Amylase and lipase levels in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal study in rhesus monkeys.

Latent associations between low serum amylase and reduced plasma insulin levels and increased adiposity have been described previously in a small study of asymptomatic middle-aged humans. In the present study, we sought to determine the nature of such changes during the longitudinal progression from metabolically normal to overt type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in nonhuman primates (NHPs), a disease that appears to be the same in both pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms as that which most commonly develops in middle-aged adult humans. Amylase and lipase levels were characterized in 157 unrelated adult rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta); 38% developed T2DM while under study. In all monkeys, multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that amylase could be negatively predicted by % body fat (ß -0.29; p = 0.002), age (ß -0.27; p = 0.005), and HbA1c (ß -0.18; p = 0.037). Amylase levels were positively predicted by lipase levels (ß = 0.19; p = -0.024) in all NHPs included in the study. Amylase was significantly lower in NHPs with metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001), prediabetes (PreDM) (p < 0.001), and T2DM (p < 0.001) compared to metabolically normal adult NHPs. Lipase increased in NHPs with PreDM (p = 0.005) and T2DM (p = 0.04) compared to normal NHPs. This is the first longitudinal study of any species, including humans, to show the dynamics of amylase and lipase during the metabolic progression from normal to metabolic syndrome, to PreDM and then to overt T2DM. The extraordinary similarity between humans and monkeys in T2DM, in pancreatic pathophysiology and in metabolic functions give these findings high translational value.

Disparate Risk Factors Among Pregnant Veterans Using Veterans Administration Health Benefits for Community-Based Obstetrical Care.

INTRODUCTION: Veterans using the Veterans Administration Health Care System (VAHCS) for obstetrical care experience disparate pregnancy-related risks and health outcomes when compared to their pregnant counterparts. This study examined the prevalence of risk factors associated with pregnancy-related comorbidities among U.S. Veterans receiving obstetrical care using VAHCS benefits in Birmingham, Alabama. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of pregnant Veterans receiving care at a large Veterans Administration facility from 2018 to 2021. Using one-sample t-tests, the data from the study charts were compared to the Alabama overall prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use, pregnancy-related hypertension/preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes and, when the Alabama data were unavailable, the U.S. national average prevalence of overweight, obesity, pre-pregnancy hypertension, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety among patients receiving obstetrical care. The institutional review board at the Birmingham VAHCS approved the study, with an exemption for human subjects research. RESULTS: The study sample (N = 210) experienced higher levels of obesity (42.3% vs. 24.3%, P < .001), tobacco (21.9% vs. 10.8%, P < .001) and alcohol (19.5% vs. 5.4%, P < .001) use, pre-pregnancy hypertension (10.5% vs. 2.1%, P < .001), posttraumatic stress disorder (33.8% vs. 3.3%, P < .001), anxiety (66.7% vs. 15.2%, P < .001), and depression (66.7% vs. 15.0, P < .001). Fewer patients in the study sample were classified as overweight (16.7% vs. 25.5%, P < .001), developed pregnancy-related hypertension/preeclampsia (7.6% vs. 14.4%, P < .001), or were diagnosed with gestational diabetes (7.1% vs. 10.2%, P < .001). The results did not vary by race or age. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the need for further examination of social factors that may be driving disparities among pregnant Veterans, who may benefit from supplemental services to address modifiable comorbidities. Additionally, the implementation of a centralized database to track pregnancy-related outcomes for Veterans would allow these comorbidities to be more closely monitored and addressed. Heightened awareness of a patient's Veteran status and associated increased risks can alert providers to screen for depression and anxiety more frequently and to familiarize themselves with additional services the VAHCS may offer to patients. These steps could improve referrals to counseling and/or targeted exercise interventions.

