David B Abrams

Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Professional overview

Dr. David Abrams' career focuses on systems and social learning frameworks to inform population health enhancement. He has experience in testing theory, research design, measuring mechanisms of behavior change and outcome, and evaluating clinical trials (behavioral and pharmacological). His interests span topics from basic bio-behavioral mechanisms and clinical treatments to policy across risk factors and behaviors (e.g. tobacco/nicotine; alcohol, obesity, co-morbidity of medical and mental health), disease states (cancer; cardiovascular; HIV-AIDS), levels (biological, individual, organizational, worksite, community, global, and internet based), populations and disparities. His interests converge in the domain of implementation science to cost-efficiently inform evidence-based public health practice and policymaking.

Through transdisciplinary and translational research strategies, Dr. Abrams provides scientific leadership in tobacco control. His current focus is in strengthening global and United States tobacco and nicotine management strategies. Deaths of 1 billion smokers are estimated by 2100 caused overwhelmingly by use of combustible (smoked) tobacco products, not nicotine. Harm minimization is a key overarching systems strategy to speed the net public health benefit of emergent disruptive technologies for cleaner nicotine delivery. The goal is more rapid elimination of preventable deaths, disease burdens, and the widening gap in health disparities driven disproportionately by disparities in smoking.

Dr. Abrams was a professor and founding director of the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine at Brown University Medical School. He then directed the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Until 2017, he was Professor of Health Behavior and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the founding Executive Director of the Schroeder National Institute of Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at Truth Initiative (formerly the American Legacy Foundation).

Dr. Abrams has published over 250 peer reviewed scholarly articles and been a Principal Investigator on numerous NIH grants. He is lead author of The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook: A Guide to Best Practices. He has served on expert panels at NIH and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Obesity, Alcohol Misuse and Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation. He has also served on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) and was President of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

For a complete list of Dr. Abrams' published work, click here.

Education

BSc (Hons), Psychology and Computer Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

MS, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

PhD, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Postdoctoral Fellow, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI

Honors and awards

Research Laureate Award, American Academy of Health Behavior (2014)

Joseph W. Cullen Memorial Award for Tobacco Research, American Society for Preventive Oncology (2008)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Rutgers University, The Graduate School, New Brunswick, NJ (2007)

The Musiker-Miranda Distinguished Service Award, American Psychological Association (2006)

Distinguished Service Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Outstanding Research Mentor Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Book of the Year Award: Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook. American Journal of Nursing (2005)

Distinguished Scientist Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (1998)

Areas of research and study

Behavioral Science

Chronic Diseases

Evaluations

Implementation and Impact of Public Health Regulations

Implementation science

Population Health

Public Health Pedagogy

Public Health Systems

Research Design

Systems Integration

Systems Interventions

Tobacco Control

Translational science

Publications

Publications

Investigating the big five personality factors and smoking: Implications for assessment

Shadel, W. G., Cervone, D., Niaura, R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment

Volume

26

Issue

3

Page(s)

185-191

10.1023/B:JOBA.0000022111.13381.0c

Abstract

Abstract

Global personality dispositions may be important for understanding population-based individual differences in smoking outcomes, yet few studies have been executed using measures of these global dispositional constructs from the contemporary field of personality. This study explored whether the Big Five personality factors (Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Intellect) were concurrently associated with key smoking (e.g., nicotine dependence, smoking rate, age at first cigarette) and cessation (e.g., self-efficacy to quit, motivation to quit, number of prior quit attempts, length of most recent quit) variables in a sample of regular smokers (n = 130). Of the 35 correlations computed, only 2 were significant: Intellect was positively correlated with motivation to quit and number of 24-hr quit attempts in the last year. These results have implications for using trait variables to study individual differences in smokers.

