A randomized trial of behavioral interventions yielding sustained reductions in distracted driving.

Distracted driving is responsible for nearly 1 million crashes each year in the United States alone, and a major source of driver distraction is handheld phone use. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of interventions designed to create sustained reductions in handheld use while driving (NCT04587609). Participants were 1,653 consenting Progressive® Snapshot® usage-based auto insurance customers ages 18 to 77 who averaged at least 2 min/h of handheld use while driving in the month prior to study invitation. They were randomly assigned to one of five arms for a 10-wk intervention period. Arm 1 (control) got education about the risks of handheld phone use, as did the other arms. Arm 2 got a free phone mount to facilitate hands-free use. Arm 3 got the mount plus a commitment exercise and tips for hands-free use. Arm 4 got the mount, commitment, and tips plus weekly goal gamification and social competition. Arm 5 was the same as Arm 4, plus offered behaviorally designed financial incentives. Postintervention, participants were monitored until the end of their insurance rating period, 25 to 65 d more. Outcome differences were measured using fractional logistic regression. Arm 4 participants, who received gamification and competition, reduced their handheld use by 20.5% relative to control (P < 0.001); Arm 5 participants, who additionally received financial incentives, reduced their use by 27.6% (P < 0.001). Both groups sustained these reductions through the end of their insurance rating period.

Intensive Multidisciplinary Feeding Day Programs in the United States: A Report Regarding the Treatment Landscape.

Intensive multidisciplinary intervention is increasingly recognized as the standard of care for children with complex feeding problems. Much, however, remains unknown about this treatment model. This current qualitative, prospective study sought to identify intensive multidisciplinary day hospital programs operating in the US, describe the treatment approach, and summarize current capacity.

Mixed-method approach to informing a lifestyle intervention to improve the survivorship of patients with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To identify endometrial cancer survivors' (ECS) barriers and facilitators for participation in lifestyle interventions to improve their dietary and exercise behaviors. Our secondary objective is to determine baseline information: physical activity level, quality of life (QoL), and impact of COVID-19 on exercise, diet, and mental health. METHODS: Obese, early-stage ECS participated in 2-part mixed-methods data collection; Part 1: survey gathering sample characteristics, QoL, exercise, and basic endometrial cancer- related knowledge. Part 2: virtual focus group or individual interviews using a brainwriting premortem protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS (version 8.3). Qualitative data were analyzed using deductive thematic coding guided by the RE-AIM framework. RESULTS: Twenty percent (70/358) of ECS from a survivorship database and clinic recruitment completed the survey; 16 ECS provided qualitative feedback. Common barriers to intervention participation included time and resource costs, meeting frequency, and pessimism about weight loss maintenance. Facilitators included an opportunity to connect with other survivors and a focus on health rather than weight loss. Most ECS could not identify exercise guidelines (60%) and 83% were not meeting these guidelines. Higher BMI was correlated with a lower confidence in completing in moderate physical activity (p-value = 0.0206). Post-COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity, nutritional decisions, and/or mental health worsened for 67% of ECS. CONCLUSION: ECS are a disparate population, with worsening behaviors and mental health following the pandemic. The identified ECS-specific barriers and facilitators to behavioral intervention participation are being used to simultaneously improve the reach of and adherence to a lifestyle intervention aimed at improving their health and QoL.