The Triple Alliance: Microbiome, Mitochondria, and Metabolites in the Context of Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, age-related neurodegenerative disorder that affects a large proportion of the older population. It currently lacks effective treatments, placing a heavy burden on patients, families, health care systems, and society. This is mainly due to our limited comprehension of the pathophysiology of AD progression, as well as the lack of effective drug targets and intervention timing to address the underlying pathology. AD is a multifactorial condition, and emerging evidence suggests that abnormalities in the gut microbiota play a significant role as environmental and multifaceted contributors to AD, although the exact mechanisms are yet to be fully explored. Changes in the composition of microbiota influence host neuronal health through their metabolites. These metabolites regulate intestinal epithelia, blood-brain barrier permeability, and neuroinflammation by affecting mitochondrial function. The decline in the proportion of beneficial microbes and their essential metabolites during aging and AD is directly linked to poor mitochondrial function, although the specific mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we discuss recent developments in understanding the impact of the microbiome and its metabolites on various cell types, their influence on the integrity of the gut and blood-brain barriers, systemic and brain inflammation, and cell-specific effects in AD pathology. This information is expected to pave the way for a new understanding of the interactions between microbiota and mitochondria in AD, providing a foundation for the development of novel treatments for AD.

Physical Activity among Colorectal Cancer Patients and Survivors in Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding physical activity (PA) levels is important when developing tertiary cancer prevention interventions, especially in Egypt where colorectal cancer (CRC) is more often diagnosed at later stages and at a younger age of onset (≤40 years). METHODS: We assessed PA levels among CRC patients and survivors in Alexandria, Egypt. All participants completed two self-reported PA assessments: Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Participants could opt to wear an accelerometer for seven days. Results were compared against WHO recommendations of ≥150 minutes or ≥600 metabolic equivalents of tasks (METs) of moderate-to-vigorous PA weekly. RESULTS: Of 86 participants enrolled, all completed the surveys and 29 agreed to accelerometer use. Prevalence of meeting PA recommendations was 62.8% based on the GPAQ, 14.0% based on GLTEQ, and 41% based on accelerometer. Based on the GPAQ, very few respondents reported vigorous occupational, vigorous recreational, or moderate recreational activity (median = 0 with interquartile range [IQR] of 0 - 0 weekly minutes for all three) while most activity resulted from moderate occupational and transportation (median [IQR] of 60 [0-840] and 60 [0-187.5] weekly minutes, respectively). Participants meeting PA recommendations were less likely to be married (p = 0.043) according to GPAQ and more likely to be female (p=0.047) and early cancer stage (p=0.007) by GLTEQ. CONCLUSION: Non-leisure free-living PA is a major contributor to meeting PA recommendations while leisure-time PA is a potential target for future interventions that increase PA in this population.

Low serum creatinine, a surrogate marker of muscle mass, correlates with insulin sensitivity in nonhuman primates.

OBJECTIVES: Decreased serum creatinine levels are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in humans, however, its association with muscle mass and insulin sensitivity have not been studied in NHPs. METHODS: Retrospective data of 229 adult NHPs were studied for association of serum creatinine levels with muscle mass and onset of T2DM. RESULTS: Serum creatinine levels were positively correlated with lean muscle mass in nondiabetic (non-DM), male and female NHPs. Aged NHPs had significantly reduced lean muscle mass and corresponding creatinine levels compared to young age groups (p < .001). Creatinine was positively correlated with insulin sensitivity in nonDM male NHPs and significant decrease in creatinine was observed in T2DM (p < .001) compared to same age group nonDM NHPs. CONCLUSIONS: The pathophysiology of T2DM in NHPs is similar to humans, low creatinine further provides utility of surrogate biomarkers of lower muscle mass and risk factor for T2DM NHPs.

Considering social determinants of health in the relationship between physical activity and exercise engagement and cognitive impairment among persons with epilepsy.

Many persons with epilepsy (PWE) are not as active or physically fit as compared to the general population. This lack of engagement in physical activity has been attributed to a number of factors, few of which take into consideration the social determinants of health (SDH). In this perspective, we highlight how SDH are considered in explaining lower levels of physical activity engagement among PWE, particularly for those experiencing cognitive impairment. We also discuss how these data can be applied in research to yield a greater impact on the quality of life among PWE. Consideration of SDH allows for increased understanding of how cognition can be both a determinant of physical activity and an outcome of environments conducive to physical activity in PWE.

Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Theory-Based Intervention to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increasing in Egypt. Because no national screening guidelines exist, developing an effective evidence-based screening intervention could lower rates by early detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions and polyps. This paper describes the development of a CRC screening intervention in Alexandria, Egypt using Intervention Mapping (IM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2019 and March 2020, the successive steps of the IM process were completed. Beginning with the needs assessment, we conducted a literature review, held focus groups with residents of Alexandria, and conducted interviews with local gastroenterologists and oncologists. Program objectives and target audience were determined before designing the program components and implementation plan. Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED theoretical model, predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling screening barriers were assessed. Finally, we developed a Standard Operating Procedures manual detailing aspects of the intervention and evaluation to serve as a model for an expanded screening program. RESULTS: The needs assessment, e.g., literature review, seven focus groups (N=61 participants) and interviews (N=17 participants), indicated that barriers among residents included CRC knowledge deficits, fear/anxiety regarding testing, high cost, and lack of accessibility. Physicians believed CRC testing should only be performed for high risk individuals. Findings from each step of the process informed successive steps. Our final intervention consisted of training components for medical students (Health Champions) who would deliver the intervention to patients in primary care waiting rooms, providing short descriptions of CRC risks and screening, educational brochures, and distributing vouchers for no-cost guaiac fecal occult blood test kits. Health Champions would then follow up with the patients, providing results and referrals for no-cost colonoscopy testing for those with abnormal results. CONCLUSION: Utilizing the IM steps successfully led to development of a theory-based CRC screening intervention for Egypt. Next steps include the implementation of a feasibility pilot intervention.

Willingness to participate in various nontherapeutic cancer research activities among urban and rural African American and Latinx healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: Inclusion of racial/ethnic minorities in cancer research can reduce disparities in health outcomes; however, data regarding barriers and motivators to participation are sparse. This study assessed African American (AA) and Latinx healthy volunteers' perspectives regarding willingness to participate in noninvasive and invasive research activities. METHODS: Using a 38-item questionnaire adapted from the Tuskegee Legacy Project Questionnaire, we assessed willingness to participate in 12 research activities, offering 27 possible barriers and 14 motivators. The sample was segmented into four subgroups by AA/Latinx and rural/urban. RESULTS: Across five states and Puerto Rico, 533 participants completed questionnaires. Overall, participants were more willing to participate in noninvasive versus invasive procedures, although, all subgroups were willing to participate in research if asked. Rural AA were most willing to complete a survey or saliva sample, while rural Latinx were least willing. Urban AA were least willing to provide cheek swab, while rural counterparts were most willing. Self-benefit and benefit to others were among the top three motivators for all subgroups. Curiosity was a primary motivator for urban AA while obtaining health information motivated rural Latinx. Primary barriers included fears of side effects and being experimented on, lack of information, and lack of confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS: Latinx and AAs are willing to participate in the continuum of nontherapeutic research activities suggesting their lack of participation may be related to not being asked. Inclusive enrollment may be achieved by assessing needs of participants during the design phase of a study in order to reduce barriers to participation.

Iron deficiency, but not anemia, is identified in naturally occurring obesity and insulin resistance in male nonhuman primates.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the development of iron deficiency in obesity and its long-term impact on the profile of anemia in spontaneously obese nonhuman primates. METHODS: The study included 69 adult male nonhuman primates, (NHPs, Macaca mulatta, rhesus monkeys), ranging from normal to obese, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) as defined for humans. RESULTS: Iron deficiency was present in 31.9% and mild anemia in 13% of the rhesus monkey in the colony. Serum iron levels were significantly lower in obese (p < .01) and T2D (p < .01)) compared with normal NHP. Obese NHPs also had significantly higher hemoglobin (p < .05), and red blood cell count (p < .05) than normal weight NHPs, thus not related to anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency with increased hemoglobin and red blood cells was significantly associated with increased adiposity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Iron deficiency does not cause and is not related to anemia in obese and T2D NHPs.

Latinx Immigrant Mothers' Perceived Self-Efficacy and Intentions Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccination of Their Daughters.

