Effects of a peer-led physical activity program on psychosocial outcomes among breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of three programs aimed at maintaining moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on breast cancer survivors' quality of life, physical functioning, fatigue and mood. METHODS: 161 survivors participated in a 12-month randomized controlled study and were assigned to one of three groups: Reach Plus, Reach Plus Message, or Reach Plus Phone. All participants received the same intervention for the first 3 months (weekly calls from peer coach) for MVPA adoption. In Months 4-9, Reach Plus monitored MVPA and received feedback reports. Reach Plus Message monitored MVPA and received weekly text/email messages and feedback reports. Reach Plus Phone participants monitored MVPA and received monthly calls from coaches and feedback reports. Intervention delivery ended at 9 months. Assessments were obtained at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12-months. Analyses used a series of longitudinal mixed effects models with subject-specific intercepts. RESULTS: All groups improved significantly across time on psychosocial measures. At 9 months, Reach Plus Message and Reach Plus Phone reported better physical functioning compared to Reach Plus (b = 8.27, 95% CI: [2.27, 14.27]; b = 4.89, 95% CI: [0.01, 10.53]) respectively). At 12 months, Reach Plus Message reported better physical functioning than Reach Plus (b = 4.52, 95% CI: [0.01, 9.75]. Participants who met national PA guidelines reported significantly lower fatigue and higher physical functioning (at 9 and 12 months), and improved mood (at 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: MVPA maintenance via weekly messages or monthly coach calls improved physical functioning. Maintaining MVPA at or above national recommendations was associated with improved physical functioning, mood and less fatigue.

Sexual Minority Women Report Higher Weight Stigma Levels Than Heterosexual Women in the National Weight Control Registry.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about weight stigma in sexual minority women, and even less is known about weight stigma in those who have attained substantial weight loss and maintenance. PURPOSE: This study examined weight stigma experiences and internalization in sexual minority women from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) who had lost ≥30 pounds and maintained this weight loss for ≥1 year, and compared weight stigma levels between sexual minority women versus heterosexual women in the NWCR. METHODS: NWCR participants completed an electronic survey. Women who identified as a sexual minority (n = 64; 98% White; MBMI = 29 ± 8; Mage = 47 ± 13) and heterosexual women matched on body mass index (BMI), age, and race (n = 64; 98% White; MBMI = 28 ± 7; Mage = 51 ± 13) were included. Participants completed assessments of experienced and internalized weight stigma. RESULTS: Generalized linear models showed that a significantly larger proportion of sexual minority women in the NWCR reported experiencing weight stigma in the past year (24.2%) compared with heterosexual women (4.7%; p < .05). Furthermore, sexual minority (vs. heterosexual) women reported significantly higher levels of internalized weight stigma (p < .001), and a greater proportion of sexual minority women (35%) reported clinically significant internalized weight stigma relative to heterosexual women (2%; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual minority women are at greater risk for experienced and internalized weight stigma than their heterosexual counterparts among women who have attained significant long-term weight loss. It is critical to expand research on weight stigma in sexual minority women.

This study examined weight stigma experiences and internalization in sexual minority women who attained substantial weight loss and maintenance, compared with heterosexual women of similar body mass index (BMI), race, and age, in a sample of adults from the National Weight Control Registry. Results showed that 24% of sexual minority women reported experiencing weight stigma in the past year and 35% reported clinically meaningful internalized weight stigma, levels that were higher than those of heterosexual women of similar BMI, age, and race in the sample. These data suggest that sexual minority women who have attained major weight loss may be at greater risk for weight stigma than heterosexual women with similar weight losses.

The Sleep Environment, Napping, and Sleep Outcomes among Urban Children With and Without Asthma.