Efficacy of the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction for Depression Symptoms and Sleep-Wake Disruption in Older and Younger Adults: Secondary Age-Stratified Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Perform a secondary analysis examining the efficacy of the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C) for depression symptom responses, and explore changes in potential target mechanisms. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial with convenience age subsamples (younger (20-49 year; n = 52) versus and older (50-71 years; n = 35)). SETTING: Community mental health clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-seven adults with serious mental illness. INTERVENTION: TranS-C versus treatment as usual (TAU). MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes were depression symptoms (Quick Inventory of Depression Symptoms), insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index), and objective sleep-wake rhythm measures (interdaily stability and relative amplitude). RESULTS: Depression response rates (≥50% symptom reductions) were higher in the TranS-C (35.0%) than the TAU (8.8%) group 6-months postintervention (χ2 = 10.3, p = 0.001). There was a medium effect of TranS-C versus TAU on depression symptoms 6-months postintervention (Cohen's d = -0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.81, 0.01). In both age groups, there were large treatment effects on insomnia symptoms post-treatment (Cohen's d >0.90). In the older subsample, there were additionally medium treatment effects on post-treatment interdaily stability (Cohen's d = 0.60, 95% CI: -0.11, 1.61). Post-treatment reductions in insomnia symptoms correlated with depression symptom reduction 6-months later in the younger subsample (Spearman rho = 0.59, n = 20, p = 0.008). In older adults, postintervention increases in interdaily stability correlated with depression symptom reductions 6-months later (Spearman rho = -0.52, n = 15, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Confirmatory trials are needed, given the low age-specific sample sizes here, to determine if TranS -C's produces durable depression responses by increasing sleep-wake rhythm stability in older adults and improving insomnia symptoms in younger adults. BRIEF ARTICLE SUMMARY: The authors evaluated preliminary efficacy of a behavioral intervention that targets sleep/sleep-wake rhythms, the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C), for depression symptoms in people with serious mental illness. TranS-C was associated with higher depression response rates than treatment as usual 6-months postintervention. The degree of depression symptom response 6-months later was related to the degree of treatment phase improvements in interdaily stability (in older adults) and reduction in insomnia severity (in younger adults). A pragmatic nonpharmacologic intervention, the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction, has preliminary efficacy for improving sleep-wake factors and depression symptoms.

Empowering Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam: A Hybrid Online-Offline Intervention to Combat Stigma.

Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) encounter numerous challenges, such as stigma and gender disparities, that hinder their access to care, especially in patriarchal societies like Vietnam. We developed a hybrid intervention with online and offline (in-person) components to empower WLHA in Vietnam. The intervention was pilot tested with 91 WLHA in Hanoi. During baseline and 4-month, study investigators delivered two in-person sessions, one Zoom session, and 15 weeks of Zalo (social media platform) discussions to enhance positive coping strategies, treatment utilization and adherence, and engagement of support from family and peers. The participants continued their Zalo discussions from 4-month to 6-month without investigators' involvement. Intervention outcomes, including active coping and perceived barriers to care, were evaluated at baseline, 4-, and 6-month surveys. Mixed-effects regression models showed that the participants' active coping significantly increased from baseline (50.5 ± 9.4) to 4-month (53.8 ± 6.2; p = 0.0001), although there was a slight decrease at 6-month (52.8 ± 7.2), the change from 4-month to 6-month was not significantly significant (p = 0.3256). There was a significant reduction in participants' perceived barriers to care, from 19.8 ± 5.2 at baseline to 17.4 ± 5.2 at 4-month (p < 0.0001), which remained stable at 17.8 ± 4.3 at 6-month (p < 0.0001 compared to baseline). This intervention presents a promising model to empower WLHA in Vietnam and potentially in similar global contexts. Future interventions could benefit from leveraging natural peer leaders and adopting a more person-centered approach to meet WLHA's varying needs.

Implementation of a remote behavioral intervention for older adults with asthma - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Older adults with asthma (OAA) have elevated asthma morbidity rates. A six-session intervention based on self-regulation theory was shown to improve outcomes. However, wide-spread implementation was difficult due to the in-person design. Our objective was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an updated intervention for OAA that is completely remote, includes a physician component, and utilizes shared decision-making (SDM). METHODS: A pilot study of 12 OAA with uncontrolled asthma and their asthma providers was conducted at three health centers. The remote intervention (titled SOAR) consisted of 4 sessions (2 groups and 2 individual). Asthma providers (both specialists and primary care) were sent updates of progress along with information on how to incorporate SDM into the visit. Implementation (feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness) and clinical (asthma control, asthma quality of life, perceived control, depression, and self-confidence) outcomes were measured. RESULTS: SOAR was found to be feasible, acceptable, and appropriate, with values on validated implementation scales similar to those of in-person behavioral interventions. Asthma providers found the program helpful and intended to change care based on the updates. Asthma control scores improved significantly from baseline (14.2 to 16.8, p = 0.04), as did asthma quality of life (4.2 to 4.9, p = 0.03) and self-confidence to manage asthma (7.1 to 8.5, p = 0.02). There was no change in depression nor perceived control scores. CONCLUSION: A remote behavioral intervention appeared feasible and acceptable for OAA and their health care providers, and can improve outcomes. Larger scale implementation trials are warranted.