OBJECTIVE: Racial and ethnic disparities persist in cervical cancer cases, 90% of which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Suboptimal vaccine uptake is problematic, particularly among Latinx women, who have the highest cervical cancer incidence compared with other racial/ethnic groups. We examined the association of self-efficacy and HPV vaccination intention among Latinx immigrant mothers of unvaccinated 9- to 12-year-old girls. METHODS: An interviewer-administered survey assessed baseline sociodemographic information, knowledge and perceived risk of cervical cancer and HPV, self-efficacy, and intention to vaccinate among 313 Latinx immigrant mothers in Alabama from 2013 to 2017 before the implementation of an intervention to promote HPV vaccination. RESULTS: Participants were, on average, 35 years old, with 9 years of education, and had lived in the United States for 12 years. Mothers who perceived their daughters were at risk of HPV infection were more likely to be vaccine intent than their hesitant counterparts (p < .001). Vaccine hesitancy was more common in those with lower education, low HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, and lower perceived self-efficacy scores (p < .001). Self-efficacy was associated with vaccine intention when controlling for other variables (p < .001). The only variable associated with self-efficacy was HPV awareness (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Programs promoting HPV vaccination among Latinx immigrants should include educational components regarding risks of HPV infection and cervical cancers in addition to information regarding access to vaccination services. Knowledge of risks and access may heighten perceptions of self-efficacy and improve vaccine uptake among this population.

Control of ß-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein-Cleaving Enzyme-1 Expression by Protein Kinase C-λ/ι and Nuclear Factor κ-B.

Βackground: ß-Amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) initiates the production of Aß-peptides that form Aß-plaque in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: Reportedly, acute insulin treatment in normal mice, and hyperinsulinemia in high-fat-fed (HFF) obese/diabetic mice, increase BACE1 activity and levels of Aß-peptides and phospho- -thr-231-tau in the brain; moreover, these effects are blocked by PKC-λ/ι inhibitors. However, as chemical inhibitors may affect unsuspected targets, we presently used knockout methodology to further examine PKC-λ/ι requirements. We found that total-body heterozygous PKC-λ knockout reduced acute stimulatory effects of insulin and chronic effects of hyperinsulinemia in HFF/obese/diabetic mice, on brain PKC-λ activity and production of Aß1-40/42 and phospho-thr-231-tau. This protection in HFF mice may reflect that hepatic PKC-λ haploinsufficiency prevents the development of glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. RESULTS: On the other hand, heterozygous knockout of PKC-λ markedly reduced brain levels of BACE1 protein and mRNA, and this may reflect diminished activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB), which is activated by PKC-λ and increases BACE1 and proinflammatory cytokine transcription. Accordingly, whereas intravenous administration of aPKC inhibitor diminished aPKC activity and BACE1 levels by 50% in the brain and 90% in the liver, nasally-administered inhibitor reduced aPKC activity and BACE1 mRNA and protein levels by 50-70% in the brain while sparing the liver. Additionally, 24-hour insulin treatment in cultured human-derived neurons increased NFκB activity and BACE1 levels, and these effects were blocked by various PKC-λ/ι inhibitors. CONCLUSION: PKC-λ/ι controls NFκB activity and BACE1 expression; PKC-λ/ι inhibitors may be used nasally to target brain PKC-λ/ι or systemically to block both liver and brain PKC-λ/ι, to regulate NFκB-dependent BACE1 and proinflammatory cytokine expression.

Roles of hepatic atypical protein kinase C hyperactivity and hyperinsulinemia in insulin-resistant forms of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diet-induced obesity, the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (DIO/MetS/T2DM), and their adverse sequelae have reached pandemic levels. In mice, DIO/MetS/T2DM initiation involves diet-dependent increases in lipids that activate hepatic atypical PKC (aPKC) and thereby increase lipogenic enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines. These or other hepatic aberrations, via adverse liver-to-muscle cross talk, rapidly impair postreceptor insulin signaling to glucose transport in muscle. The ensuing hyperinsulinemia further activates hepatic aPKC, which first blocks the ability of Akt to suppress gluconeogenic enzyme expression, and later impairs Akt activation, further increasing hepatic glucose production. Recent findings suggest that hepatic aPKC also increases a proteolytic enzyme that degrades insulin receptors. Fortunately, all hepatic aberrations and muscle impairments are prevented/reversed by inhibition or deficiency of hepatic aPKC. But, in the absence of treatment, hyperinsulinemia induces adverse events, some by using "spare receptors" to bypass receptor defects. Thus, in brain, hyperinsulinemia increases Aß-plaque precursors and Alzheimer risk; in kidney, hyperinsulinemia activates the renin-angiotensin-adrenal axis, thus increasing vasoconstriction, sodium retention, and cardiovascular risk; and in liver, hyperinsulinemia increases lipogenesis, obesity, hepatosteatosis, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular risk. In summary, increases in hepatic aPKC are critically required for development of DIO/MetS/T2DM and its adverse sequelae, and therapeutic approaches that limit hepatic aPKC may be particularly effective.

