Research Guided by the Theory of Care-Seeking Behavior: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: A particular Theory of Care-Seeking Behavior was developed to explain care-seeking behavior with psychosocial concepts, external conditions, and clinical and demographic factors. Having a careful review of studies based on this theory could guide future research on care-seeking behaviors. OBJECTIVES: With a scoping review: describe characteristics of studies guided by a Theory of Care-Seeking Behavior, summarize support for the relationships of proposed, explanatory variables with care-seeking behaviors, and examine support for propositions in the theory. METHOD: Searching 5 electronic databases, we sought studies that were: full-text, peer-reviewed, in English, data-based, guided by the theory, and published from January 1, 1992, to January 1, 2022. RESULTS: Across 18 identified articles, the behaviors studied included: symptomatic screening (n = 8), asymptomatic screening (n = 7), and care-seeking behaviors for either screening or symptoms (n = 3). A total of 3328 adults participated in the studies. In 16 studies, all participants were female. In 60% to 83% of studies, researchers had reported findings that supported the relationships of explanatory concepts with care-seeking behavior. Among the 7 studies that tested the 2 propositions of theory, all 7 tests failed to support the proposition that clinical and demographic factors influence care-seeking behavior indirectly through psychosocial variables. Six tests supported the proposition that psychosocial variables influence behavior conditionally, on external conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Relationships of these explanatory variables with care-seeking behaviors were supported, as was 1 of 2 propositions. The Theory of Care-Seeking Behavior can be applied to new clinical situations to continue to build knowledge of the theory and understanding of care-seeking behaviors.

Women Veterans' Barriers to Care-Seeking for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Women veterans have a high prevalence of traditional and nontraditional risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including obesity and posttraumatic stress disorder. Experts from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have called for actions to improve the cardiovascular health of this population. One approach is to assess women veterans' barriers to care-seeking for CVD prevention, to inform future intervention research. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe women veterans' barriers to care-seeking for CVD prevention, guided by the theory of care-seeking behavior and concept awareness. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional, descriptive design, a national sample of 245 women veterans participated in an online survey about barriers to care-seeking. Participants provided narrative responses to open-ended items, endorsements to closed-ended items, and rankings of their top five barriers. Researchers conducted poststratification weighting of numerical data to reflect the women veteran population. RESULTS: Narrative responses described unaffordable and inaccessible services, feeling harassed or not respected in healthcare settings, and lack of awareness of risks for CVD. Frequently endorsed barriers were unaffordable and inaccessible services. Frequently ranked barriers were feeling not respected in healthcare settings and clinicians not recommending CVD prevention. DISCUSSION: Findings support concepts in theory of care-seeking behavior and concept awareness. Understanding women veterans' barriers to care-seeking for CVD prevention can inform clinicians and researchers as they address these barriers.

A hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation design to evaluate a community-based, heart-healthy intervention for women of low socio-economic status.

BACKGROUND: Women of low socioeconomic status continue to experience a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease. To respond to their unique needs, we adapted the intervention and implementation strategy of an effective theory-based psychoeducational intervention for improving heart-healthy behaviors. Study aims were to evaluate implementation (i.e., reach, fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness) and effectiveness (i.e., perceived stress, common physical symptoms in primary care, physical activity, diet) of the adapted program we called mySTEPS. METHOD: We used a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation approach. To evaluate implementation, we conducted a process evaluation using data from research records, observation rubrics, and pre-/post-intervention surveys. To evaluate potential effectiveness, we used a one-group, pre-/post-test design with three, sequential offerings (16 weeks each) in unique settings, used standardized, quantitative measures at 8 weeks post-intervention, and calculated effect sizes. RESULTS: Forty-two women were included in the evaluation. For reach, 66 % and 61 % of participants attended adequate numbers of educational and coaching sessions. Supporting fidelity of delivery, nurse implementers addressed 85-98 % of required criteria. Supporting fidelity of receipt, participants' pre- to post- knowledge scores increased and other scores revealed that nurse-implementers had interacted supportively throughout mySTEPS. Participants rated the acceptability and appropriateness of components positively. Effect-sizes revealed moderate decreases in stress, moderate increases in physical activity, and modest decreases in the number of physical symptoms. Dietary scores did not change. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness and implementation of mySTEPS were positive overall. After strengthening the dietary component, more extensive evaluation of mySTEPS can be conducted to explain mechanisms of action. MESH HEADINGS: Health behavior, prevention, self-determination theory, self-regulation theory, cardiovascular diseases, implementation strategies.

