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1.
J Sch Health ; 94(6): 551-561, 2024 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38551064

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study's goal was to assess the effectiveness of 2 messaging strategies on participation in SARS-CoV-2 weekly testing. METHODS: Cluster randomized trials were conducted at 2 school systems, the special school district (SSD) and Kennedy Krieger Institute (Kennedy) to assess messaging strategies, general versus enhanced, to increase weekly screening for SARS-CoV-2. Testing was offered to staff and students from November 23, 2020 to May 26, 2022. The primary outcomes were percentage of students and staff consented weekly and percentage of study participants who had a test performed weekly. Generalized estimating equation models were utilized to evaluate the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Increases in enrollment and testing occurred during study start up, the beginning of school years, and following surges in both systems. No statistical difference was observed in the primary outcomes between schools receiving standard versus enhanced messaging. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Frequent and consistent communication is vital for families and staff. Weekly screening testing within schools is possible and highlighted the importance of utilizing equitable protocols to provide important testing to students with IDD. CONCLUSION: Enhanced messaging strategies did not increase the number of participants enrolled or the percentage of enrolled participants being tested on a weekly basis.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Testing , COVID-19 , Developmental Disabilities , Intellectual Disability , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Child , Male , Female , Adolescent , COVID-19 Testing/methods , Students/psychology , SARS-CoV-2 , School Health Services , Mass Screening/methods , Schools
2.
Health Promot Pract ; : 15248399241228823, 2024 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38361434

ABSTRACT

Individuals with long COVID report diverse symptoms lasting weeks or months after initial infection, causing significant psychosocial distress. Navigating health care interactions are often difficult for these individuals due to the diffuse nature of their symptoms, a lack of effective treatment options, and skepticism from some providers. To better understand these challenges, this study sought to further describe the lived experience of individuals with long COVID. A survey was conducted with individuals evaluated for long COVID at a specialty clinic (n = 200), which included questions about prior conditions, symptoms, use of medical and support services, and information and resource needs. Participants reported a mean of 10.75 persistent symptoms, the most common being fatigue and difficulty concentrating, with broad effects on daily functioning. Participants saw a mean of 5.92 providers for treatment of their symptoms, and 88.5% identified health care providers as a trusted source of information. Interest in research findings (60.5%) and opportunities for participation (47.5%) were moderate and varied by COVID vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals (n = 27) also reported less trust in government sources of information, less college education, lower household income, and greater likelihood of having public insurance. Our findings suggest that individuals with long COVID experience many ongoing and complex symptoms with diverse effects on daily living; that health care providers are an important source for public health messaging about long COVID; and that unvaccinated individuals are likely to have differing needs and receptiveness to information than vaccinated individuals with long COVID.

3.
Am J Public Health ; 114(S1): S87-S91, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38207273

ABSTRACT

To increase community conversations about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, we distributed vaccine cardholders and conversation cards to 6000 newly vaccinated adults at vaccination sites and encouraged them to talk with unvaccinated friends and family members. In 257 onsite exit interviews, we found that cardholders and conversation cards were well liked, and most recipients expected to use them. Follow-up surveys two weeks later showed that 51% of respondents used a card to start a conversation and 41% gave a card to an unvaccinated friend or family member. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S1):S87-S91. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307481).


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Adult , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Communication , Family , Publications , Vaccination
4.
J Commun Healthc ; 16(4): 350-357, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37695124

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Promoting COVID-19 vaccination (both the primary series and boosters) remains a priority among healthcare professionals and requires understanding the various sources people trust for acquiring COVID-19 information. METHOD: From October 2021 to May 2022, we interviewed 150 people who called 2-1-1 helplines in Connecticut and North Carolina about their COVID-19 testing and vaccination experiences in order to (1) better understand where people obtain trusted COVID-19 health information and (2) identify how public health professionals can share emergency health information in the future. We used a mixed methods approach in which semi-structured qualitative interviews and survey data were collected in parallel and analyzed separately. RESULTS: Participants were mostly female (74.0%), Black (43.3%) or White (38.0%), and had a high school degree or higher (88.0%). Most had prior COVID-19 testing experience (88.0%) and were vaccinated (82.7%). A variety of information sources were rated as being very trustworthy including medical professionals and social service organizations. We found that repetition of information from multiple sources increased trust; however, perceived inconsistencies in recommendations over time eroded trust in health communication, especially from government-affiliated information sources. Observations such as seeing long lines for COVID-19 testing or vaccination became internalized trusted information. CONCLUSIONS: Public health professionals can leverage the reach and strong community ties of existing, reputable non-government organizations, such as physician groups, schools, and pharmacies, to distribute COVID-19 information about vaccination and testing.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Health Communication , Humans , Female , Male , COVID-19 Testing , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Trust , Vaccination
5.
Lancet Reg Health Am ; 23: 100529, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37408953