The Obesity Society is turning 40: A history of the early years.

The North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO), the precursor of The Obesity Society (TOS), was founded in 1981 and turns 40 years old in 2021. The Society was organized by George Bray along with John Brunzell, C. Wayne Callaway, M.R.C. Greenwood, and Judith Stern. It held its foundational meeting with a theme of "Types of Obesity: Animal Models and Clinical Applications" at Vassar College in the fall of 1982 along with symposia and an NIH workshop titled "Methods of Characterizing Human Obesity." At a follow-up meeting during the Fourth International Congress on Obesity, Barbara Hansen was elected President, Judith Stern Secretary, and Anne Sullivan Treasurer. Incorporation of NAASO occurred in 1984.

It Takes Two to Tango: Patients' and Providers' Perspectives in Tobacco Cessation and Head/Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco cessation among patients with head/neck cancer continues to be challenging despite evidence that cessation improves treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand barriers/facilitators to tobacco cessation among patients with head/neck cancer and health care providers and to obtain perspectives toward the development of a patient-centered tobacco cessation intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews with 10 health care providers and 21 patients with head/neck cancer (12 inpatients and 9 outpatients) who were current or former smokers. RESULTS: Health was a common motivator to quit among patients. Although most patients indicated that their health care provider asked and advised them to quit, they were unaware of cessation resources. Suggestions for a tobacco cessation program included involvement of former smokers, health care provider involvement/counseling, supporting written materials, and incorporating follow-up and family support. Health care providers identified patients' anger/frustration associated with the disease, social/demographic issues, and poor quality of life as the three most frequent challenges in treating patients. Although all providers reported asking about tobacco use, 70% emphasized a lack of formal training in tobacco cessation and lack of time. Their suggestions for a cessation program included having a "quarterback" responsible for this component with support from the entire health care team and continuity between outpatient and inpatient services to promote cessation, prevent relapse, and highlight the importance of follow-up and social support. CONCLUSION: There is great interest and need, both from patients and providers, for tobacco cessation services in the oncology setting tailored for patients with head/neck cancer in the context of cancer care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Although the combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral intervention is the standard evidence-based treatment for tobacco dependence, it must be adapted to meet the needs and wants of patients and providers to be effective. This study provides an in-depth examination of such needs among patients with head and neck cancer and providers in the context of cancer care. Providers and patients emphasized the need of having a trained health care provider dedicated to providing tobacco cessation through seamless integration between outpatient and inpatient services as well as follow-up with an emphasis on family involvement throughout the process.

Willingness of Latinx and African Americans to Participate in Nontherapeutic Trials: It Depends on Who Runs the Research.

Background: Inclusion of racial/ethnic minorities in cancer-related research remains inadequate, continuing to impact disparate health outcomes. Data regarding enrollment of racial/ethnic minorities in nontherapeutic, health-related research is sparse, and even less is known about enrollment of those with a double disparity of racial/ethnic minorities in rural settings. Objective: To examine perspectives of Latinx and African American (AA) healthy volunteers from rural and urban settings in five southern US states and Puerto Rico regarding their trust in research and their willingness to participate in nontherapeutic research trials based on who conducts the research. Methods: This study was conducted in 2013 in rural and urban communities across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico. A 38-item questionnaire based on the Tuskegee Legacy Project Questionnaire assessed willingness, motivators, and barriers to participation in nontherapeutic cancer-related research. The sample was segmented into four subgroups by urban/rural location and race/ethnicity. Results: Of 553 participants (rural Latinx=151, urban Latinx=158, rural AA=122, urban AA=122), more than 90% had never been asked to participate in research, yet 75% of those asked agreed to participate. Most had positive views regarding health-related research. Trust in who conducted research varied by subgroup. Personal doctors and university hospitals were most trusted by all subgroups; for-profit and tobacco companies were least trusted. Both Latinx subgroups trusted pharmaceutical companies more than AAs; local hospitals and for-profit businesses were more trusted by AAs. Both rural subgroups trusted research by insurance companies more than their urban counterparts. Conclusions: If asked, rural and urban AA and Latinx healthy volunteers were willing to participate in health-related research, with personal doctors and university hospitals considered the most trusted sources to encourage/conduct research.