Effect of a Telephone Health Coaching Intervention on Hypertension Control in Young Adults: The MyHEART Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Uncontrolled hypertension (ie, a 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure of ≥130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of ≥80 mm Hg or clinic systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg) in young adults is a US public health burden. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a telephone coaching and blood pressure self-monitoring intervention compared with usual care on changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and behaviors at 6 and 12 months. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial included male and female participants aged 18 to 39 years with uncontrolled hypertension confirmed by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure testing. This was a geographically diverse, multicentered study within 2 large, Midwestern health care systems. Data were collected from October 2017 to February 2022 and analyzed from February to June 2022. Interventions: The My Hypertension Education and Reaching Target (MyHEART) intervention consisted of telephone coaching every 2 weeks for 6 months, with home blood pressure monitoring. Control participants received routine hypertension care. Main Outcomes and Measures: The co-primary clinical outcomes were changes in 24-hour ambulatory and clinic systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 6 and 12 months. The secondary outcomes were hypertension control (defined as ambulatory systolic blood pressure <130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg or clinic systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) and changes in hypertension self-management behavior. Results: A total of 316 participants were randomized (159 to the control group and 157 to the intervention group) from October 2017 to December 2020. The median (IQR) age was 35 (31-37) years, 145 of 311 participants (46.6%) were female, and 166 (53.4%) were male; 72 (22.8%) were Black, and 222 (70.3%) were White. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups. There was no significant difference between control and intervention groups for mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic or diastolic blood pressure or clinic systolic or diastolic blood pressure at 6 or 12 months. However, there was appreciable clinical reduction in blood pressures in both study groups (eg, mean [SD] change in systolic blood pressure in intervention group at 6 months, -4.19 [9.77] mm Hg; P < .001). Hypertension control did not differ between study groups. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in home blood pressure monitoring at 6 and 12 months (eg, 13 of 152 participants [8.6%] checked blood pressure at home at least once a week at baseline vs 30 of 86 [34.9%] at 12 months; P < .001). There was a significant increase in physical activity, defined as active by the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, in the intervention group at 6 months (69 of 100 [69.0%] vs 51 of 104 [49.0%]; P = .004) but not at 12 months (49 of 86 [57.0%] vs 49 of 90 [54.4%]; P = .76). There was a significant reduction in mean (SD) sodium intake among intervention participants at 6 months (3968.20 [1725.17] mg vs 3354.72 [1365.75] mg; P = .003) but not 12 months. There were no significant differences in other dietary measures. Conclusions and Relevance: The MyHEART intervention did not demonstrate a significant change in systolic or diastolic blood pressures at 6 or 12 months between study groups; however, both study groups had an appreciable reduction in blood pressure. Intervention participants had a significant reduction in dietary sodium intake, increased physical activity, and increased home blood pressure monitoring compared with control participants. These findings suggest that the MyHEART intervention could support behavioral changes in young adults with uncontrolled hypertension. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03158051.

Concepts from behavioral theories can guide clinicians in coaching for behavior change.