ABSTRACT

Background: Quitting smoking is especially challenging for low-income smokers due to high stress, high smoking prevalence around them, and limited support for quitting. This study aimed to determine whether any of three interventions designed specifically for low-income smokers would be more effective than standard tobacco quitline services: a specialized quitline, the specialized quitline with social needs navigation, or the standard quitline with social needs navigation. Methods: Using a randomized 2 × 2 factorial design, low-income daily cigarette smokers (n = 1944) in Missouri, USA who called a helpline seeking assistance with food, rent or other social needs were assigned to receive Standard Quitline alone (n = 485), Standard Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (n = 484), Specialized Quitline alone (n = 485), or Specialized Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (n = 490). The target sample size was 2000, 500 per group. The main outcome was 7-day self-reported point prevalence abstinence at 6-month follow-up. Multiple imputation was used to impute outcomes for those missing data at 6-month follow-up. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess differences between study groups. Findings: Participants were recruited from June 2017 to November 2020; most were African American (1111 [58%]) or White (666 [35%]), female (1396 [72%]), and reported <$10,000 (957 [51%]) or <$20,000 (1529 [82%]) annual pre-tax household income. At 6-month follow-up (58% retention), 101 participants in the Standard Quitline group reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence (20.8% of those assigned at baseline, 38.1% after imputation). Quit rates in the Specialized Quitline (90 quitters, 18.6%, 38.1%) and Specialized Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (103 quitters, 21.0%, 39.8%) were not different from the Standard Quitline. Quit rates for Standard Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (74 quitters, 15.3%, 30.1%) were significantly lower than Standard Quitline (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50-0.98). Interpretation: A specialized version of a state tobacco quitline was no more effective than standard quitline services in helping low-income smokers quit. Adding social needs navigation to a standard quitline decreased its effectiveness. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03194958. Funding: National Cancer Institute: R01CA201429.

7.
J Community Health ; 47(6): 959-965, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35932354

ABSTRACT

Home smoking bans reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. Understanding how psychosocial factors are related to having a home smoking ban may lead to better interventions for populations less likely to have home smoking bans, including low-income smokers. In this study, we used baseline data from 1,944 participants in a randomized trial of low-income smokers in Missouri to explore psychosocial correlates of a total home smoking ban. Using logistic regression, we examined associations between psychosocial variables (social support, unmet social needs [e.g., food, housing], perceived stress, and depressive symptoms) and a total home smoking ban. 72% of participants were female, and 58% were Black/African American; 26% reported a home smoking ban. In unadjusted and adjusted models, greater social support was associated with greater likelihood of a home smoking ban. Stress was negatively associated with a ban in adjusted models only. The fact that most participants did not have a home smoking ban highlights the need for further intervention in this population. Results suggest links between social support and having a home smoking ban, although effect sizes were small. Smoke-free home interventions that increase social connectedness or leverage existing support may be especially effective. Tobacco control planners may also consider partnering with agencies addressing social isolation.


Subject(s)
Smoke-Free Policy , Tobacco Smoke Pollution , Female , Humans , Male , Depression/epidemiology , Smokers , Smoking Prevention , Social Support , Stress, Psychological , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & control
8.
BMC Public Health ; 22(1): 1177, 2022 06 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35698094