OBJECTIVES: Children with asthma living in U.S. urban neighborhoods experience increased risk for asthma morbidity and poor sleep outcomes. In addition to asthma, environmental factors (e.g. noise, uncomfortable temperature, light exposure) related to urban poverty may disturb children's sleep. This study examined the association between environmental factors and sleep outcomes among urban children with and without asthma, and whether napping underlies the environment-sleep link. Additionally, the study tested whether these associations differed by health status (i.e. asthma) or race/ethnicity. METHOD: Participants included urban children aged 7-9 years with (N = 251) and without (N = 130) asthma from Latino, Black, or non-Latino White (NLW) background. Caregivers reported sleep environmental factors and naps. Sleep duration, efficiency, and nightly awakenings were assessed via actigraphy. RESULTS: Regardless of health status, frequent exposure to noise and light was associated with poorer sleep outcomes only among Latino children. In the full sample with and without asthma, noise exposure during nighttime sleep was related to more frequent daytime naps, which were linked to shorter nighttime sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to noise and light may play a particularly influential role in shaping urban children's sleep outcomes. Racial/ethnic differences and the potential mediating role of napping in this environment-sleep association may inform tailored interventions.

The Association of Racism and Discrimination in Disparities of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the United States: An Analysis of PRAMS Data.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal mortality. Racial disparities in maternal outcomes such as maternal mortality in the United States (US) are well-documented, but the relationship of racism and/or discrimination with one's risk of developing a hypertension during pregnancy (HDP) is not well-studied. METHODS: Data from 17 sites that asked questions regarding experiences with racism and/or discrimination during pregnancy via the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Phase 8 (2016-2020) was used. Logistic regression models were used compare the potential of stress induced HDP from perceived experiences of racism and/or discrimination versus the effect of systemic racism and/or discrimination (in healthcare settings and generally) on racial disparities in HDP diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 9,907 live births, 18% of participants reported they were diagnosed with hypertension during pregnancy, with non-Hispanic Black individuals having the highest rate (21.8%). Regarding experiences of racism and/or discrimination, 76.4% of participants responded "yes", with all races/ethnicities studied here except non-Hispanic White individuals responding "yes" at rates higher than 89%. Perceived experiences of racism and/or discrimination did not statistically significantly affect one's odds of being diagnosed with HDP (OR = 0.94, CI: 0.74, 1.20). The disparity in odds of having hypertension during pregnancy between Non-Hispanic Black individuals and non-Hispanic White individuals was not statistically significant when perceived experiences of racism and/or discrimination were included in the model. CONCLUSIONS: Experiences of racism and/or discrimination drive racial disparities in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: It is vital to eliminate racist and discriminatory practices and behaviors to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Six-Month Outcomes of a Theory- and Technology-Enhanced Physical Activity Intervention for Latina Women (Pasos Hacia La Salud II): Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: More than half (55%) of Latina women do not meet aerobic physical activity (PA) guidelines, and frequently cite time, childcare, and transportation as barriers to PA. In addition to linguistic adaptations for this population, successful PA interventions for Latina women addressed these barriers through remote intervention delivery approaches (eg, mail, phone, or web delivery). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate 6-month outcomes of a randomized trial comparing a Spanish-language, individually tailored, web-delivered PA intervention (original) to an enhanced version with text messages and additional features (enhanced). Further, we evaluated if increases in PA at 6 months were moderated by baseline activity status. METHODS: In total, 195 Latina women aged 18-65 years participated in a trial comparing the efficacy of the enhanced versus original interventions at initiating PA behavior change. We examined minutes per week of accelerometer-measured PA in the enhanced versus original arms, and the proportion of each arm meeting aerobic PA guidelines (150 min/wk at 6 mo). For moderator analyses, participants were classified as inactive (0 min/wk) or low active (1-90 min/wk) at baseline, measured via the 7 Day Physical Activity Recall interview. RESULTS: PA increased from 19.7 (SD 47.9) minutes per week at baseline to 46.9 (SD 66.2) minutes per week at 6 months in the enhanced arm versus 20.6 (SD 42.7) minutes per week to 42.9 (SD 78.2) minutes per week in the original arm (P=.78). Overall, 30% (31/103) of the enhanced group met aerobic PA guidelines at 6 months, compared to 21% (19/92) of the original group (odds ratio [OR] 1.75, 95% CI 0.87-3.55). Baseline PA (inactive vs low active) moderated treatment effects on PA. For inactive participants, there were no group differences at 6 months (b=7.1; SE 22.8; P=.75), while low-active participants increased more in enhanced than original (b=72.5; SE 27.9; P=.01). For low-active participants, 45% (46/103) of the enhanced group met PA guidelines at 6 months, versus 20% (18/92) of the original arm (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.05-11.31). For inactive participants, there were no group differences (25/103, 24% vs n=19/92, 21% for enhanced vs original, respectively; OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.54-3.06). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention effects were conditional on baseline PA. For low-active Latina women, the enhanced intervention was more effective at increasing PA. Additional tailored intervention enhancements may be necessary to increase PA for inactive Latina women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03491592; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03491592. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s13063-022-06575-4.

