12.8 lbs, -6.3%, P < .001) and mean physical activity (PA) (+18.9 Met-hrs/wk, P < .001). In addition, significant improvements in other diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting insulin, diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference were noted, as well as improvement in health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the DPP-GLB program delivered via face-to-face groups or DVD was feasible and effective in improving weight, PA levels, and diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in this group of active and retired military personnel and their family members. The program was well received by the program participants as well as the WPMC team. These findings offer a model for provision of the DPP-GLB program throughout the Military Health System.

The UnProcessed Pantry Project (UP3): A Community-Based Intervention Aimed to Reduce Ultra-Processed Food Intake Among Food Pantry Clients.

Low-income populations are more likely to experience food and nutrition insecurity and suffer a greater burden of noncommunicable disease than the general population. The UnProcessed Pantry Project (UP3) is an intervention aimed to reduce ultra-processed food availability and consumption of food pantry clients accessing the emergency food system. The pilot study included nutrition education, food boxes, and social support for 16 weeks at 2 food pantries. Data collection included the ASA24 dietary recall to calculate Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores, biomarkers (hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index [BMI]), and a demographic and psychosocial survey. Dietary quality among 43 participants significantly (P < .05) improved as measured by the HEI-2015 for total HEI-2015, whole grains, total protein foods, and added sugars scores. BMI, total cholesterol, and waist circumference also significantly improved across study participants. Findings indicate that the emergency food system may be an effective access point to apply frameworks including UP3 to address ultra-processed food consumption, dietary quality, and noncommunicable chronic disease risk among food-insecure populations. Programs and policies that limit the amount of ultra-processed food in the emergency food system should be further tested and could be efficacious in addressing inequities among vulnerable populations.

Engaging Latinos in an Academic-Community Partnership in Montana through a Health Screening Event.

BACKGROUND: Engaging minorities in research especially in Montana where Latinos make up a small percentage of the population can be a challenge. We describe an effort to recruit Latinos into a research study by hosting a health screening event. PURPOSE: This event served as the first step in the creation of an academic-community partnership. METHODS: We formed an interdisciplinary research team and involved key community stakeholders in planning a health screening event. We provided lunch, flu vaccinations, and screening measures including blood pressure, body mass index, and diabetes status. We also asked for volunteers to sign up to participate in future focus groups. RESULTS: Thirty five people participated in the health screening event, and 29 people volunteered to engage in future research. The majority of participants reported not having health insurance or a regular medical provider, were overweight or obese, and did not have diabetes. DISCUSSION: Engaging the Latino community in research is important, and this paper describes the first step in the creation of an academic-community partnership. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Attention to community needs through active partnership and adherence to the responsibilities and competencies for health education specialists provides an example of a successful study that can be adapted to other populations.A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.

SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance identifies naturally occurring truncation of ORF7a that limits immune suppression.

Over 950,000 whole-genome sequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been determined for viruses isolated from around the world. These sequences are critical for understanding the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Using global phylogenomics, we show that mutations frequently occur in the C-terminal end of ORF7a. We isolate one of these mutant viruses from a patient sample and use viral challenge experiments to link this isolate (ORF7aΔ115) to a growth defect. ORF7a is implicated in immune modulation, and we show that the C-terminal truncation negates anti-immune activities of the protein, which results in elevated type I interferon response to the viral infection. Collectively, this work indicates that ORF7a mutations occur frequently, and that these changes affect viral mechanisms responsible for suppressing the immune response.

SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance identifies naturally occurring truncations of ORF7a that limit immune suppression.

Over 200,000 whole genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 have been determined for viruses isolated from around the world. These sequences have been critical for understanding the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Using global phylogenomics, we show that mutations frequently occur in the C-terminal end of ORF7a. We have isolated one of these mutant viruses from a patient sample and used viral challenge experiments to demonstrate that Δ115 mutation results in a growth defect. ORF7a has been implicated in immune modulation, and we show that the C-terminal truncation results in distinct changes in interferon stimulated gene expression. Collectively, this work indicates that ORF7a mutations occur frequently and that these changes affect viral mechanisms responsible for suppressing the immune response.

Exploring a rural Latino community's perception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to understand the perception of the Latino community in a rural state regarding COVID-19. Over one third of national COVID-19 cases are among Latinos, likely due to an increased prevalence of comorbid risk factors and social determinants of health that make following precautions difficult. DESIGN: Respondents were recruited using snowball sampling as part of a previous effort to establish an academic-community partnership with Latinos in the area. In April 2020, we conducted 14 semi-structured interviews in Spanish with participants over the phone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into Spanish, and translated to English. We employed the framework approach in a thematic analysis using NVivo 12. RESULTS: Common themes were a wariness of news appearing on social media, generalized worry, and the use of natural medicines to maintain health. Respondents followed recommended guidelines to protect their own health, though expressed concern that members of their community were not. CONCLUSIONS: We offer insights into the perception of Latinos of the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural state. Our findings may influence communication techniques of local health departments and offer a way to understand how this often-overlooked community deals with the pandemic.