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since March 2020, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color within the United States. As schools have shifted from virtual to in-person learning, continual guidance is necessary to understand appropriate interventions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Weekly testing of students and staff for SARS-CoV-2 within K-12 school setting could provide an additional barrier to school-based transmission, especially within schools unable to implement additional mitigation strategies and/or are in areas of high transmission. This study seeks to understand the role that weekly SARS-CoV-2 testing could play in K-12 schools. In addition, through qualitative interviews and listening sessions, this research hopes to understand community concerns and barriers regarding COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccine, and return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS/DESIGN: Sixteen middle and high schools from five school districts have been randomized into one of the following categories: (1) Weekly screening + symptomatic testing or (2) Symptomatic testing only. The primary outcome for this study will be the average of the secondary attack rate of school-based transmission per case. School-based transmission will also be assessed through qualitative contact interviews with positive contacts identified by the school contact tracers. Lastly, new total numbers of weekly cases and contacts within a school-based quarantine will provide guidance on transmission rates. Qualitative focus groups and interviews have been conducted to provide additional understanding to the acceptance of the intervention and barriers faced by the community regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing and vaccination. DISCUSSION: This study will provide greater understanding of the benefit that weekly screening testing can provide in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission within K-12 schools. Close collaboration with community partners and school districts will be necessary for the success of this and similar studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04875520 . Registered May 6, 2021.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Testing , COVID-19 , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Humans , Pandemics/prevention & control , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , SARS-CoV-2 , United States/epidemiology
9.
Prev Med ; 156: 106959, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35065974

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 vaccines have been granted emergency use authorization for children ages 5 years and older. To understand how racially and ethnically diverse parents of young children enrolled in Medicaid feel about a prospective COVID-19 vaccine for their children, we administered an online survey that included both close-ended and open-ended items to a statewide sample in Florida (n = 1951). We used quantitative responses to conduct a statistical audience segmentation analysis that identified five distinct sub-groups that varied widely in the likelihood that they would get a COVID-19 vaccine for their child. Qualitative responses were used to illustrate differences between the groups. The youngest Black and White mothers were least likely to vaccinate their child (24%), followed by Black and White mothers in their early 30s (36%), younger Hispanic and mixed-race or other race parents (45%), older mothers (48%) and older fathers (71%). Unique challenges to building vaccine confidence emerged for each group. The youngest Black and White mothers were more likely to report their lives being worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, were far more negative and less positive about a COVID-19 vaccine, and were more concerned about paying bills than preventing COVID-19. Younger Hispanic and mixed-race parents were less negative, but more likely to use emotional language (e.g., scared, nervous, worried) talking about a COVID-19 vaccine, and more likely to report that protecting their child's health was their top concern. Recommendations are made for applying the insights gained in outreach and education efforts.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Florida , Humans , Intention , Medicaid , Mothers , Pandemics , Parents/psychology , SARS-CoV-2 , United States , Vaccination/psychology
10.
Contemp Clin Trials Commun ; 24: 100857, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34849423

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Low-income Americans smoke cigarettes at higher rates and quit less than other groups. METHODS: To increase their engagement in and success using evidence-based cessation methods, we tested two interventions using a 2x2 randomized factorial design: (1) telephone navigation to reduce financial strain and address social needs such as food, rent and utility payment; and (2) a specialized tobacco quitline designed for low-income smokers. From June 2017 to November 2020, we enrolled 1,944 low-income smokers in Missouri, USA, recruited through the Missouri 2-1-1 helpline, into the trial. This paper describes recruitment, key characteristics and life circumstances of this high-risk population. RESULTS: After eligibility screening, 1,944 participants completed baseline and were randomized. Participants were racially diverse (58% African American), poor (51% < $10,000 annual pre-tax household income) and many reported less than high school education (30%). They reported a mean of 2.5 unmet social needs, especially childcare and paying bills, had high rates of stress, depressive symptoms and sleep problems, and most were in fair or poor health. There were few differences between these variables, and no differences between tobacco use and cessation variables, across the four study groups and between participants recruited pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Trial recruitment through the 2-1-1 helpline is feasible for reaching a population of low-income smokers. Low-income smokers face myriad daily challenges beyond quitting smoking. Cessation interventions need to account for and address these life circumstances. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03194958.

11.
Addict Behav Rep ; 13: 100343, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33786362

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the acceptability and use of remote biochemical verification of self-reported cessation among low-income and racially diverse smokers. We compared responses to an in-person carbon monoxide breath test and in-home urine cotinine test among 270 adults who reported 7-day continuous abstinence at 6-month follow-up in a community-based randomized cessation trial. Half of participants (50%) reported annual household income below $10,000, one in four (28%) had not completed high school, and 69% were Black or African American. Regardless of whether the two tests were offered separately, sequentially, or as a head-to-head choice, participants were more likely to accept an offer to take the urine test than the breath test (89% vs. 32%), and complete it (46% vs. 13%). The proportion of participants completing the urine test and returning a digital photo of the test result is comparable to several studies completed with less disadvantaged samples. Self-report was confirmed by urine test for 74% of participants with a conclusive test result, although a high percentage (39%) of test results were inconclusive. In-home urine testing appears both acceptable and feasible for many low-income smokers, but challenges with testing technology and response rates currently limit its value to increase confidence in self-reports.