OBJECTIVES: Many patients do not engage in health behaviors that can control common, chronic illnesses. Clinicians have opportunities to promote health behaviors yet may lack skills for coaching effectively about health behaviors. Our aims are to: present definitions of coaching, propose concepts for coaching about behavior change from two theories, share theory-guided research on behavior change relevant to ambulatory care settings, and delineate how concepts from these theories can guide coaching. METHODS: In our discussion, we explain how two behavioral theories are complementary and applicable to coaching, present empirical support for these theories, and describe applications of these concepts for practice. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Self-determination theory can guide clinicians in how to interact with patients to meet patients' psychological needs, to promote health behaviors, and subsequent health status. Self-regulation theory can guide coaches in what concepts to address for behavior change. These complementary theories have been supported in rigorous research with adult populations in ambulatory care settings.

Interventions for Women Veterans with Mental Health Care Needs: Findings from a Scoping Review.

Experts have prioritized research on women veterans' mental health and the delivery of gender-sensitive care. The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review of the literature to summarize interventions for women veterans with mental health care needs designed in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We identified 1,073 articles; eight were eligible for full review and represented seven unique interventions. Four studies focused on individual-level interventions; three studies focused on interpersonal-level interventions. Some attributes of gender-sensitive care included modifying the treatment environment and offering same gender clinicians. In designing interventions, clinicians and researchers can: (a) create interprofessional teams which include nurses, (b) use participatory methods to improve study designs, (c) assess participants' barriers to care prior to designing interventions, (d) incorporate and evaluate attributes of gender-sensitive care, and (e) utilize and clearly delineate how theory guides research. With improved intervention research, clinicians and researchers can support women veterans with mental health care needs.

Impact of a Rheumatology Clinic Protocol on Tobacco Cessation Quit Line Referrals.

OBJECTIVE: Smoking increases cardiopulmonary and rheumatic disease risk, yet tobacco cessation intervention is rare in rheumatology clinics. This study aimed to implement a rheumatology staff-driven protocol, Quit Connect, to increase the rate of electronic referrals (e-referrals) to free, state-run tobacco quit lines. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental cohort study of Quit Connect at 3 rheumatology clinics comparing tobacco quit line referrals from 4 baseline years to referrals during a 6-month intervention period. Nurses and medical assistants were trained to use 2 standardized electronic health record (EHR) prompts to check readiness to quit smoking within 30 days, advise cessation, and connect patients using tobacco quit line e-referral orders. Our objective was to use EHR data to examine the primary outcome of tobacco quit line referrals using pre/post design. RESULTS: Across 54,090 pre- and post-protocol rheumatology clinic visits, 4,601 were with current smokers. We compared outcomes between 4,078 eligible pre-implementation visits and 523 intervention period visits. Post-implementation, the odds of tobacco quit line referral were 26-fold higher compared to our pre-implementation rate (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 26 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 6-106]). Adjusted odds of checking readiness to quit in the next 30 days increased over 100-fold compared to pre-implementation (adjusted OR 132 [95% CI 99-177]). Intervention led to e-referrals for 71% of quit-ready patients in <90 seconds; 24% of referred patients reported a quit attempt. CONCLUSION: Implementing Quit Connect in rheumatology clinics was feasible and improved referrals to a state-run tobacco quit line. Given the importance of smoking cessation to reduce cardiopulmonary and rheumatic disease risk, future studies should investigate disseminating cessation protocols like Quit Connect that leverage tobacco quit lines.

Interactive and Participatory Audit and Feedback (IPAF): theory-based development and multi-site implementation outcomes with specialty clinic staff.