Minor Consent Laws for Sexually Transmitted Infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Services in the United States: A Comprehensive, Longitudinal Survey of US State Laws.

Objectives. To assess changes in minor consent laws for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia from 1900 to 2021. Methods. We coded laws into minor consent for (1) health care generally; (2) STI testing, treatment, and prevention; (3) HIV testing, treatment, and prevention; and (4) pre- or postexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. We also coded confidentiality protections and required conditions (e.g., threshold clinician judgments). Results. The largest increase in states allowing minors to consent to STI services occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. By 2021, minors could consent independently to STI and HIV testing and treatment in all 50 states plus DC, STI prevention services in 32 jurisdictions, and HIV prevention services in 33 jurisdictions. Confidentiality protections for minors are rare. Prerequisites are common. Conclusions. Although the number of states allowing minors to consent independently to STI and HIV services has increased considerably, these laws have substantial limitations, including high complexity, prerequisites requiring clinician judgments, and neglect of confidentiality concerns. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(4):397-407. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307199).

Mediators of physical activity outcomes in a peer-led intervention for breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVES: Physical activity (PA) adoption can reduce treatment-related sequelae of breast cancer. Peer-led PA interventions are a promising and relatively inexpensive approach to scaling up interventions. The current study seeks to identify mediators of PA change amongst cancer survivors enrolled in a peer-led behavior change intervention. The study team partnered with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program (RTR) whose volunteers' provided information and support to breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Participants were 76 survivors (mean age 55.6 years, 1.1 years since diagnosis) who were randomized to PA Plus RTR (12-week PA telephone counseling delivered by RTR volunteers) or contact control. Data was collected on PA (self-reported and objectively measured) and potential mediators (self-efficacy, exercise decisional balance [ratio of the pros/advantages to the cons/disadvantages] and social support) at baseline and 12 weeks. Using a multiple mediation approach with bootstrapped standard errors, we examined mediators of the intervention effect on PA outcomes. RESULTS: Compared to control, PA Plus RTR participants had higher mean self-efficacy, lower decisional balance cons and social support at 12 weeks controlling for baseline. Higher mean self-efficacy was associated with greater minutes of self-reported PA, whereas higher decisional balance pros was associated with higher objectively measured PA at 12 weeks. There were significant indirect effects of self-efficacy on self-reported PA and decisional balance on objectively measured PA. CONCLUSIONS: PA Plus RTR increased self-reported and objectively measured PA by changing theoretical constructs hypothesized to be associated with behavior change. Peers delivering a PA intervention should focus on increasing survivors' self-efficacy for exercise especially in challenging circumstances such as being on vacation, and also help to overcome disadvantages of exercise such as taking time away from family.

The moderating effects of alcohol use on the association between sexual orientation and HIV testing: results from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Study.

Routine screening and testing for HIV are recommended for all adolescents and adults. However, only one-third of the U.S. population has been tested for HIV. Women, sexual minorities, and people who use alcohol are more likely to be tested for HIV, but less is known about how alcohol use and sexual orientation impact the likelihood of HIV testing synergistically. Examining both alcohol use and sexual orientation is especially relevant, because sexual minorities are at increased risk for alcohol use, including heavy drinking. This study tested an alcohol x sexual orientation interaction effect on HIV testing through logistic regression modeling with a nationally representative sample. Results of the significant interaction identify demographic groups that are particularly at-risk for not being tested for HIV. These groups include lesbian women who currently use alcohol or previously used alcohol; bisexual men who have not used or previously used alcohol; and gay men who previously used alcohol. Although efforts to test all adolescents and adults are warranted, these findings highlight the importance of assessing alcohol and sexual orientation and augmenting testing efforts for highrisk groups.