12.
J Sch Health ; 90(12): 948-963, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33184882

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model is an evidence-based comprehensive framework to address health in schools. WSCC model use improves health and educational outcomes, but implementation remains a challenge. METHODS: Working with 6 schools in 2 districts in the Midwest, we used a mixed-methods approach to determine the people, systems, and messages needed to activate WSCC implementation. We report on social network analysis and message testing findings and research translation to develop the Healthy Schools Toolkit. RESULTS: Social networks for both districts included more than 150 individuals. Both demonstrated network densities less than half of the desirable threshold, with evidence of clustering by role and minimal cross-school relationships, posing challenges for WSCC implementation. Across stakeholder groups, messages that emphasize empathy, teamwork, and action were well-received, especially when shared by trusted individuals through communication channels that align with stakeholder needs. CONCLUSIONS: The Healthy Schools Toolkit provides an example of a translational product that helps to bridge research with practice. With features that highlight 6 design principles, the toolkit provides complementary activities that schools and districts can use as they plan for integration of the WSCC model.


Subject(s)
Interprofessional Relations , Models, Educational , School Health Services , Child , Family , Humans , Midwestern United States , Schools , Social Networking
13.
Health Aff (Millwood) ; 39(4): 679-688, 2020 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32250682

ABSTRACT

Health care providers are increasingly screening low-income patients for social needs and making referrals to social services agencies to assist in resolving them. A major assumption of this approach is that local social services providers have the capacity and resources to help. To explore this assumption, we examined 711,613 requests related to fifty different social needs received from callers to 211 helplines in seven states during 2018. Our analyses focused on the proportion of requests for which referrals could not be made because of low capacity in the social services system. We examined the extent to which the capacity of this system varied by type of social need, ZIP code, and time of year, and we classified social needs in a new typology based on prevalence and system capacity. It is clear that health care's current screening and referral approach is appropriate for some social needs but not others.


Subject(s)
Referral and Consultation , Social Work , Health Personnel , Humans , Organizations , Poverty
14.
J Health Commun ; 24(2): 141-155, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30924402

ABSTRACT

Interventions are needed to increase colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) uptake. Narratives may have advantages over didactic information. We tested different narratives for increasing CRCS intentions and behaviors, and examined their mechanisms of influence. We randomized 477 unscreened adults 50-75 years old to one of three groups: CRCS information only (1) or CRCS information plus a photo and text narrative of a CRC survivor (2) or CRC screener who did not have cancer (3). Photos were tailored on participants' sex, age group, and race/ethnicity. Participants completed online surveys before and after intervention exposure, and 1-, 6-, and 12-months follow-up. Thirty percent of participants completed CRCS. Narrative conditions (vs. information only) were negatively associated with intention, but also positively influenced intentions through greater emotional engagement. Survivor (vs. screener) narratives were positively associated with CRCS, and had mixed effects on intention - positively through emotional engagement and negatively through self-referencing engagement to self-efficacy. Survivor narratives elicited more negative affect, which had positive and negative influences on intention. Continued research using path models to understand the mechanisms of narrative effects will inform theory development and message design. Additional measurement evaluation is needed to adequately capture and then compare the effects of different components of narrative engagement.


Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/prevention & control , Early Detection of Cancer/psychology , Health Communication/methods , Aged , Cancer Survivors , Early Detection of Cancer/statistics & numerical data , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Intention , Male , Middle Aged , Narration , Surveys and Questionnaires
15.
Contemp Clin Trials ; 80: 40-47, 2019 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30904596

ABSTRACT

Smoking in the United States follows a clear socioeconomic gradient: low-income Americans smoke more and quit less than those with more education and income. Evidence-based interventions like tobacco quitlines are designed to make effective cessation services available on a population basis to all smokers. However, these interventions do not address many of the unique challenges faced by low-income smokers, including unmet basic needs like food, housing, personal safety and money for necessities that often supersede health needs. Research is needed to maximize the use and effectiveness of tobacco quitlines in low-income populations. This paper details the rationale, design and methods for a 2 × 2 randomized controlled trial currently underway comparing the effects of Standard and Specialized Tobacco Quitlines with and without Basic Needs Navigation on intervention engagement and smoking cessation among low-income smokers. Smokers are recruited from United Way 2-1-1 in Missouri and all participants receive tobacco quitline services from Optum. Quitline and navigation services are provided for 3 months. Participants complete telephone surveys at baseline, 3- and 6-month follow up. The primary study outcome is self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6-month follow up. Embedding the study in practice agencies will accelerate dissemination and scalability should our findings demonstrate intervention effectiveness.