BACKGROUND: Theory-based implementation strategies, such as audit and feedback (A&F), can improve the adoption of evidence-based practices. However, few strategies have been developed and tested to meet the needs of specialty clinics. In particular, frontline staff can execute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction protocols, but A&F strategies to support them are not well examined. Our objective was to develop and evaluate a theory-based approach to A&F, Interactive and Participatory A&F (IPAF). METHODS: We developed IPAF informed by two complementary theories, self-regulation theory (SRT) and self-determination theory (SDT). IPAF applies concepts from these theories to inform (1) what to address with staff to improve rates of best practices (SRT) and (2) how to interact with staff to improve behaviors aligned with best practices (SDT). We promoted IPAF fidelity by developing a semi-structured guide to facilitate staff discussion of target behaviors, perceived barriers, goals, and action plans. We evaluated IPAF in the context of eight quasi-experimental implementations in specialty clinics across two health systems. Following a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation design, we reported intervention outcomes for CVD risk reduction elsewhere. This paper reports implementation outcomes associated with IPAF, focusing on feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, fidelity, and adoption. We evaluated implementation outcomes using mixed-methods data including electronic health record (EHR) data, team records, and staff questionnaire responses. RESULTS: Eighteen staff participated in 99 monthly, individual, synchronous (face-to-face or phone) IPAF sessions during the first 6 months of implementation. Subsequently, we provided over 375 monthly feedback emails. Feasibility data revealed high staff attendance (90-93%) and engagement in IPAF sessions. Staff highly rated questionnaire items about IPAF acceptability. Team records and staff responses demonstrated fidelity of IPAF delivery and receipt. Adoption of target behaviors increased significantly (all P values < 0.05), and adoption or behaviors were maintained for over 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and evaluated a theory-based approach to A&F with frontline staff in specialty clinics to improve the implementation of evidence-based interventions. The findings support feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, and fidelity of IPAF, and staff adoption and maintenance of target behaviors. By evaluating multi-site implementation outcomes, we extended prior research on clinic protocols and A&F beyond primary care settings and providers.

Risks for acquiring hepatitis C virus among women in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a literature review about the breadth of risks for acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) among women who are living in the United States. DESIGN: A mixed research synthesis of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies guided by the Socioecological Model and Theory of Gender and Power. SAMPLE AND ANALYTIC STRATEGY: The sample consisted of 29 studies: 10 qualitative, 18 quantitative, and one mixed-methods studies. Data were analyzed using a segregated approach and integrated into a narrative synthesis of themes by components of the Socioecological Model. RESULTS: Individual risks themes were drug use as a coping strategy, transition to injection drug use, and lack of awareness about HCV. Interpersonal risks themes were social norms of drug use and drug use and sexual activities. Community risks themes were community re-entry, housing instability, and community HCV resources. Societal risks themes are policies affecting drug markets and social construct of "worthlessness." CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need for comprehensive gender-specific HCV prevention strategies built around harm reduction. In partnership with women with lived experience, public health nurses can apply findings to build harm reduction collaborations aimed at implementing HCV risk-reduction or risk-elimination strategies.

Hepatitis C virus infections among people aged 15-44, United States, 2009-2018.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence, characteristics, and gender differences among people aged 15-44 years who are living with current HCV infections in the United States. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: We conducted a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis using data from people who participated in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles in 2009-2018. MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic, social behavior, and clinical factors that had been identified as related to having HCV, barriers to receiving HCV screening, care, or treatment, and health conditions that increase the risks of developing HCV-related complications were studied. A weighted-data analysis approach was used to generate descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The estimated, weighted prevalence of current HCV infections was 0.3% (95% CI, 0.2-0.4), representing approximately 363,161 people (95% CI, 301,402-424, 920). Females were more likely than males to have an unknown risk factor and reported worse overall health. Males were more likely to have comorbidities such as obesity or diabetes that put them at risk for developing life-threatening complications. CONCLUSIONS: Increased public health attention with gender-specific actions are needed to address the health needs of the thousands of people aged 15-44 years who are living with current HCV infections across the United States.

Different types of parental stress and childhood obesity: A systematic review of observational studies.