Exploring relationships with food after dietary intervention in patients with colorectal cancer: a qualitative analysis from the Protein Recommendations to Increase Muscle (PRIMe) trial.

PURPOSE: Patients with cancer often experience nutritional challenges and are vulnerable to muscle mass loss. While substantial research is directed towards understanding how nutritional interventions affect clinical outcomes, insights into patients' personal experiences during these trials remain limited. This qualitative study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how participation in the Protein Recommendations to Increase Muscle (PRIMe) trial affected patients' relationships with food. METHODS: A subset of patients who completed a minimum of one follow-up visit in the PRIMe trial participated in a semi-structured interview about their experience implementing dietary modifications to increase protein intake. Data from 26 patients with a recent diagnosis of stage II-IV colorectal cancer (non-cachectic) were included. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was applied. RESULTS: Most patients were male (65.4%) with stage II or III (69.2%) colorectal cancer and were a mean age of 57 ± 10 years. Five key themes emerged to provide a deeper understanding of patients' relationship with food after the PRIMe trial: (1) new positive perspectives on nutrition and coping with a cancer diagnosis; (2) embracing a comprehensive approach to food and nutrition; (3) facilitators promoting adherence to the intervention; (4) barriers challenging adherence to the intervention; and (5) shaping future dietary intake. CONCLUSION: This qualitative study explored the emotional and psychological effects of a clinical nutrition trial on patients, focusing on their relationship with food. It underscored the trial's comprehensive intervention and its enduring influence on patients, extending beyond the immediate intervention phase. The role of current perspectives, motivation, and knowledge acquisition on ability to adhere to dietary changes to increase protein intake were emphasized by patients and are key considerations for both clinicians and researchers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02788955; registration posted on 2016-06-02.

Feasibility and acceptability of C-PRIME: A health promotion intervention for family caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a digital health promotion intervention for family caregivers of patients with advanced colorectal cancer and explore the intervention's preliminary efficacy for mitigating the impact of caregiving on health and well-being. METHODS: We conducted a single-arm pilot feasibility trial of C-PRIME (Caregiver Protocol for Remotely Improving, Monitoring, and Extending Quality of Life), an 8-week digital health-promotion behavioral intervention involving monitoring and visualizing health-promoting behaviors (e.g., objective sleep and physical activity data) and health coaching (NCT05379933). A priori benchmarks were established for feasibility (≥ 50% recruitment and objective data collection; ≥ 75% session engagement, measure completion, and retention) and patient satisfaction (> 3 on a 1-5 scale). Preliminary efficacy was explored with pre- to post-intervention changes in quality of life (QOL), sleep quality, social engagement, and self-efficacy. RESULTS: Participants (N = 13) were M = 52 years old (SD = 14). Rates of recruitment (72%), session attendance (87%), assessment completion (87%), objective data collection (80%), and retention (100%) all indicated feasibility. All participants rated the intervention as acceptable (M = 4.7; SD = 0.8). Most participants showed improvement or maintenance of QOL (15% and 62%), sleep quality (23% and 62%), social engagement (23% and 69%), and general self-efficacy (23% and 62%). CONCLUSION: The C-PRIME digital health promotion intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among family caregivers of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. A fully powered randomized controlled trial is needed to test C-PRIME efficacy, mechanisms, and implementation outcomes, barriers, and facilitators in a divserse sample of family caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Caregiver Protocol for Remotely Improving, Monitoring, and Extending Quality of Life (C-PRIME) study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05379933, in May 2022.

Management of obesity in menopause.

The increasing prevalence of obesity imposes significant health challenges, particularly in women undergoing menopause. Effective obesity management is essential to mitigate associated comorbidities and improve quality of life. The pillars of obesity treatment encompass lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions. Pharmacotherapy may be considered for women who do not achieve adequate weight loss through lifestyle changes alone and have obesity or overweight with risk factors. Bariatric surgery is reserved for individuals with severe obesity or those with obesity-related complications. During menopause, hormonal changes contribute to weight gain and fat redistribution, complicating obesity management. Tailored treatment strategies are necessary to address the unique challenges faced by this population. The role of physicians and gynecologists is pivotal in the multidisciplinary approach to obesity management during menopause. Gynecologists are often the primary health-care providers for menopausal women and are in a unique position to offer guidance on weight management. They can provide personalized counseling, coordinate with nutritionists, endocrinologists and bariatric specialists, and monitor the effects of obesity and its treatment on reproductive health. By integrating obesity management into routine gynecological care, gynecologists can significantly impact the overall health and well-being of menopausal women.