Subject(s)
Counseling/methods , Health Behavior , Patient Navigation/methods , Smoking Cessation/methods , Smoking , Humans , Poverty/psychology , Preventive Health Services/methods , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Risk Reduction Behavior , Smoking/epidemiology , Smoking/psychology , Smoking/therapy , Socioeconomic Factors
16.
Int J Aging Hum Dev ; 87(2): 111-123, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29139320

ABSTRACT

Older adults are the largest consumer of cable news, which includes negative and politicized content and may constitute a daily stressor. As older adults are also vulnerable to the negative consequences of stress, we hypothesized that cable news watching could induce a stress reaction and impair cognitive function. We tested exposures to cable news (i.e., Fox News and MSNBC) in a within-subject randomized controlled design in 34 healthy older adults. We also included negative (Public Broadcasting Station) and positive (trier social stress test) controls. Cable news watching had no effect on psychological stress, physiological stress, or cognitive function. This remained true even if the news exposures were discordant with participants' political affiliation. We conclude that brief cable news watching does not induce a physiological or subjective stress response or cognitive impairment among healthy older adults.


Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Cognition/physiology , Stress, Physiological/physiology , Stress, Psychological/physiopathology , Television , Aged , Cross-Over Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Politics
17.
JMIR Mhealth Uhealth ; 5(3): e20, 2017 Mar 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28288954

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the leading contributors to preventable illness and death among women. Although mobile phone apps provide unprecedented opportunity to engage women along the cancer continuum, little is known about the availability, content, and usability of breast cancer mobile phone apps. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the content and adherence to literate design standards of all breast cancer-related apps available on the App Store and Google Play, as well as the relationship between their content, user ratings, and price. METHODS: Following identification and downloading of all available breast cancer mobile phone apps in October 2015, 101 apps were confirmed as focusing on breast cancer. Based on prior research, we adapted and applied a content analysis scheme that was specific to breast cancer apps, including their main purpose, relevance to the cancer care continuum, and adherence to usability standards outlined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). RESULTS: The most common aim of apps was educational (73/101, 72.3%), followed by behavior change (24/101, 23.9%), fundraising (20/101, 19.8%), and advocacy (14/101, 13.9%). On the cancer continuum, primary prevention (strategies to prevent cancer cells from occurring) was mentioned in almost one-third of the apps (30/101, 29.7%). Less than half of the apps (46/101, 45.5%) presented information about mammography and/or breast clinical exam, and 53 apps (52.5%) discussed breast self-exam (which is no longer recommended). Symptoms of cancer prediagnosis, such as a lump, were discussed in almost half of the apps (48/101, 47.5%) and a similar number of apps included information about genetic risk for breast cancer (47/101, 46.5%). Information about breast cancer diagnosis was included in 42 apps (41.58%) and 43 (42.6%) apps discussed treatment options. Survivorship issues were addressed in 17 (16.8%) apps. Only one (1.0%) app discussed hospice. Adherence to usability recommendations was low. The median composite score was 3 (mean 2.60, SD 1.20) of the six recommended usability items. With eight plain language items, the median of the composite health literacy score was 5 (mean 5.06, SD 2.00). Most apps did not use easy-to-understand words (44/101, 43.6%) and few (24/101, 23.8%) defined key terms. CONCLUSIONS: Current breast cancer apps provide important information about breast cancer, but the most common topic covered is breast self-examination, a non-evidence-based screening strategy. Apps that focus on evidence-based strategies on the cancer continuum are needed, with a notable pressing need for apps that would address survivorship and end of life. Finally, developers of breast cancer apps should adhere to IOM standards to meet the needs of diverse populations and reduce current disparities.