Different types of parental stress may influence children's health behaviors and weight. The aim of this review was to systematically examine the relationships between parental stress and child obesity. We reviewed 27 studies published through December 2018 and classified parental stress as parents' general stress, parenting role stress, and life event stress. There were positive relationships of parents' general stress and parenting role stress with child obesity among families with younger children and in longitudinal studies. The relationship between life event stress and child obesity differed by measures. We found that parenting role stress may be associated with unhealthy parenting practices. Contextual factors such as children's and parents' sex, race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family structure appeared to play a moderating role in the relationship between parents' stress and child obesity, which warrant cautious interpretation. Our recommendations for future research include clarifying further the types of parental stress that influence child obesity, evaluating long-term relationship between parental stress and child obesity, and identifying possible mediating factors to support the relationship between parents' stress and child obesity. Researchers may also consider developing stress management programs for parents to address child obesity.

Developing and Pretesting a Survey About Immigrant Women's Experiences With Postpartum Depression Screening.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a survey about immigrant women's experiences with and reasons for seeking postpartum depression (PPD) screening, to assess content validity of the survey, and to evaluate the cultural and linguistic appropriateness and acceptability for immigrant women of the survey. DESIGN: Guided by the Theory of Care-Seeking Behavior, this three-phase descriptive study involved survey development, pretesting, and revisions. SETTING: A Midwestern university town. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 9 experts rated content validity, and 12 participants who were Chinese immigrant women provided feedback on the survey. METHODS: Experts rated items on relevance. Participants provided feedback through cognitive interviews. We revised items on the basis of experts' ratings and participants' feedback. RESULTS: The average content validity index score for items was .88. Participants suggested the following improvements: editing items for use of more common terms, reducing the number and length of items, revising the flow of the survey, reformatting some questions, and clarifying items to yield desired information. Participants' spontaneous comments affirmed the importance of studying PPD among immigrant women. CONCLUSION: Findings about validity, acceptability, and cultural and linguistic appropriateness informed our revisions of a new survey about immigrant women's experiences with and reasons for seeking or not seeking PPD screening.

Rationale and study design of the MyHEART study: A young adult hypertension self-management randomized controlled trial.

Young adults (18-39 year-olds) with hypertension have a higher lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease. However, less than 50% of young adults achieve hypertension control in the United States. Hypertension self-management programs are recommended to improve control, but have been targeted to middle-aged and older populations. Young adults need hypertension self-management programs (i.e., home blood pressure monitoring and lifestyle modifications) tailored to their unique needs to lower blood pressure and reduce the risks and medication burden they may face over a lifetime. To address the unmet need in hypertensive care for young adults, we developed MyHEART (My Hypertension Education And Reaching Target), a multi-component, theoretically-based intervention designed to achieve self-management among young adults with uncontrolled hypertension. MyHEART is a patient-centered program, based upon the Self-Determination Theory, that uses evidence-based health behavior approaches to lower blood pressure. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate MyHEART's impact on changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to usual care after 6 and 12 months in 310 geographically and racially/ethnically diverse young adults with uncontrolled hypertension. Secondary outcomes include MyHEART's impact on behavioral outcomes at 6 and 12 months, compared to usual clinical care (increased physical activity, decreased sodium intake) and to examine whether MyHEART's effects on self-management behavior are mediated through variables of perceived competence, autonomy, motivation, and activation (mediation outcomes). MyHEART is one of the first multicenter, randomized controlled hypertension trials tailored to young adults with primary care. The design and methodology will maximize the generalizability of this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03158051.

Connecting Rheumatology Patients to Primary Care for High Blood Pressure: Specialty Clinic Protocol Improves Follow-up and Population Blood Pressures.