Care partners experience of an oral health intervention for individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia using behavior change technique: A qualitative study.

Oral health declines in older adults with cognitive impairment. We aimed to improve oral hygiene outcomes for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia (MD) by fostering behavior changes among carepartners assisting them. We used qualitative data of verbatim transcripts of coaching sessions with carepartners (n = 17 dyads:10 dyads for MCI, 7 dyads for MD). Directed and emergent coding were used to understand behavior change techniques (BCTs). BCTs were compared with carepartners of participants with MCI and MD. Most frequently used BCTs in both groups: prompts and cues, instruction on how to perform the behavior, review behavioral goal, and problem solving. Different BCTs emerged in study: social support-unspecified of the MCI group and credible source for MD group. Findings clarified active intervention components, common BCTs used by carepartners, and different BCT approaches for both participants. Findings help to elucidate the mechanisms of changes in individuals' behaviors in these interventions.

Using Positive Psychology to Address Emotional Barriers to Physical Activity After Bariatric Surgery: Proof-of-Concept Trial of the Gaining Optimism After Weight Loss Surgery (GOALS) Project.

Physical activity promotes health and longevity after metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS), but most patients do not meet recommended levels. The Gaining Optimism After weight Loss Surgery (GOALS) Project was a positive psychological intervention designed to address common emotional barriers to physical activity in patients who have recently undergone MBS (e.g., low confidence around exercise, internalized weight bias, fear of injury) and use motivational interviewing and standard behavior change techniques (e.g., self-monitoring) to increase physical activity. This single-arm proof-of-concept trial was designed to refine the intervention, test feasibility and acceptability, and explore pre-post changes in behavioral and psychological outcomes. Participants were 12 adults 6-12 months post-MBS (M age of 46, 58% female, 67% non-Hispanic white). GOALS was a 10-week telephone counseling program that introduced new positive psychological skills and physical activity topics each week. Participants tracked physical activity with a Fitbit and set weekly goals. Results showed that the intervention was feasible (85% of sessions completed) and acceptable (average participant ratings of session ease and utility above 8.0 on a 0-10 scale). There were medium-to-large effect size improvements in physical activity and psychological well-being (e.g., depressive symptoms). The GOALS intervention will next be tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial with longer-term follow-up to assess its effect more robustly.

Changes in Physical Activity Associated With a Multicomponent Weight-Loss Randomized Controlled Trial for Youth With Intellectual Disabilities.

Youth with intellectual disabilities engage in low levels of physical activity (PA). An aim of this family-based weight-loss behavioral intervention (FBBI) trial was to increase and sustain PA in these youth. Accelerometry data were available from 21 individuals with intellectual disabilities, age 14-22 years. Each completed the 6-month FBBI, after which 10 completed a 6-month maintenance intervention (FBBI-M), and 11 received no further intervention (FBBI-C). Twenty participated in a further 6-month follow-up. Accelerometry data were analyzed using linear mixed models. During FBBI, mean (SE) moderate to vigorous PA increased by 4.1 (2.5) min/day and light PA by 24.2 (13.5) min/day. Mean (SE) difference in moderate to vigorous PA between participants in FBBI-M and FBBI-C at 18 months was 14.0 (5.1) min/day (p = .005); mean (SE) difference in light PA was 47.4 (27.4) min/day (p = .08). Increasing PA through behavioral intervention is possible in youth with intellectual disabilities.