Factors Associated with Perceived Susceptibility to COVID-19 Among Urban and Rural Adults in Alabama.

We examined factors associated with and reasons for perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 among urban and rural adults in Alabama. We surveyed 575 eligible participants' engagement in preventive behaviors, concern about COVID-19 in their communities, perceived susceptibility to the virus, and reasons for susceptibility across three response options (Yes, No, and Don't Know/Not Sure). Bivariate analyses compared characteristics by level of perceived susceptibility to COVID-19. A multinomial logistic regression model evaluated the association of demographics, health insurance coverage, and chronic illness status with perceived susceptibility. Participants' race, gender, and educational attainment were significantly associated with perceived susceptibility to COVID-19. African Americans and males had higher odds of responding 'No', compared to 'Yes' and 'Don't Know/Not Sure' than Whites and females. Participants with a high school education and lower had higher odds of responding 'Don't Know/Not Sure' versus 'Yes' compared to those with college or higher education. Those unconcerned about COVID-19 in their community had higher odds of responding 'No' (OR = 2.51, CI 1.35-4.68) and 'Don't Know/Not Sure' (OR = 2.51, CI 1.26-4.99) versus 'Yes', as compared to those who were concerned. Possibility of exposure at work was the most frequent reasons for perceiving themselves susceptible to COVID-19, engagement in recommended preventive measures was the most frequent reason among respondents who indicated 'No', and uncertainty/perception that everyone is at risk was the most frequent reason among the ones who indicated 'Don't Know/Not Sure'. Results indicate that tailored efforts to heighten perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 among specific demographics are needed.

Confronting COVID-19 in under-resourced, African American neighborhoods: a qualitative study examining community member and stakeholders' perceptions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of COVID-19 related to prevention, coping, and testing of African American residents in under-resourced communities in Alabama. DESIGN: Guided by the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, virtual focus groups were conducted in five urban and rural Alabama communities using secure Zoom meetings. Community residents and stakeholders (N = 36 total) participated; meetings were audio- and video-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to Thematic Analysis. Themes were organized by the PRECEDE portion of the model in Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling barriers and facilitators in three focus areas: prevention, coping, and testing. RESULTS: Prevention barriers included apathy, difficulty with social distancing, lack of information, mixed messages from authority figures, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). Prevention facilitators included concerns about contracting COVID-19, clear and consistent messages from trusted sources, contact tracing, and the provision of PPE. Coping barriers included food insecurity, mental health issues, isolation, economic hardships, lack of health care access, and issues with virtual schooling and church services, which were exacerbated by the inability to connect to the internet. Facilitators to coping included religious faith, increased physical activity, and a sense of hope. Testing barriers included misunderstanding, fear, mistrust, testing restrictions, and location of testing sites. Facilitators to testing included incentives, clear information from trusted sources, convenient testing locations, and free tests. CONCLUSION: Gaining community members' perspectives can identify barriers and facilitators to prevention, coping, and testing and potentially improve outcomes. While addressing the social determinants of health (e.g. income, education, medical trust) would be an effective path by which to diminish health disparities related to COVID-19, there is an urgent need to mitigate the spread and severity of COVID-19 in vulnerable populations. Interventions should focus on downstream determinants, such as those emerging from our study.

Assessing Tobacco Cessation Needs Among Persons Living With HIV in Brazil: Results From a Qualitative Interview Study.