Motivational enhancement and coping skills training for cocaine abusers: Effects on substance use outcomes

Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., Martin, R. A., Colby, S. M., Myers, M. G., Gulliver, S. B., Brown, R. A., Mueller, T. I., Gordon, A., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Addiction

Volume

99

Issue

7

Page(s)

862-874

10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00743.x

Abstract

Abstract

Aims: This clinical trial investigated effects of motivational enhancement treatment (MET) and group coping-skills training (CST) tailored for cocaine dependence. Effects of MET were hypothesized to be greater with CST and for less motivated patients. Design and interventions: A 2 x 2 design investigated two individual sessions of MET compared to meditation-relaxation (MRT), followed by four group sessions of CST versus drug education (ED), as daily adjuncts to intensive treatment. Setting: The substance abuse program provided full-day treatment with a learning-theory and 12-Step orientation. Participants: Cocaine-dependent patients were recruited. Measurements: Assessment included treatment retention; change in cocaine-related urge, self-efficacy, pros and cons, and motivation; substance use and problems during 12-month follow-up. Findings: Of 165 patients, follow-up status is known for 90% (n=149). Patients in MET with low initial motivation to change reported less cocaine and alcohol relapse and use days and fewer alcohol problems than MET patients with higher initial motivation. MET produced more employment improvement than MRT, with no other significant benefit for MET. Patients with higher motivation had more cocaine use and alcohol problems after MET than MRT. Group CST reduced cocaine and alcohol use during follow-up for women only and reduced alcohol relapse for men and women. Conclusions: MET is more beneficial for patients with lower initial motivation than for patients with high initial motivation. CST reduced cocaine and alcohol use for women only and reduced alcohol relapses, in contrast to results with lengthier individual CST.

Smoking cessation treatment on the Internet: Content, quality, and usability

Bock, B. C., Graham, A. L., Sciamanna, C. N., Krishnamoorthy, J., Whiteley, J., Carmona-Barros, R., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

6

Issue

2

Page(s)

207-219

10.1080/14622200410001676332

Abstract

Abstract

The explosive growth in access to the Internet suggests that the Internet may be a viable channel through which we can reach and treat the large population of smokers who are unlikely to use other modes of intervention. We applied national guidelines from the U.S. Public Health Service to assess the quality of interventions for smoking cessation that are available on the Internet. The Public Health Service guidelines were codified into two instruments to record and to rate quality of the intervention contents. Usability guidelines established by the National Cancer Institute were used to develop an instrument to assess Web site usability. Of the 202 Web sites identified in searches, 77% did not provide direct intervention over the Internet and were excluded from analyses. A total of 46 Web sites were included in our review. Usability assessments showed mixed results. Web sites were visually well organized and used consistent graphical design; however, reading difficulty averaged above the 8th-grade level. Over 80% of Web sites provided no coverage of one or more of the key components of tobacco treatment recommended in the guidelines. Ironically, areas receiving the least coverage were those most amenable to the interactive capabilities of the Internet, such as providing tailored, personalized advice to quit and arranging follow-up contact. Smokers seeking quality tobacco dependence treatment on the Internet may have difficulty distinguishing among the numerous Web sites available. Web sites that provide direct treatment often fail to fully implement treatment guidelines and do not take full advantage of the interactive and tailoring capabilities of the Internet.

Thinking about craving: An experimental analysis of smokers' spontaneous self-reports of craving

Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

29

Issue

4

Page(s)

811-815

10.1016/j.addbeh.2004.02.014

Abstract

Abstract

This study evaluated whether smokers generate spontaneous expressions of craving (i.e., expressions of an urge, craving, desire, want, or need) in response to cues designed to provoke a craving state. In a 2 (smoking deprivation: 1 and 12 h)×2 (cue type: neutral, active) within-subjects design, smokers were asked to think aloud in an unstructured way (i.e., "describe everything you are thinking and feeling right now"). Results revealed a main effect for cue type on think-aloud craving responses: Smokers spontaneously generated a greater number of craving-related cognitions during active cue exposure compared with neutral cue exposure, both during both 1- and 12-h deprivation. This same pattern of effects was not found for a self-report assessment of craving, which was insensitive to cue-provoked changes in craving in the 1-h deprivation condition. These results suggest that smokers do spontaneously experience craving, independent of an explicit assessment of craving and that think-aloud methods may provide a novel assessment of craving that may be relatively more sensitive than self-report methods under some circumstances.