Temporal Detection and Phylogenetic Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in Municipal Wastewater.

SARS-CoV-2 has recently been detected in feces, which indicates that wastewater may be used to monitor viral prevalence in the community. Here, we use RT-qPCR to monitor wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 RNA over a 74-day time course. We show that changes in SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations follow symptom onset gathered by retrospective interview of patients but precedes clinical test results. In addition, we determine a nearly complete (98.5%) SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence from wastewater and use phylogenetic analysis to infer viral ancestry. Collectively, this work demonstrates how wastewater can be used as a proxy to monitor viral prevalence in the community and how genome sequencing can be used for genotyping viral strains circulating in a community.

Temporal detection and phylogenetic assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in municipal wastewater.

SARS-CoV-2 has recently been detected in feces, which indicates that wastewater may be used to monitor viral prevalence in the community. Here we use RT-qPCR to monitor wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 RNA over a 52-day time course. We show that changes in SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations correlate with local COVID-19 epidemiological data (R2=0.9), though detection in wastewater trails symptom onset dates by 5-8 days. We determine a near complete (98.5%) SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence from the wastewater and use phylogenic analysis to infer viral ancestry. Collectively, this work demonstrates how wastewater can be used as a proxy to monitor viral prevalence in the community and how genome sequencing can be used for high-resolution genotyping of the predominant strains circulating in a community.

Evaluation of a Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Intervention in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study in Three Senior/Community Centers of Varying Socioeconomic Status.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle program, DPP Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB), delivered in 3 economically diverse senior/community centers. Methods The DPP-GLB was implemented in 3 senior/community centers in Allegheny County, PA. A 6-month delayed control intervention design was used. Participants were randomized to begin the DPP-GLB immediately (immediate) or after a 6-month delay (delayed). Adults (n = 134; mean age = 62.8 years) with BMI ≥24 kg/m2 and prediabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome took part. Weight, physical activity (PA), and diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were assessed at 6, 12, and 18 months from baseline. Results At 6 months, the immediate group demonstrated greater mean weight loss than the delayed control group as well as significantly greater improvements in PA, A1C, fasting insulin, and waist circumference. In pre-post analyses, both randomized groups showed similar success that was maintained at 18 months. Conclusions The DPP-GLB delivered in economically diverse community centers was effective in this group of older adults. These findings support provision of coverage for prevention programs in older adults at risk for diabetes/CVD, which is important considering the large number of individuals who will be Medicare eligible in the near future.

Factors related to lifestyle goal achievement in a diabetes prevention program dissemination study.

The U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed that lifestyle participants who achieved ≥7% weight loss and ≥150 min/week physical activity experienced the greatest reduction in type 2 diabetes incidence. Demographic, clinical, and program factors that are related to achieving both these lifestyle goals have seldom been explored in community-delivered DPP programs. The purpose of this investigation is to examine factors associated with concurrent achievement of weight loss and physical activity goals in a 12-month community DPP lifestyle intervention. Adults [n = 223; age = 58.4 (SD = 11.5); BMI = 33.8 (SD = 6.0)] with glucose or HbA1c values in the pre-diabetes range and/or metabolic syndrome risk factors enrolled from one worksite and three community centers in the Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area between January 2011 and January 2014. Logistic regression analyses determined the demographic, clinical and program adherence factors related to goal achievement at 6, 12, and 18 months. Participants achieving both intervention goals at 6 months (n = 57) were more likely to attend sessions [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =1.48], self-weigh (AOR = 1.19), and self-monitor behaviors (AOR = 1.18) than those meeting neither goal (n = 35; all p < 0.05). Baseline BMI (AOR = 0.87, p < 0.01), elevated glycemic status (AOR = 0.49, p < 0.05), and female sex (AOR = 0.52, p < 0.05) were inversely related to goal achievement at 6 months. Meeting either lifestyle goal at 6 months had the strongest association with meeting both goals at 12 and 18 months. Our study supports the importance of early engagement, regular attendance, self-monitoring, and self-weighing for goal achievement. Dissemination efforts should consider alternative approaches for those not meeting goals by 6 months to enhance long-term success.