Developmental trajectories of premorbid functioning predict cognitive remediation treatment response in first-episode schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive development after schizophrenia onset can be shaped by interventions such as cognitive remediation, yet no study to date has investigated whether patterns of early behavioral development may predict later cognitive changes following intervention. We therefore investigated the extent to which premorbid adjustment trajectories predict cognitive remediation gains in schizophrenia. METHODS: In a total sample of 215 participants (170 first-episode schizophrenia participants and 45 controls), we classified premorbid functioning trajectories from childhood through late adolescence using the Cannon-Spoor Premorbid Adjustment Scale. For the 62 schizophrenia participants who underwent 6 months of computer-assisted, bottom-up cognitive remediation interventions, we identified MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery scores for which participants demonstrated mean changes after intervention, then evaluated whether developmental trajectories predicted these changes. RESULTS: Growth mixture models supported three premorbid functioning trajectories: stable-good, deteriorating, and stable-poor adjustment. Schizophrenia participants demonstrated significant cognitive remediation gains in processing speed, verbal learning, and overall cognition. Notably, participants with stable-poor trajectories demonstrated significantly greater improvements in processing speed compared to participants with deteriorating trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to our knowledge to characterize the associations between premorbid functioning trajectories and cognitive remediation gains after schizophrenia onset, indicating that 6 months of bottom-up cognitive remediation appears to be sufficient to yield a full standard deviation gain in processing speed for individuals with early, enduring functioning difficulties. Our findings highlight the connection between trajectories of premorbid and postmorbid functioning in schizophrenia and emphasize the utility of considering the lifespan developmental course in personalizing therapeutic interventions.

Variations in the Design and Use of Attention Control Groups in Type 2 Diabetes Randomized Controlled Trials: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In type 2 diabetes (T2D) research, the phrase "attention control group" (ACGs) has been used with varying descriptions. We aimed to systematically review the variations in the design and use of ACGs for T2D studies. RECENT FINDINGS: Twenty studies utilizing ACGs were included in the final evaluation. Control group activities had the potential to influence the primary outcome of the study in 13 of the 20 articles. Prevention of contamination across groups was not mentioned in 45% of the articles. Eighty-five percent of articles met or somewhat met the criteria for having comparable activities between the ACG and intervention arms. Wide variations in descriptions and the lack of standardization have led to an inaccurate use of the phrase "ACGs" when describing the control arm of trials, indicating a need for future research with focus on the adoption of uniform guidelines for use of ACGs in T2D RCTs.

A Postpartum Weight Loss-focused Stepped-care Intervention in a Military Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Postpartum weight retention is associated with adverse health among both civilian and military women. PURPOSE: The current study evaluated a stepped-care weight management intervention, Moms Fit 2 Fight, adapted for use in a pregnant and postpartum military population. METHODS: Active duty women and other TRICARE beneficiaries (N = 430) were randomized to one of three conditions: gestational weight gain only (GWG-only) intervention (n =144), postpartum weight loss only (PPWL-only) intervention (n =142), or a combined GWG + PPWL intervention (n = 144). Those participants who received the PPWL intervention (i.e., the PPWL-only and GWG+PPWL conditions) were combined consistently with the pre-registered protocol and compared to those participants who did not receive the PPWL intervention in the primary analyses. Primary outcome data (i.e., postpartum weight retention) were obtained at 6-months postpartum by unblinded data collectors, and intent-to-treat analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Retention at 6-months postpartum was 88.4%. Participants who received the PPWL intervention retained marginally less weight (1.31 kg) compared to participants that received the GWG-only intervention (2.39 kg), with a difference of 1.08 kg (p = .07). None of the measured covariates, including breastfeeding status, were significantly associated with postpartum weight retention. Of the participants who received the PPWL intervention, 48.1% participants returned to their pre-pregnancy weight at 6-months postpartum, with no significant differences compared to those who received the GWG-only intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A behavioral intervention targeting diet and physical activity during the postpartum period had a trend for reduced postpartum weight retention. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03057808).

Since postpartum weight retention is associated with negative health outcomes among women in the military and women in the general population, the Moms Fit 2 Fight study evaluated a stepped-care weight management intervention among active duty women and other military health insurance beneficiaries. Participants (N = 430) were recruited in their first trimester of pregnancy and randomized to one of three conditions: pregnancy weight gain-only intervention, postpartum weight loss (PPWL)-only intervention, or a combined pregnancy weight gain and PPWL intervention. Participants who received the PPWL intervention (i.e., the participants who received the PPWL-only intervention or the combined intervention) were compared to the participants who did not receive the PPWL intervention, based on weight retention at 6-months postpartum. Participants who received the PPWL intervention retained marginally less weight compared to participants that did not receive the PPWL intervention. Thus, this behavioral intervention targeting diet and physical activity during the postpartum period had a trend for reducing postpartum weight retention, which may be beneficial for achieving military fitness standards and avoiding escalating obesity over multiple pregnancies.