Who am I? The role of self-conflict in adolescents' responses to cigarette advertising

Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

27

Issue

5

Page(s)

463-475

10.1023/B:JOBM.0000047610.07195.b0

Abstract

Abstract

Cigarette advertising may be partly responsible for adolescent smoking initiation, but few studies have investigated the advertising and individual difference factors that may be responsible. This study evaluated whether individual differences in the number of self-conflicts (i.e., conflicts between personality attributes experienced as part of self-concept development) interacts with stage of development (early versus middle adolescence) to predict responses to cigarette advertising imagery. One hundred and one never smoking adolescents judged the self-relevance of various cigarette advertisements. As predicted, self-conflict was related to judgments of self-relevance for early adolescents only: early adolescents who are having the most difficulty defining themselves are more likely to look to the powerful images displayed by cigarette advertisements for help. These results have implications for understanding the impact of cigarette advertising on smoking initiation for some adolescents.

Alcohol specific role play test

Abrams, D., & Al., . (n.d.). In J. Allen & M. Columbus (Eds.), Assessing alcohol problems: A guide for clinicians and researchers (1–).

Publication year

2003

Effects of motivational interviewing on smoking cessation in adolescents with psychiatric disorders

Brown, R. A., Ramsey, S. E., Strong, D. R., Myers, M. G., Kahler, C. W., Lejuez, C. W., Niaura, R., Pallonen, U. E., Kazura, A. N., Goldstein, M. G., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Tobacco control

Volume

12

Page(s)

IV3-10

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To test the hypothesis that among adolescent smokers hospitalised for psychiatric and substance use disorders, motivational interviewing (MI) would lead to more and longer quit attempts, reduced smoking, and more abstinence from smoking over a 12 month follow up. Design: Randomised control trial of MI versus brief advice (BA) for smoking cessation, with pre- and post-intervention assessment of self efficacy and intentions to change, and smoking outcome variables assessed at one, three, six, nine, and 12 month follow ups. Setting: A private, university affiliated psychiatric hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Patients or other participants: Consecutive sample (n = 191) of 13-17 year olds, admitted for psychiatric hospitalisation, who smoked at least one cigarette per week for the past four weeks, had access to a telephone, and did not meet DSM-IV criteria for current psychotic disorder. Interventions: MI versus BA. MI consisted of two, 45 minute individual sessions, while BA consisted of 5-10 minutes of advice and information on how to quit smoking. Eligible participants in both conditions were offered an eight week regimen of transdermal nicotine patch upon hospital discharge. Main outcome measures: Point prevalence abstinence, quit attempts, changes in smoking rate and longest quit attempt. Proximal outcomes included intent to change smoking behaviour (upon hospital discharge), and self efficacy for smoking cessation. Results: MI did not lead to better smoking outcomes compared to BA. MI was more effective than BA for increasing self efficacy regarding ability to quit smoking. A significant interaction of treatment with baseline intention to quit smoking was also found. MI was more effective than BA for adolescents with little or no intention to change their smoking, but was actually less effective for adolescents with pre-existing intention to cut down or quit smoking. However, the effects on these variables were relatively modest and only moderately related to outcome. Adolescents with comorbid substance use disorders smoked more during follow up while those with anxiety disorders smoked less and were more likely to be abstinent. Conclusions: The positive effect of MI on self efficacy for quitting and the increase in intention to change in those with initially low levels of intentions suggest the benefits of such an intervention. However, the effects on these variables were relatively modest and only moderately related to outcome. The lack of overall effect of MI on smoking cessation outcomes suggests the need to further enhance and intensify this type of treatment approach for adolescent smokers with psychiatric comorbidity.

Facilitating transdisciplinary research: The experience of the transdisciplinary tobacco use research centers

Morgan, G. D., Kobus, K., Gerlach, K. K., Neighbors, C., Lerman, C., Abrams, D. B., & Rimer, B. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

5

Page(s)

S11-19

10.1080/14622200310001625537

Abstract

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of death and morbidity in the United States. Heightened recognition of this public health concern has led researchers from multiple and varied disciplines to address this complex and multidimensional behavior. The need for an alternative research paradigm, focusing on a transdisciplinary approach that integrates work across disciplines in order to advance the field most quickly, has been identified. This recognized need led to the development of the Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Centers (TTURC) initiative, funded jointly by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This paper discusses the formation and early implementation stages of the initiative, including meetings that led to the development of the TTURCs, funders' and research centers' perspectives on implementation, and early observations about the products of the initiative.