Physical Activity Levels in a Community Lifestyle Intervention: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: A behavioral lifestyle intervention program with goals of increasing physical activity (PA) and losing weight was shown to be efficacious for preventing type 2 diabetes and decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease in the U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Modified versions of the DPP lifestyle intervention are being translated into diverse community settings and have been successful in decreasing weight and improving metabolic markers. However, comprehensive evaluations of PA levels within these community translation intervention efforts are rare. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a DPP-based community lifestyle intervention for improving PA levels. METHODS: 223 overweight adults at-risk for type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease were randomized (immediate or 6-month delayed-start) to a 12-month DPP-based lifestyle intervention. Past-month PA level was assessed at baseline and post-intervention with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Simple and mixed-effects regression models were used to determine changes in PA level between and within groups over time. RESULTS: The between-group mean difference for change in PA levels from baseline to 6 months indicated significantly greater improvement in the intervention compared to the delayed-start group [+6.72 (SE=3.01) MET-hrs/week; p=0.03]. Examining combined within-group change from baseline to post-intervention, mean PA levels significantly increased by +14.69 (SE=1.43) and +9.50 (SE= 1.40) MET-hrs/week at 6 and 12 months post-intervention, respectively. This PA change offset to approximately +10 MET-hrs/week at both 6 and 12 months after adjusting for baseline PA level and season (all; p<0.01). Other than season, sex impacted on change in PA level. CONCLUSIONS: This community-based lifestyle intervention significantly increased PA levels among overweight adults at risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for key variables. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01050205.

Improving employee health: evaluation of a worksite lifestyle change program to decrease risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an evidence-based, behavioral lifestyle intervention program delivered at a worksite setting is effective in improving type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors. METHODS: A randomized 6-month delayed control design was utilized, with two thirds of the participants assigned to begin intervention immediately, and one third beginning 6 months later. The year-long program (weekly for 3 months transitioning to monthly) focused on weight loss and increasing physical activity. RESULTS: The immediate intervention group had greater mean weight loss (-10.4 lb, 5.1%, vs -2.3 lb, 1%; P = 0.0001) than the delayed control group at 6 months and relatively greater improvements in activity, HbA1c, and other risk factors. The delayed group experienced similar improvements after completing the intervention program. CONCLUSIONS: A worksite behavioral lifestyle intervention is feasible and effective in significantly improving risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Evaluation of non-invasive screening measures to identify individuals with prediabetes.

AIMS: Because blood-based screening to identify those with prediabetes to take part in Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) translation efforts can be costly and time-consuming, non-invasive methods are needed. The aims of this paper are to evaluate the ability of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) risk test in identifying individuals with prediabetes, as well as the use of body composition measures for this purpose. In addition the utility of these alternate methods to ascertain the presence of the metabolic syndrome was assessed. METHODS: Potential participants were recruited from a worksite and three community centers to take part in a DPP translation study. Participants completed onsite screening where anthropometric measures, fasting lipids and glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were assessed. Those with a BMI ≥24 kg/m(2) and prediabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome were eligible to participate. Non-invasive screening methods were evaluated for their ability to identify those with prediabetes and the metabolic syndrome based on clinically measured values. RESULTS: All non-invasive methods were highly sensitive (68.9% to 98.5%) in the detection of prediabetes, but specificity was low (6.7% to 44.5%). None of the alternatives evaluated achieved acceptable discrimination levels in ROC analysis. Similar results were noted in identifying the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The non-invasive methods evaluated in this study effectively identify participants with prediabetes, but would also allow for enrollment of a large number of individuals who do not have prediabetes. Deciding whether to use these alternatives, blood-based measures, or a combination of both will ultimately depend on the purpose of the program and the level of flexibility regarding participant eligibility.

Implementation of diabetes prevention programs in rural areas: Montana and south-eastern Australia compared.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the key elements that enabled the Greater Green Triangle Diabetes Prevention Project (GGT DPP) and the Montana Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Prevention (CDDP) programs successful establishment and implementation in rural areas, as well as identifying specific challenges or barriers for implementation in rural communities. METHODS: Focus groups were held with the facilitators who delivered the GGT DPP in Australia and the Montana CDDP programs in the USA. Interview questions covered the facilitators' experiences with recruitment, establishing the program, the components and influence of rurality on the program, barriers and challenges to delivering the program, attributes of successful participants, and the influence of community resources and partnerships on the programs. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: establishing and implementing the diabetes prevention program in the community; strategies for recruitment and retention of participants; what works in lifestyle intervention programs; and rural-centred issues. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study have assisted in determining the factors that contribute to developing, establishing and implementing successful diabetes prevention programs in two rural areas. Recommendations to increase the likelihood of success of programs in rural communities include: securing funding early for the program; establishing support from community leaders and developing positive relationships with health care providers; creating a professional team with passion for the program; encouraging participants to celebrate their small and big successes; and developing procedures for providing post-intervention support to help participants maintain their success.