OBJECTIVE: Recognizing high blood pressure (BP) as the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in patients with rheumatic diseases and all adults, experts recommend clinic protocols to improve BP control. The aim of this study was to adapt and implement a specialty clinic protocol, "BP Connect," to improve timely primary care follow-up after high BP measurements in rheumatology clinics. METHODS: We examined BP Connect in a 6-month preimplementation and postimplementation quasi-experimental design with 24-month follow-up in 3 academic rheumatology clinics. Medical assistants and nurses were trained to 1) check (re-measuring BPs ≥140/90 mm Hg), 2) advise (linking rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases), and 3) connect (timely [<4 weeks] primary care follow-up using protocoled electronic health record [EHR] orders). We used EHR data and multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the primary outcome of timely primary care follow-up for patients with in-network primary care. Staff surveys were used to assess perceptions. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to examine sustainability and BP trends in the clinic populations. RESULTS: Across both 4,683 preimplementation and 689 postimplementation rheumatology visits by patients with high BP, 2,789 (57%) encounters were eligible for in-network primary care follow-up. Postimplementation, the odds of timely primary care BP measurement follow-up doubled (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.4-2.9). Median time to follow-up decreased from 71 days to 38 days. Moreover, rheumatology visits by patients with high BP decreased from 17% to 8% over 24 months, suggesting significant population-level declines (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Implementing the BP Connect specialty clinic protocol in rheumatology clinics improved timely follow-up and demonstrated reduced population-level rates of high BP. These findings highlight a timely strategy to improve BP follow-up amid new guidelines and quality measures.

Assessing Unwanted Variations in Rheumatology Clinic Previsit Rooming.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatologists face time pressures similar to primary care but have not generally benefitted from optimized team-based rooming during the time from the waiting room until the rheumatologist enters the room. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess current capacity for population management in rheumatology clinics; we aimed to measure the tasks performed by rheumatology clinic staff (medical assistants or nurses) during rooming. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional time-study and work-system analysis to measure rooming workflows at 3 rheumatology clinics in an academic multispecialty practice during 2014-2015. We calculated descriptive statistics and compared frequencies and durations using Fisher exact test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Observing 190 rheumatology clinic previsit rooming sequences (1419 minutes), we found many significant variations. Total rooming duration varied by clinic (median, 6.75-8.25 minutes; p < 0.001). Vital sign measurement and medication reconciliation accounted for more than half of rooming duration. Among 3 clinics, two of 15 tasks varied significantly in duration, and 9 varied in frequency. Findings led clinic leaders to modify policies and procedures regarding 6 high-variation tasks streamlining assessment of weight, height, pain scores, tobacco use, disease activity, and refill needs. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing rheumatology rooming tasks identified key opportunities to improve quality and efficiency without burdening providers. This project demonstrated user-friendly methods to identify opportunities to standardize rooming and support data-driven decisions regarding rheumatology clinic practice changes to improve population management in rheumatology.

Evaluation of a Person-Centered, Theory-Based Intervention to Promote Health Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Effective promotion of health behaviors requires strong interventions. Applying person-centered approaches and concepts synthesized from two motivational theories could strengthen the effects of such interventions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to report the effect sizes, fidelity, and acceptability of a person-centered, health behavior intervention based on self-regulation and self-determination theories. METHODS: Using a pre- and postintervention design, with a 4-week follow-up, advanced practice registered nurses made six weekly contacts with 52 volunteer participants. Most participants were educated White women. Advanced practice registered nurses elicited participant motives and particular goals for either healthy diet or physical activity behaviors. Minutes and type of activity and servings of fat and fruit/vegetables were assessed. RESULTS: Effect sizes for engaging in moderate aerobic activity and in fruit/vegetable and fat intake were 0.53, 0.82, and -0.57, respectively. The fidelity of delivery was 80-97% across contacts, and fidelity of participants' receipt of intervention components was supported. Participant acceptance of the intervention was supported by positive ratings on aspects of relevance and usefulness. DISCUSSION: To advance the science of health behavior change and improve client health status, person-centered approaches and concepts synthesized from motivational theories can be applied and tested with a randomized, controlled design and diverse samples to replicate and extend this promising behavioral intervention.