Naltrexone treatment for alcoholics: Effect on cigarette smoking rates

Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., Colby, S. M., Gulliver, S. B., Swift, R. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

5

Issue

2

Page(s)

231-236

10.1080/1462220031000073298

Abstract

Abstract

Naltrexone (NTX), by its pharmacological action in the mesolimbic pathways, should decrease reinforcement from nicotine as well as from alcohol. By means of this mechanism, NTX could result in temporary increases in smoking followed by decreased smoking rates among alcoholics not motivated to quit smoking. The change from pretreatment in smoking rates of 73 recently abstinent alcoholics in a 12-week clinical trial of NTX vs. placebo during alcoholism treatment was compared during 8 of the 12 weeks. Only smokers compliant with NTX were included in the analyses. NTX was associated with decreased smoking at every time point, but the effect was significant at only one time point. When alcohol relapsers were excluded, NTX patients showed decreased smoking at every time point, but the effect was significant at only two time points, a reduction of about five cigarettes per day. When smoking stage of change was included in the analyses, NTX showed no significant main or interaction effects on smoking rate. Precontemplators showed significantly less change in smoking rate than all other patients at the first and last four time points. Therefore, NTX alone currently does not show promise for promoting smoking reduction among recently abstinent alcoholics who have not sought or been given smoking cessation treatment. Further research is needed on possible effects with smokers motivated to quit smoking and on other methods of promoting smoking cessation among alcoholics.

Ongoing research and future directions

Monti, P., Niaura, R., & Abrams, D. (n.d.). In The tobacco dependence treatment handbook: A guide to best practices (1–).

Publication year

2003

Planning evidence-based treatment of tobacco dependence

Abrams, D., & Niaura, R. (n.d.). In The tobacco dependence treatment handbook: A guide to best practices (1–).

Publication year

2003

Psychosocial assessment and coping skills treatment for cocaine abuse: Preliminary results

Rohsenow, D., Monti, P., & Abrams, D. (n.d.). In F. Tims, J. Blaine, L. Onken, & B. Tai (Eds.), Treatment of cocaine abuse: Outcome research (1–).

Publication year

2003

Rationale, design, and baseline data for Commit to Quit II: An evaluation of the efficacy of moderate-intensity physical activity as an aid to smoking cessation in women

Marcus, B. H., Lewis, B. A., King, T. K., Albrecht, A. E., Hogan, J., Bock, B., Parisi, A. F., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Preventive Medicine

Volume

36

Issue

4

Page(s)

479-492

10.1016/S0091-7435(02)00051-8

Abstract

Abstract

Background. Commit to Quit II is a 4-year randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation treatment plus moderate-intensity physical activity with the same cessation treatment plus contact control. Methods. Sedentary women smokers (n = 217) were randomized to receive 8 weeks of treatment followed by 12 months of follow-up. This article outlines the study design, presents baseline data about the sample, and compares the sample to national samples and to our previous study examining vigorous-intensity exercise as an aid to smoking cessation. Results. Married and white participants reported significantly higher levels of nicotine dependence than nonmarried and minority participants. Higher levels of nicotine dependence were also significantly related to lower smoking cessation self-efficacy and higher levels of self-reported depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. Additionally, participants smoked significantly more cigarettes (mean 20.6) than a national sample of female smokers (mean 16.1). On average, participants were significantly older, weighed significantly more, and scored significantly higher on a measure of anxiety than participants in our previous trial. Conclusions. Our sample consisted of women who were heavier smokers than national samples seeking treatment. It remains to be determined how this will impact their ability to attain cessation in the present study.

Rejoinder to “Comments on ‘Challenges to improving the impact of worksite cancer prevention programs’: Paradigm lost or paradigm found? Important trade-offs and realities of conducting worksite- and community-based research.

Linnan, L., Klar, N., Emmons, K., LaForge, R., Fava, J., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

26

Issue

3

Page(s)

222-223

Socioeconomic status over the life course and stages of cigarette use: Initiation, regular use, and cessation

Gilman, S. E., Abrams, D. B., & Buka, S. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health

Volume

57

Issue

10

Page(s)

802-808

10.1136/jech.57.10.802

Abstract

Abstract

Study objective: To investigate the association between multiple indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) over the life course and three stages of cigarette use: initiation, regular use, and cessation. Design: Prospective birth cohort study. Setting: Providence, Rhode Island. Participants: Subjects (n=657) aged 30 to 39 were offspring of participants in the Brown University cohort of the United States National Collaborative Perinatal Project started in 1959. Main results: A significantly increased risk of smoking initiation was observed among people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Low SES in childhood also increased the risk for progression to regular smoking, and was associated with a reduced likelihood of smoking cessation. Progression to regular smoking and smoking persistence were also associated with lower adult SES. Conclusions: Socioeconomic conditions over the life course accumulate to produce increased rates of smoking uptake and reduced rates of cessation among lower SES people. Addressing SES gradients in smoking will require persistent and extended intervention over multiple life stages.