Capacity of diabetes education programs to provide both diabetes self-management education and to implement diabetes prevention services.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the capacity of diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs in urban and rural counties to provide services to patients with diagnosed diabetes, lifestyle services to persons at high risk for developing diabetes, and to assess the potential barriers to providing diabetes prevention services. METHODS: In 2009, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services conducted an Internet-based survey of all DSME programs in Montana. RESULTS: Thirty of the 39 (77%) DSME programs completed the survey. Seventy-seven percent of the urban programs and 50% of the rural programs reported a capacity to provide DSME to additional patients with diagnosed diabetes. More than 70% of the urban and the rural programs currently provide lifestyle services to patients with abnormal glucose tolerance but without diabetes. Eighty-four percent of the urban programs and 60% of the rural programs reported a capacity to provide lifestyle services to additional persons at high risk for diabetes. Eighty-five percent of the urban programs and 58% of the rural programs have already implemented or intend to implement a lifestyle intervention service consistent with the Diabetes Prevention Program. Overall, the most frequently reported barriers to implementing a diabetes prevention services were lack of reimbursement (80%) and the lack of staff to provide the service (60%). CONCLUSION: Urban and rural DSME programs in Montana have the capacity to implement both DSME for patients with diagnosed diabetes and diabetes prevention lifestyle services to additional people at high risk for diabetes. Reimbursement for diabetes prevention services is critical to ensure program development and implementation.

Factors associated with achieving a weight loss goal among participants in an adapted Diabetes Prevention Program.

AIMS: To assess the factors associated with achieving the 7% weight loss goal among participants enrolled in an adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). METHODS: Adults at high-risk (N=989) for CVD and diabetes were enrolled in the lifestyle intervention. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with achieving the weight loss goal. RESULTS: Overall 37% of participants achieved the weight loss goal. Participants who were older, male, had a lower baseline BMI, self-monitored their fat and caloric intake more frequently, and who achieved higher levels of physical activity were more likely to achieve the weight loss goal compared to participants without these characteristics. In multivariate analyses more frequent self-monitoring of fat and caloric intake and higher levels of weekly physical activity were the only factors independently associated with participant achievement of the weight loss goal. CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world translation of the DPP lifestyle intervention participants who achieved the weight loss goal were more likely to have monitored their dietary intake frequently and increased their physical activity markedly both in a dose-response relationship. Our findings highlight the importance of supporting participants in lifestyle interventions to initiate and maintain dietary self-monitoring and increased levels of physical activity.

Factors associated with the maintenance or achievement of the weight loss goal at follow-up among participants completing an adapted diabetes prevention program.

AIMS: This study evaluated factors associated with achievement or maintenance of a 7% weight loss goal post intervention among adults at high-risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes who participated in an adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-risk adults completed the intervention in 2008 or 2009 (N=466). In 2010, we conducted a follow-up survey of participants to assess characteristics, behaviors and barriers associated with the maintenance or achievement of the weight loss goal. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of respondents (73/188) maintained or achieved the goal post intervention. Participants who achieved the goal were more likely to have attended more intervention sessions, and to have lost more weight during the intervention compared to participants who did not achieve the goal. Participants who achieved or maintained the goal post intervention were more likely to engage in behaviors related to weight loss maintenance. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest maintenance or achievement of a weight loss goal post intervention among participants in an adapted lifestyle intervention is consistent with the original DPP. Our findings also highlight the relationship between maintaining or achieving a weight loss goal post intervention and behaviors that can be reinforced and barriers that can be mitigated.

Implementing a state-based cardiovascular disease and diabetes prevention program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate weight loss and cardiometabolic risk reduction achieved through an adapted Diabetes Prevention Program intervention among adults at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight health care facilities implemented a group-based lifestyle intervention beginning in 2008. Participants attended 16 weekly core sessions followed by 6 monthly after core sessions. RESULTS: A total of 1,003 participants were enrolled, 816 (81%) completed the core and 578 (58%) completed the after core. Of participants completing the core and after core, 45 and 49% achieved the 7% weight loss goal, respectively. There were significant improvements in blood pressure, fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol among participants completing the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate it is feasible for state-coordinated CVD and diabetes prevention programs to achieve significant weight loss and improve cardiometabolic risk.