Psychometric properties of belief measures about osteoporosis and its control.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic health condition with potentially serious consequences. Although preventive behaviors are important to control OP, many people do not engage in such behaviors. Although beliefs about preventive behaviors for OP influence such behaviors, we could not find psychometrically strong measures of such beliefs for use in planned research. Our initial study was done to assess the content validity, clarity, and internal consistency of belief measures regarding behaviors to control OP: perceived competence, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity, based on relevant theories. METHODS: Using a descriptive design, we recruited five clinicians to rate proposed measures for content validity. We also recruited fifty-one older adults from five different counties in a Midwestern state to respond to proposed measures so we could assess clarity and internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The content validity indices of items varied from 0.60-1.00. The content validity indices of scales varied from 0.73-1.00. For reliability, the final Cronbach's alphas were 0.79-0.96. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing a gap in research, we have documented good psychometric properties of belief measures regarding OP and its control. In describing our search for psychometrically sound measures, we have raised issues for future researchers to consider prior to adopting use of existing measures. Nurses can use these measures to assess and address the accuracy of patients' beliefs either individually or in groups. Researchers can use these measures to examine whether or not psycho-educational interventions influence beliefs about OP and its control.

How Could Nurse Researchers Apply Theory to Generate Knowledge More Efficiently?

BACKGROUND: Reports of nursing research often do not provide adequate information about whether, and how, researchers applied theory when conducting their studies. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate application and explication of theory in research impedes development of knowledge to guide nursing practice. OBJECTIVES: To clarify and exemplify how to apply theory in research. METHODS: First we describe how researchers can apply theory in phases of research. Then we share examples of how three research teams applied one theory to these phases of research in three different studies of preventive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse researchers can review and refine ways in which they apply theory in guiding research and writing publications. Scholars can appreciate how one theory can guide researchers in building knowledge about a given condition such as preventive behaviors. Clinicians and researchers can collaborate to apply and examine the usefulness of theory. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If nurses had improved understanding of theory-guided research, they could better assess, select, and apply theory-guided interventions in their practices.

Beyond Body Mass Index: Using Anthropometric Measures and Body Composition Indicators to Assess Odds of an Endometriosis Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) and endometriosis have been inversely associated. To address gaps in this research, we examined associations among body composition, endometriosis, and physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women from 14 clinical sites in the Salt Lake City, Utah and San Francisco, California areas and scheduled for laparoscopy/laparotomy were recruited during 2007-2009. Participants (N = 473) underwent standardized anthropometric assessments to estimate body composition before surgery. Using a cross-sectional design, odds of an endometriosis diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]) were calculated for anthropometric and body composition measures (weight in kg; height in cm; mid upper arm, waist, hip, and chest circumferences in cm; subscapular, suprailiac, and triceps skinfold thicknesses in mm; arm muscle and fat areas in cm2; centripetal fat, chest-to-waist, chest-to-hip, waist-to-hip, and waist-to-height ratios; arm fat index; and BMI in kg/m2). Physical activity (metabolic equivalent of task-minutes/week) and sedentariness (average minutes sitting on a weekday) were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Measures were modeled continuously and in quartiles based on sample estimates. Adjusted models were controlled for age (years, continuous), site (Utah/California), smoking history (never, former, or current smoker), and income (below, within 180%, and above of the poverty line). Findings were standardized by dividing variables by their respective standard deviations. We used adjusted models to examine whether odds of an endometriosis diagnosis were moderated by physical activity or sedentariness. RESULTS: Inverse relationships were observed between endometriosis and standardized: weight (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.88); subscapular skinfold thickness (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.98); waist and hip circumferences (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.64-0.98 and aOR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.94, respectively); total upper arm and upper arm muscle areas (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.94 and aOR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.93, respectively); and BMI (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.60-0.93), despite similar heights. Women in the highest versus lowest quartile had lower adjusted odds of an endometriosis diagnosis for: weight; mid-upper arm, hip, and waist circumferences; total upper arm and upper arm muscle areas; BMI; and centripetal fat ratio. There was no evidence of a main effect or moderation of physical activity or sedentariness. CONCLUSION: In a surgical cohort, endometriosis was inversely associated with anthropometric measures and body composition indicators.