ABSTRACT: With regard to tobacco cessation, persons living with HIV (PLWH) are an underserved population, given the high prevalence of use and lack of evidence-based cessation programs tailored to this population. This study examined barriers and facilitators to tobacco use and cessation among PLWH in southern Brazil. We interviewed a total of 36 PLWH: 26 current smokers, of whom eight had a previous diagnosis of pulmonary TB, and 10 former smokers. Motivations for smoking included anxiety relief, social influence, and habitual behaviors. Motivations to quit included bad smell/taste and consequences/symptoms. Barriers to cessation included cost of pharmacological aids, distance to treatment, and reluctance to seek tobacco cessation services at the public primary care clinics due to confidentiality concerns. Participants favored individual or group interventions, no-cost pharmacologic aids, and assured confidentiality. There are specific contextual factors associated with tobacco cessation among PLWH in Brazil, which have important clinical, research, and policy implications.

A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate a Community-Based Healthy Eating and Nutrition Label Interpretation Intervention Among Latinx Immigrant Mothers and Their Daughters.

We evaluated outcomes from a healthy eating/nutrition label interpretation intervention among Latinx immigrant mothers and their daughters, aged 9-12 years, in Alabama. Between May 2013-October 2017, this cluster randomized controlled trial assigned 299 mother-daughter dyads to either a healthy eating (intervention) or HPV vaccination (control) study arm. Participants attended four group sessions delivered in Spanish by Lay Health Educators covering portion sizes, healthy eating/cooking strategies, and nutrition label reading/interpretation. An individual session in participants' homes reviewed pantries and developed healthy eating plans. Identical interviewer-administered surveys were completed at baseline and 7-month follow-up by both study arms. Retention rate at follow-up was 93.4% in intervention arm (92.6% in control arm). Positive changes in healthy eating behaviors and proficiency in nutrition label interpretation were assessed. Adjusting for marital status, employment status, and health insurance coverage status, when compared to controls, mothers in the intervention arm had greater odds of increasing daily fruit and vegetable consumption (OR 3.66, 95% CI 2.14-6.27, p < 0.001), decreasing weekly fried food intake (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.3-8.04, p < 0.001), decreasing daily sweetened beverages (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.22-3.52, p < 0.01), increasing frequency of reading nutrition labels (OR 12.58, 95% CI 6.81-23.22, p < 0.001), and correctly interpreting nutrition labels (OR 4.45, 95% CI 2.64-7.48, p < 0.001). Significant positive changes in targeted behaviors were not observed among daughters. A community-based, culturally relevant intervention that includes nutrition label interpretation can positively influence eating habits among Latinx immigrant mothers.

HPV vaccine uptake among daughters of Latinx immigrant mothers: Findings from a cluster randomized controlled trial of a community-based, culturally relevant intervention.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the efficacy of a culturally relevant, community-based HPV vaccination intervention among Latinx immigrant mothers with daughters aged 9-12 in Alabama. METHODS: We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial with "place of residence" (e.g., apartment complexes, trailer parks) as the unit of randomization that evaluated two interventions: 1) promotion of HPV vaccination and 2) promotion of healthy eating and appropriate nutrition label interpretation. Identical baseline/post/7-month follow up questionnaires were completed by all participants and both interventions consisted of four group sessions and one individual session. A total of 40 locations were randomized with 317 mother-daughter dyads enrolled in the study between May 2013 and October 2017. RESULTS: A total of 278 mother-daughter dyads met full eligibility and initiated the intervention/control participation. Retention rate overall was 93.2% (92.6% for the intervention arm and 93.7% for the control arm). Daughters in the intervention arm were significantly more likely to receive one, two, and three doses of HPV vaccine than daughters in the control arm p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, mothers in the intervention arm had a six times greater odds of vaccinating daughters with the first dose (OR = 5.96, 95% CI: 3.38, 10.49), eight times greater odds of vaccinating daughters with the second dose (OR = 8.09, 95% CI: 4.0, 16.35), and more than 16 times greater odds of completing the three-dose HPV vaccine series than mothers in the control arm after adjusting for mother's age, time in the U.S., income, and daughter's health insurance status (OR = 16.5, 95% CI: 5.73, 47.48). Only perceived risk of their daughters' future HPV infection remained significant as a predictor of three-dose HPV vaccination completion (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.23, 2.1). CONCLUSIONS: A theory-driven, culturally-relevant intervention developed through extensive formative assessments in collaboration with community members can effectively promote HPV vaccination among 9-12 years of age daughters of Latina immigrants.