Identifying Mediators of Intervention Effects Within a Randomized Controlled Trial to Motivate Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Among Breast and Ovarian Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: A theory-guided Tailored Counseling and Navigation (TCN) intervention successfully increased cancer genetic risk assessment (CGRA) uptake among cancer survivors at increased risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Understanding the pathways by which interventions motivate behavior change is important for identifying the intervention's active components. PURPOSE: We examined whether the TCN intervention exerted effects on CGRA uptake through hypothesized theoretical mediators. METHODS: Cancer survivors at elevated risk for HBOC were recruited from three statewide cancer registries and were randomly assigned to three arms: TCN (n = 212), Targeted Print (TP, n = 216), and Usual Care (UC, n = 213). Theoretical mediators from the Extended Parallel Process Model, Health Action Planning Approach, and Ottawa Decision Support Framework were assessed at baseline and 1-month follow-up; CGRA uptake was assessed at 6 months. Generalized structural equation modeling was used for mediation analysis. RESULTS: The TCN effects were most strongly mediated by behavioral intention alone (ß = 0.49 and 0.31) and by serial mediation through self-efficacy and intention (ß = 0.041 and 0.10) when compared with UC and TP, respectively. In addition, compared with UC, the TCN also increased CGRA through increased perceived susceptibility, knowledge of HBOC, and response efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Risk communication and behavioral change interventions for hereditary cancer should stress a person's increased genetic risk and the potential benefits of genetic counseling and testing, as well as bolster efficacy beliefs by helping remove barriers to CGRA. System-level and policy interventions are needed to further expand access.

It is recommended that cancer survivors at increased risk for heredity seek cancer genetic risk assessment (CGRA), which includes cancer genetic counseling and genetic testing. A Tailored Counseling and Navigation (TCN) intervention successfully increased CGRA uptake among women with a history of cancer who enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Understanding reasons for TCN's effectiveness can guide future interventions that use risk messages and behavior change techniques. We conducted mediation analyses, which enabled identification of the TCN's active components. Eligible breast and ovarian cancer survivors (n = 641) were recruited from three statewide cancer registries and were assigned to three groups: TCN, Targeted Print, and Usual Care. Mediator variables drawn from behavioral and risk communication theories were assessed at baseline and 1-month follow-up; CGRA uptake was assessed at 6 months. The strongest mediator was intention to obtain a CGRA, followed by self-efficacy, perceived risk, knowledge of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and perceived CGRA benefits. Risk communication and behavioral change interventions for hereditary cancer should stress a person's increased genetic risk and the potential benefits of genetic counseling and testing, as well as bolster efficacy beliefs by helping remove CGRA barriers. System-level and policy interventions are needed to further expand access.

Preschool- and childcare center-based interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake in preschool children in the United States: a systematic review of effectiveness and behavior change techniques.

BACKGROUND: Fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in children in the United States (US) is very low. Adequate FV consumption is required for proper development during childhood, and dietary habits are established during preschool-age and tend to persist into adulthood. As most U.S. preschool-aged children attend childcare or preschool, this may be an opportune time and setting to conduct interventions to improve FV intake. These interventions should be based in theory and use behavior change techniques (BCTs) to explain mechanisms for expected change. To date, no published reviews have examined the effectiveness of childcare- or preschool-based FV interventions in preschoolers and their use of theoretical frameworks and BCTs. METHODS: This systematic review was completed adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2012 and 2022 of interventions to improve diet or FV intake in preschoolers (aged 2-5 years) in childcare or preschool-settings. A search of four databases was conducted between in September 2022 using search terms pertaining to the study's primary aim (FV consumption), age group (preschool-aged), settings (US childcare or preschool settings), and study design (RCT). Additional criteria were objective measures of FV consumption or skin carotenoids, as a proxy for FV intake. Included studies were narratively synthesized based on intervention type, measured effect, and use of theory and BCTs. RESULTS: The search resulted in six studies that reported on nine interventions. Overall, six interventions increased FV intake, of which five used nutrition education and one manipulated the feeding environment. Among the three interventions with no measured effect, two manipulated the feeding environment and one used peer modeling. Effective studies used at least three BCTs, though no pattern was observed between use of theory or BCTs and intervention effect. CONCLUSIONS: While several studies have shown promising results, the limited number of studies identified in this review highlights key gaps in this field: there is a need for studies to test FV interventions in US childcare settings that use objective measures of FV intake, directly compare intervention components and BCTs, are theory-based, and assess long-term behavior change.