Stress and anxiety after 9/11: a prospective study

Bock, B., Becker, B., Partridge, R., Niaura, R., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Medicine and Health Rhode Island

Volume

86

Issue

11

Page(s)

340-341

The evolution of cancer control research: An international perspective from Canada and the United States

Best, A., Hiatt, R. A., Cameron, R., Rimer, B. K., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention

Volume

12

Issue

8

Page(s)

705-712

Abstract

Abstract

Four phases in the evolution of cancer control frameworks are reviewed, highlighting how national Canadian and United States planning and implementation activities have built on each other's work to define and guide cancer control research. Hallmarks have come to be: (a) coordination of the cycle that applies research to practice and policy decisions; (b) synthesis of knowledge at each phase of cancer control framework; (c) a focus on populations and public health with feedback loops between fundamental and applied research; and (d) interdisciplinary integration of the biological, behavioral, social, and other population sciences. Current research priorities and initiatives based on the research framework now common to both Canada and the United States are described. We conclude by calling for an international forum for the systematic advancement of cancer control research, and closer ties between the cancer control communities in North America.

The Smoking Effects Questionnaire for adult populations: Development and psychometric properties

Rohsenow, D. J., Abrams, D. B., Monti, P. M., Colby, S. M., Martin, R., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

28

Issue

7

Page(s)

1257-1270

10.1016/S0306-4603(02)00254-X

Abstract

Abstract

Outcome expectancies are central to a social learning model of smoking and of smoking cessation. The Smoking Effects Questionnaire (SEQ) was developed for use in general adult populations. Items were administered to 257 smokers and ex-smokers including worksite employees, hospital visitors, and clients entering smoking cessation treatment. Principal components analysis (PCA) found seven components with good reliability that were reduced into scales of four or five items each with internal consistencies above α=.80. The final measure has 33 items. The scales were divided by secondary factor analysis into three negative effect and four positive effect scales. The SEQ showed good construct and concurrent validity in comparison with measures of similar constructs and with other smoking variables. Women expected fewer negative physical effects and attributed more importance to positive stimulating effects from smoking but otherwise were comparable to men in expected effects of smoking. More dependent smokers ascribed more importance to negative physical effects and positive stimulating effects than did less dependent smokers but did not differ significantly on other expectancy domains. Both true/false scoring and importance ratings of effects produced mostly comparable results so that either scoring method could be used. Treatment implications were discussed. This brief scale is likely to be useful in a variety of research and clinical settings.

The tobacco dependence treatment handbook: A guide to best practices

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Brown, R., Emmons, K., Goldstein, M., & Monti, P. (n.d.). (1–).

Publication year

2003

Transdisciplinary tobacco use research

Abrams, D. B., Leslie, F., Mermelstein, R., Kobus, K., & Clayton, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

5

Page(s)

S5-10

10.1080/14622200310001625519

Adolescents' reactions to the imagery displayed in smoking and antismoking advertisements

Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

16

Issue

2

Page(s)

173-176

10.1037/0893-164X.16.2.173

Abstract

Abstract

This study compared adolescents' unbiased perceptions of the images displayed in smoking and antismoking advertising. Twenty-nine adolescents (ages 11-17) were shown images taken from both advertising types; all images were digitally edited so that no product information appeared in them. Participants described each image in a free-response format and rated each image on self-report dimensions. Content analyses of free-response descriptions and analyses of self-reports revealed that adolescents viewed images taken from cigarette advertisements more positively compared with images taken from antismoking advertisements. These findings suggest that 1 reason for the potency of cigarette advertising, compared with antismoking advertising, is the inherent positive appeal of the images displayed. Antismoking advertising may be more effective at limiting adolescent smoking if the images displayed have a more positive valence.