Mediators of physical activity maintenance during a 12-month randomized controlled trial among breast Cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: To explore the theoretical constructs that functioned as mediators of interventions for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) maintenance among breast cancer survivors. METHOD: 161 survivors were randomized into 3 groups: Reach Plus, Reach Plus Message or Reach Plus Phone. All participants received a 3-month theory-based intervention delivered by volunteer coaches. During months 4-9, all participants monitored their MVPA and received feedback reports. Additionally, Reach Plus Message received weekly text/email messages and Reach Plus Phone received monthly calls from their coaches. Assessments of weekly MVPA minutes and theoretical constructs (self-efficacy, social support, physical activity [PA] enjoyment and PA barriers) were obtained at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12-months. ANALYSES: Using a multiple mediator analysis with a product of coefficients approach, we examined mechanisms associated with between-group differences over time in weekly MVPA minutes. RESULTS: Self-efficacy mediated effects of Reach Plus Message vs. Reach Plus at 6 (ab = 16.99) and 9 M (ab = 27.45); social support mediated effects at 6 (ab = 4.86), 9 (ab = 14.30) and 12 M (ab = 6.18). Self-efficacy mediated effects of Reach Plus Phone vs. Reach Plus at 6 (ab = 18.76), 9 (ab = 28.93) and 12 M (ab = 18.18). Social support mediated effects of Reach Plus Phone vs. Reach Plus Message at 6 (ab=-5.50) and 9 M (ab=-13.20); PA enjoyment mediated effects at 12 M (ab=-3.63). CONCLUSIONS: PA maintenance efforts should focus on strengthening breast cancer survivors' self-efficacy and obtaining social support.The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov: NCT02694640 (Feb. 26, 2016).

Exploring Factors Associated with Dietary Improvement Among Participants Who Completed a Randomized Controlled Trial for Physical Activity: Evidence of a Transfer Effect.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed at understanding how changes in one behavior affect other behaviors, known as "transfer effect," could extend knowledge of shared constructs among compound health risk behaviors, and improve methods for promoting simultaneous behavior changes. The current study explored whether participants who completed a randomized controlled trial for physical activity (PA) improved their diet with no intervention in diet or nutrition. METHODS: US adults (N = 283) were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either exercise videogames, standard exercise, or an attention control. Secondary analyses were conducted to examine a possible transfer effect of the intervention on diet at end of intervention (EOT) and 6-month follow-up. Assessments of potential PA constructs (i.e., exercise enjoyment, self-efficacy) and demographics (e.g., age, gender) were conducted. PA, specifically moderate-to-vigorous levels of physical activity (MVPA), was measured using a self-report measure. Diet was measured using the Rate Your Plate dietary assessment. RESULTS: Findings support that a randomization effect was associated with a higher likelihood of increasing MVPA (ß = 30.00, 95% CI = 4.46, 64.46) and dietary improvement at EOT (ß = 1.48, SE = .83, P = .01) and follow-up (ß = 1.74, SE = .52, P = .02). At EOT, changes in diet were associated with higher PA enjoyment (ß = 0.41, SE = 0.15, P = .01). This intervention effect on diet was moderated by gender, with women showing more dietary improvement than men (ß = - .78, SE = 13, P = .03). At 6 months, dietary improvement was associated with greater self-efficacy (ß = .04, SE = .01, P = .01). CONCLUSION: This study shows evidence of a transfer effect among two synergistic behaviors and expands understanding of factors that predict the occurrence of this type of behavior change.

The Hombres Saludables Physical Activity Web-Based and Mobile Phone Intervention: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial With Latino Men.