Should messages discourage sugary drinks, encourage water, or both? A randomized experiment with U.S. parents.

Campaigns to improve beverage consumption typically focus on discouraging unhealthy beverages (e.g., soda), encouraging healthy beverages (e.g., water), or both. It remains unclear which of these strategies is most effective. We recruited a national convenience sample of U.S. parents of children ages 2-12 (n = 1078, 48% Latino[a]) to complete an online survey in 2019. We randomly assigned participants to view: 1) a control message, 2) a soda discouragement message, 3) a water encouragement message, or 4) both soda discouragement and water encouragement messages shown side-by-side in random arrangement. Intervention messages mimicked New York City's "Pouring on the Pounds" campaign. Participants rated messages on perceived effectiveness for discouraging soda consumption and encouraging water consumption (1-5 response scales) and reported feelings and intentions about drinking soda and water (1-7 scales). Compared to those with no exposure, participants who viewed the soda discouragement message reported higher perceived discouragement from drinking soda (Average Differential Effect [ADE] = 1.18), more negative feelings toward drinking soda (ADE = 0.83) and stronger intentions to avoid drinking soda (ADE = 0.45) (ps < 0.001). The soda discouragement message also exerted beneficial effects on perceived effectiveness, feelings, and intentions related to water consumption (ADEs = 0.33-0.68; ps < 0.001). Exposure to the water encouragement message had beneficial effects on outcomes related to water consumption (ADEs = 0.28-0.81, ps < 0.001), but limited impact on outcomes related to soda consumption. Across outcomes, results indicated diminishing returns from exposure to both message types. Messaging campaigns discouraging unhealthy beverages may be more promising for improving beverage consumption than messages only promoting healthier beverages.

Positive Health Check intervention tool usage during a feasibility pilot in HIV primary care clinics.

Positive Health Check (PHC), an interactive, web-based intervention, provides tailored behavioral health messages to support people with HIV in their HIV care. Users interact with a virtual doctor and based on responses to tailoring questions, PHC delivers relevant content modules addressing treatment initiation, medication adherence, retention in care, sexual risk reduction, mother-to-child transmission, and injection drug use. During a one-month feasibility pilot of PHC, patients in four HIV primary care clinics were invited to use PHC and tool usage metrics were collected and assessed. Descriptive analyses were conducted to characterize how the tool was used based on behavioral risk scenarios presented.Ninety-seven patients accessed PHC as part of the pilot, with 68 (70.1%) completing the intervention on average in 15 min. Out of 85 patients who viewed behavioral tips and commitments, 66 (77.7%) selected at least one tip to practice and 41 (48.2%) made at least one commitment to ask their provider a question. Patients spent the most time with adherence and sexual risk reduction content. The high level of tool engagement suggests that PHC was acceptable to patients regardless of length of time since diagnosis. PHC can be completed within a single visit and is a promising tool for PWH.

Pharmacological and Behavioral Interventions for Fatigue in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate pharmacological and behavioral interventions for the treatment of fatigue in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, Wan fang, and VIP up to July 31, 2022. We used Revman 5.3 software for the meta-analysis. The outcomes included Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Parkinson's Fatigue Scale (PFS). The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were collected or calculated. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1758 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that current clinical treatments reduced FSS (MD: -1.60, 95% CI: -3.14 to -0.05) and PFS (MD: -0.61, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.05) in patients with PD. Subgroup meta-analysis showed that: (1) neither pharmacological interventions nor behavioral interventions reduced FSS in PD patients; (2) dopaminergic drugs dose-dependently significantly reduced the PFS in patients with PD; (3) behavioral interventions have an almost significant effect (MD: -6.69, 95% CI: -13.71 to 0.33, P = 0.06, I2 = 74%) on alleviating PFS in PD patients; (4) vestibular rehabilitation training significantly reduced the PFS in patients with PD. CONCLUSIONS: Current clinical treatments alleviate fatigue in PD patients. Dopaminergic drugs may act a stronger effect than amphetamines. Behavioral interventions, especially vestibular rehabilitation training, may be a promising way for the treatment of fatigue in patients with PD though further evidence is still needed.