18.
J Health Commun ; 21(8): 855-67, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27410753

ABSTRACT

Few studies have examined how diverse populations interpret warning labels. This study examined interpretations of 9 graphic cigarette warning labels (image plus text) proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration among a convenience sample of youth (ages 13-17) and adults (18+) across the United States. Participants (N = 1,571) completed a cross-sectional survey. Participants were asked to select 1 of 3 plausible interpretations (1 preferred vs. 2 alternative) created by the research team about the particular consequence of smoking addressed in each warning label. Participants also rated each label for novelty, counterarguing, perceived effectiveness, and harm. Smokers reported their thoughts of quitting, self-efficacy, and motivation to quit. Although at least 70% of the sample chose the preferred interpretation for 7 of 9 labels, only 13% of participants chose all 9 preferred interpretations. The odds of selecting the preferred interpretation were lower among African Americans, among those with less education, and for labels perceived as being more novel. Smokers reported greater counterarguing and less perceived effectiveness and harms than nonsmokers, but results were not consistent across all labels and interpretations. The alternative interpretations of cigarette warning labels were associated with lower perceived effectiveness and lower perceived harms of smoking, both of which are important for motivating quit attempts.


Subject(s)
Product Labeling/methods , Smoking Cessation/psychology , Smoking Prevention , Smoking/psychology , Tobacco Products/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Motivation , Self Efficacy , United States , United States Food and Drug Administration , Young Adult
19.
BMJ Open ; 6(3): e008777, 2016 Mar 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27009143

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study is the first to explore the impact of graphic cigarette labels with physical harm images on members of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. The aim of this article is to investigate how AI/AN respond to particular graphic warning labels. METHODS: The parent study recruited smokers, at-risk smokers and non-smokers from three different age groups (youths aged 13-17 years, young adults aged 18-24 years and adults aged 25+ years) and five population subgroups with high smoking prevalence or smoking risk. Using nine graphic labels, this study collected participant data in the field via an iPad-administered survey and card sorting of graphic warning labels. This paper reports on findings for AI/AN participants. RESULTS: After viewing graphic warning labels, participants rated their likelihood of talking about smoking risks to friends, parents and siblings higher than their likelihood of talking to teachers and doctors. Further, this study found that certain labels (eg, the label of the toddler in the smoke cloud) made them think about their friends and family who smoke. CONCLUSIONS: Given the influence of community social networks on health beliefs and attitudes, health communication using graphic warning labels could effect change in the smoking habits of AI/AN community members. Study findings suggest that graphic labels could serve as stimuli for conversations about the risks of smoking among AI/AN community members, and could be an important element of a peer-to-peer smoking cessation effort.


Subject(s)
/psychology , Indians, North American/psychology , Product Labeling , Smoking Cessation/psychology , Smoking/ethnology , Tobacco Products/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Communication , Emotions , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Smoking/adverse effects , United States , Young Adult
20.
Prev Chronic Dis ; 12: E131, 2015 Aug 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26292062

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco quitlines are critical components of comprehensive tobacco control programs. However, use of the US National Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) is low. Promoting quitlines on cigarette warning labels may increase call volume and smoking cessation rates but only if smokers are aware of, and receptive to, quitline services. METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews with a diverse subset (n = 159) of adolescent (14-17 y) and adult (≥18 y) participants of a larger quantitative survey about graphic cigarette warning labels (N = 1,590). A convenience sample was recruited from schools and community organizations in 6 states. Interviews lasted 30 to 45 minutes and included questions to assess basic knowledge and perceptions of the quitline number printed on the warning labels. Data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: available services, caller characteristics, quitline service provider characteristics, and logistics. Participants were generally knowledgeable about quitline services, including the provision of telephone-based counseling. However, some adolescents believed that quitlines provide referrals to "rehab." Quitline callers are perceived as highly motivated - even desperate - to quit. Few smokers were interested in calling the quitline, but some indicated that they might call if they were unable to quit independently. It was generally recognized that quitline services are or should be free, confidential, and operated by governmental or nonprofit agencies, possibly using tobacco settlement funds. CONCLUSION: Future marketing efforts should raise awareness of the nature and benefits of quitline services to increase use of these services and, consequently, reduce tobacco use, improve public health, and reduce tobacco-related health disparities.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Hotlines/statistics & numerical data , Product Labeling , Smoking Cessation/psychology , Smoking/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Ethnicity/psychology , Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Promotion/methods , Hotlines/economics , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Product Labeling/standards , Qualitative Research , Smoking/epidemiology , Smoking Cessation/statistics & numerical data , Smoking Prevention , Social Class , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tobacco Products/adverse effects , United States/epidemiology , Young Adult
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