BACKGROUND: Owing to structural-level, interpersonal-level, and individual-level barriers, Latino men have disproportionately high rates of physical inactivity and experience related chronic diseases. Despite these disparities, few physical activity (PA) interventions are culturally targeted for Latino men. OBJECTIVE: This study reported the feasibility and acceptability of Hombres Saludables PA intervention for Latino men. We also reported the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on PA change and provided the results of the exploratory moderator and mediator analysis. METHODS: We completed a 6-month, single-blind, pilot randomized controlled trial of Hombres Saludables with Latino men aged between 18 and 65 years. Men were randomized to either (1) a theory-driven, individually tailored, internet-based and SMS text message-based, Spanish-language PA intervention arm or (2) a nutrition and wellness attention contact control arm that was also delivered via the web and SMS text message. We assessed the primary study outcomes of feasibility using participant retention and acceptability using postintervention survey and open-ended interview questions. We measured the preliminary efficacy via change in minutes of moderate to vigorous PA per week using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometry (primary measure) and self-reported minutes per week using 7-day Physical Activity Recall. Participants completed the assessments at study enrollment and after 6 months. RESULTS: The 38 participants were predominantly Dominican (n=8, 21%) or Guatemalan (n=5, 13%), and the mean age was 38.6 (SD 12.43) years. Retention rates were 91% (21/23) for the PA intervention arm and 100% (15/15) for the control arm. Overall, 95% (19/20) of the intervention arm participants reported that the Hombres study was somewhat to very helpful in getting them to be more physically active. Accelerometry results indicated that participants in the intervention group increased their PA from a median of 13 minutes per week at study enrollment to 34 minutes per week at 6 months, whereas the control group participants showed no increases. On the basis of self-reports, the intervention group was more likely to meet the US PA guidelines of 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous PA at 6-month follow-up, with 42% (8/19) of the intervention participants meeting the PA guidelines versus 27% (4/15) of the control participants (odds ratio 3.22, 95% CI 0.95-13.69). Exploratory analyses suggested conditional effects on PA outcomes based on baseline stage of motivational readiness, employment, and neighborhood safety. CONCLUSIONS: The PA intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Results of this pilot study indicate that the Hombres Saludables intervention is promising for increasing PA in Latino men and suggest that a fully powered trial is warranted. Our technology-based PA intervention provides a potentially scalable approach that can improve health in a population that is disproportionately affected by low PA and related chronic disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03196570; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03196570. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/23690.

Subgroup Analyses of Girl2Girl, a Text Messaging-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for Sexual Minority Girls: Results from a National RCT.

This study aims to investigate whether Girl2Girl, a text messaging-based pregnancy prevention program for cisgender LGB+ girls, had different effects on subgroups based on age, sexual identity, and experience with penile-vaginal sex. A total of 948 girls, 14-18 years old, were recruited nationally via social media and enrolled over the telephone. Once they completed the baseline, they were randomized to either Girl2Girl or an attention-matched control program that discussed "healthy lifestyle" topics (e.g., self-esteem). Both programs were 5 months long: Girls received daily messages for 8 weeks, and then went through a "latent" period of 3 months, and finished with a 1-week review. Outcome measures included condom-protected sex, uptake of other types of birth control, abstinence, and pregnancy. Measures were collected at baseline; 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month post-intervention end, which was 17 months after enrollment. Effect modification was examined using longitudinal mixed effects models. Overall, results suggested significant moderating effects of age, (f2 = .12), sexual identity (f2 < .14), and sexual experience (f2 = .11) on rates of condom use and use of other contraception. Although there were no significant moderating effects on pregnancy, abstinence, or intentions to use condoms, use birth control, or be abstinent, (p's > .16), patterns of effects were in the same direction as for significant findings. For example, at 9-month post-intervention, among those who identified as bisexual, the incidence rate of protected sex events was 39% higher for intervention vs. control (IRR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-2.70), adjusting for baseline rate of condom use and sexual experience. Similarly, at 12 months, among bisexual participants, intervention participants had a significantly higher IRR of condom-protected sexual events (IRR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.31-5.34). There were also higher odds of uptake of birth control use other than condoms for intervention vs. control at 6- (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.77), 9 m (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.89), and 12-month (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.78) follow-up. Girl2Girl appears to be particularly effective for older adolescents, bisexual girls, and those who have already had penile-vaginal sex. No one single approach is going to affect teen pregnancy. Instead, it is more likely that different intervention content and delivery methods will be more accessible and salient to some but not other youth. Understanding for whom the intervention works is just as important as understanding for whom the intervention does not, as this can inform opportunities for future intervention development.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID# NCT03029962.

Biological and psychological predictors of heart rate patterns during physical activity.

Objective: Latent class modeling (LCM) offers a promising approach for examining correlates of heart rate (HR) patterns over multiple exercise sessions. This research examined biological and psychological variables associated with different patterns of HR response to physical activity (PA). Methods: In a three-arm randomized controlled trial (exercise video games vs. standard exercise vs. non-exercise control), HR was recorded during PA sessions over a 12-week period. LCM identified three patterns of HR during PA across 189 participants in active arms: 1) high HR across sessions with low variability within sessions, 2) linear increase in HR across sessions with low variability within sessions, and 3) high variability in HR across all sessions. Associations with biological (resting heart rate, blood pressure, BMI, age, cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c) and psychological (depression, motivations for PA, PA-induced feelings) predictors of latent class membership were iteratively tested. Results: Psychological variables played as important a role in the final model as biological variables for predicting latent class membership. Few differences were found between LC1 and LC2, but LC3 differed from the other two groups in that participants were likelier to report that feel revitalized after PA (vs. LC1 and LC2), to be less motivated for PA (vs. LC1), reported greater depression (vs. LC1 and LC2), and were younger (vs. LC1). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of LCM to identify biological and psychological factors associated with chronotropic responses to PA, and advance understanding of the role of psychological factors in chronotropic PA outcomes.

The Impact of Police Response on Intimate Partner Violence Victims' Social, Emotional, and Physical Well-Being: Results From the National Crime Victimization Survey.

This study examined whether police involvement in intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents is associated with victims' socio-emotional problems, and emotional and physical toll symptoms for 1 month or longer post-victimization. Data from the 2010-2019 National Crime Victimization Survey suggest that police investigational effort, later contact with the police, suffering severe injury during victimization, and repeated victimization were positively associated with experiencing socio-emotional problems. Later contact with police and severe injury were positively associated with both emotional and physical toll symptoms, while the female sex was positively associated with emotional toll symptoms. The arrest of the abuser was negatively associated with physical toll symptoms. Findings highlight the need for policies and practices in response to IPV that consider the diverse needs of survivors of partner abuse to help reduce IPV-related trauma.

Single-wavelength, single-shot pulse oximetry using an LED-generated vector beam.

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is an optical technique that monitors blood oxygen saturation levels, typically with the use of pulse oximeters. Conventional pulse oximetry estimates the ratio of light absorbed at two wavelengths. Attempts have been made to improve the precision of these measurements by using polarized light, with the tradeoff of requiring multiple sequential measurements. We demonstrate a novel PPG technique that uses radially polarized light generated by a light-emitting diode (LED) to obtain single-shot, blood oxygen-saturation measurements using a single wavelength at a rate of 50 fps. Our work, to the best of our knowledge, presents both a novel use of a vector beam and a first demonstration of vector-beam generation using LEDs.

Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial of Peer Mentoring.

BACKGROUND: Peer support can extend the reach of physical activity (PA) interventions. In previous studies, peer support via weekly counseling calls increased PA at 3 and 6 months among breast cancer survivors, compared to contact control. However, effects were attenuated at 6 months. Interventions targeting PA maintenance among cancer survivors are limited. Hence, we extended prior work to identify effective PA maintenance interventions. PURPOSE: Following a 3-month PA intervention, the study compared the effects of three 6-month interventions on PA at 12 months. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-one inactive breast cancer survivors participated in a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Intervention delivery was uniform for the first 3-months: all participants received a weekly call with their peer coach to encourage PA. Following month 3, participants self-monitored PA and received feedback reports (Reach Plus) or additionally received, a monthly phone call (Reach Plus Phone), or weekly text message (Reach Plus Message). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured using self-report (7 Day PAR) and accelerometry at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS: At 3 months, there were significant within group increases in self-reported and objectively measured MVPA with no between-group differences (ps > .05). At 6 months, adjusted longitudinal models showed that Reach Plus Message reported an additional 23.83 (SD = 6.33, f2 = .12) min/week of MVPA and Reach Plus Phone reported an additional 18.14 min/week (SD = 5.15, f2 =.16) versus Reach Plus. Results were similar at 9 months. At 12 months, Reach Plus Message and Reach Plus Phone both out-performed Reach Plus (ps = .04 and .05 respectively and effect sizes f2 = .11 and f2 = .21 respectively). Accelerometer data showed similar patterns: Reach Plus Message and Reach Plus Phone out-performed Reach Plus at 6 (f2 = .20) and 9 months (f2 = .09). CONCLUSION: Phone calls from peer mentors and text messaging can support PA maintenance among breast cancer survivors. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02694640.

Daily Instrumental and Affective Attitudes About Exercise: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study.

BACKGROUND: Daily decisions to exercise may be influenced by day-to-day changes in affective attitudes (AA) and instrumental attitudes (IA) toward exercise. However, the within-day association between AA, IA, and exercise behavior has received little attention. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of more temporally proximal (daily) AA and IA on daily exercise behavior beyond traditionally assessed distal (at the beginning of an exercise program) AA and IA. METHODS: In the context of a 3-month exercise promotion program (N = 50), distal AA and IA were assessed at baseline. Ecological momentary assessment was used to assess proximal AA, IA, and exercise each day. RESULTS: Between-subject differences in distal AA (OR = 1.28, p = .03) and distal IA (OR = 1.34, p = .01) were predictive of average likelihood of exercise each day over the 3-month period. Within-subject differences in proximal AA (OR = 1.19, p = .007), but not proximal IA (OR = 1.11, p = .18), predicted exercise each day beyond the between-subjects effects of distal AA and IA. Exploratory analysis revealed an interaction, such that the within-subjects impact of proximal AA on daily exercise was most evident among individuals who held more negative distal AA at baseline (OR = 0.80, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Attitude type (affective versus instrumental) and temporality (distal versus proximal) are important to consider in attempts to predict and understand exercise behavior. In addition to targeting change in distal attitudes, exercise interventions should target changes in daily AA to impact exercise later in the same day.

The Young Men and Media Study: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community-Informed, Online HIV Prevention Intervention for 14-17-Year-Old Sexual Minority Males.

The Young Men and Media study developed and pilot tested a community-informed, online HIV prevention program for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) in the United States. The developed intervention uses nine interactive modules to increase sexual health knowledge, promote critical examination of pornography, and decrease sexual risk among ASMM. Participants (N = 154, age 14-17 years) were recruited online in Spring 2020 and randomized to the intervention (n = 77) or other existing HIV websites (n = 77). Of the 65 intervention participants who logged in to the website, most completed all nine modules and found the content useful (average module score 4.3 out of 5 stars). The intervention also showed improved HIV/STI knowledge, increased pornography knowledge, and reduced beliefs that pornography is an accurate depiction of male-male sex. Results indicate that the Young Men and Media intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may positively impact sexual health outcomes.

Resistance training for Black men with depressive symptoms: a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Depression is under-recognized in Black men, who are less likely to seek or have access to psychiatric treatment. Resistance training (RT; i.e., weight lifting) can improve depressive symptoms and may be more acceptable to Black men, but its effects have not been examined for Black men with depressive symptoms. METHODS: Fifty Black men with depressive symptoms were randomized to either (a) 12 weeks of RT (coupled with Behavioral Activation techniques to promote adherence) or (b) an attention-control group (Health, Wellness, and Education; HWE). Both groups met twice/week for 12 weeks, and follow-up assessments were done at end-of-treatment (EOT) and 6 months after enrollment. Changes in physical activity and muscular strength were collected as a manipulation check. The primary outcome was interviewer assessed symptoms of depression using the Quick Inventory of Depression Symptomology (QIDS). Secondary outcomes included self-reported depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. The association between change in QIDS from baseline to EOT and concurrent changes in physical activity and muscular strength in the RT group were explored as an initial assessment of mechanism. Longitudinal mixed effects regression models with subject-specific intercepts were used to examine intervention effects. RESULTS: A sample with high rates of medical comorbidities (e.g., 44% HIV positive), substance use (e.g., 34% smoking), and negative social determinates of health (e.g., 50% unemployed) was enrolled. Recruitment, engagement, and retention data indicate that the intervention and design were feasible. The RT group showed greater gains in self-reported exercise (b = 270.94, SE = 105.69, p = .01) and muscular strength (b = 11.71, SE = 4.23, p = .01 for upper body and b = 4.24, SE = 2.02, p = .04 for lower body) than the HWE group. The RT group had greater reductions in QIDS scores at both EOT (b = -3.00, SE = 1.34, p = .01) and 6 months (b = -2.63, SE = 1.81, p = .04). The RT group showed a greater reduction in anxiety at EOT (b = -2.67, SE = 1.06, p = .02). Findings regarding self-reported depressive symptoms and stress were non-significant, but in the expected direction with effect sizes in the small to medium range. In the RT group, improvement on the QIDS between baseline and EOT was associated with concurrent improvements in physical activity (b = 21.03, SE = 11.16, p = .02) and muscular strength (b = 1.27, SE = .44, p = .03 for upper body and b = .75, SE = .14, p = .03 for lower body). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that RT is feasible and may be efficacious for reducing depressive symptoms among underserved urban Black men. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov #: NCT03107039 (Registered 11/04/2017).

Physical activity outcomes from a randomized trial of a theory- and technology-enhanced intervention for Latinas: the Seamos Activas II study.

Latina women report disproportionately high and increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions (obesity, diabetes) related to low physical activity levels. Efforts to date at addressing high rates of physical inactivity in this at-risk population have shown modest success. The original Seamos Saludables (sample size N = 266) was a culturally and linguistically adapted, print-based physical activity intervention that showed significant increases in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from baseline to 6 months. However, only 11% of intervention participants reached the national PA guidelines of ≥ 150 min/week of aerobic MVPA. The current study tests the original Seamos Saludables intervention (Original Intervention) against an enhanced iteration Seamos Activas II (Enhanced Intervention). Study aims and intervention refinements focus on increasing the percentage of Latinas meeting national aerobic PA guidelines. For the current study (Seamos Activas II), a randomized controlled trial with (N = 199 participants) of two PA interventions (original intervention, N = 102; vs. enhanced intervention, N = 97) was conducted. Intervention refinements involved further targeting key constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory and incorporating text-message-based strategies for self-monitoring, in response to participant feedback for greater interactivity and accountability. PA assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 months. The sample was predominantly Mexican American (89%) with average age of 43.8 years (SD = 10.11) and mean BMI at baseline was 30.6 (SD = 7.56). There were significant within group increases in MVPA from baseline to 6 months (p < .05) in both Original and Enhanced Intervention arms. However, quantile regression models did not indicate significant differences in 6-month outcomes between conditions controlling for baseline, p = 0.73. There were significant differences between conditions with respect to meeting national guidelines for aerobic MVPA at 6 months, with 57% of Enhanced Intervention participants meeting guidelines compared to 44% of Original Intervention participants, OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09 -2.89. Models suggest trends favoring the enhanced condition for improvements in biomarkers over 6 months. Findings indicate that the intervention enhancements likely helped more Latinas achieve nationally recommended, health enhancing PA levels than the original intervention and showed promise for improving physiological response to exercise.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.Gov; NCT02630953. Registered 14 December 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02630953 .