Beauty and the beast: Results of the Rhode Island smokefree shop initiative

Linnan, L. A., Emmons, K. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

92

Issue

1

Page(s)

27-28

10.2105/AJPH.92.1.27

Abstract

Abstract

Licensed hairdressing facilities are prevalent in communities nationwide and represent a unique and promising channel for delivering public health interventions. The Rhode Island Smokefree Shop Initiative tested the feasibility of using these facilities to deliver smoking policy interventions statewide. A statewide survey of hairdressing facilities was followed by interventions targeted to the readiness level (high/low) of respondents to adopt smokefree policies.

Challenges to improving the impact of worksite cancer prevention programs: Comparing reach, enrollment, and attrition using active versus passive recruitment strategies

Linnan, L. A., Emmons, K. M., Klar, N., Fava, J. L., LaForge, R. G., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

24

Issue

2

Page(s)

157-166

10.1207/S15324796ABM2402_13

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The impact of worksite intervention studies is maximized when reach and enrollment are high and attrition is low. Differences in reach, enrollment, and retention were investigated by comparing 2 different employee recruitment methods for a home-based cancer-prevention intervention study. Methods: Twenty-two worksites (N = 10,014 employees) chose either active or passive methods to recruit employees into a home-based intervention study. Reach (e.g., number of employees who gave permission to be called at home), Enrollment (e.g., number of employees who joined the home intervention study), and Attrition (e.g., number who did not complete the 12- and 24-month follow-ups) were determined. Analysis at the cluster level assessed differences between worksites that selected active (n = 12) versus passive (n = 10) recruitment methods on key outcomes of interest. Employees recruited by passive methods had significantly higher reach (74.5% vs. 24.4% for active) but significantly lower enrollment (41% vs. 78%) and retention (54% vs. 70%) rates (all ps <. 0001). Passive methods also successfully enrolled a more diverse, high-risk employee sample. Passive (vs. active) recruitment methods hold advantages for increased reach and the ability to retain a more representative employee sample. Implications of these results for the design of future worksite studies that involve multilevel recruitment methods are discussed.

Depressive symptoms and readiness to quit smoking among cigarette smokers in outpatient alcohol treatment

Hitsman, B., Abrams, D. B., Emmons, K. M., Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R., Borrelli, B., Brown, R. A., Swift, R. M., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., & Colby, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

16

Issue

3

Page(s)

264-268

10.1037/0893-164X.16.3.264

Abstract

Abstract

The authors examined whether length of alcohol abstinence and depressive symptoms were related to motivational readiness to consider smoking cessation among patients in alcohol treatment. Participants were adults (N = 253) enrolled in a smoking cessation trial. Controlling for gender, depressive symptoms, and nicotine dependence, hierarchical regression analysis of readiness scores revealed a significant interaction of days since last drink and depressive symptoms. It was found that a greater number of days since last drink was associated with greater readiness, but only among patients with low scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (L. S. Radloff, 1977). The findings suggest that alcoholic smokers with low depressive symptoms are more receptive to quitting smoking after sustained alcohol abstinence.

Motivating parents of kids with asthma to quit smoking: The PAQS project

Borrelli, B., McQuaid, E. L., Becker, B., Hammond, K., Papandonatos, G., Fritz, G., & Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Health Education Research

Volume

17

Issue

5

Page(s)

659-669

10.1093/her/17.5.659

Abstract

Abstract

The Parents of Asthmatics Quit Smoking (PAQS) project contrasts two theory-based smoking cessation interventions for parents of children with asthma, and compares mechanisms of behavior change within and across theoretical perspectives. We hypothesize that enhancing the perception of risk to self and child will motivate smoking cessation more than standard approaches that emphasize building self-efficacy and coping skills for quitting in a population that is largely not motivated to quit smoking. Smokers (n = 288) and their asthmatic children who receive nurse-delivered in-home asthma education (as part of the insurance carrier's standard of care) are randomized into one of two treatment conditions: (1) the Behavioral Action Model (BAM), in which nurses emphasize goal setting and skill building to enhance self-efficacy to quit smoking, or 2) the Precaution Adoption Model (PAM), in which nurses tailor the intervention to the smoker's readiness to quit and incorporate biomarker feedback [i.e. level of carbon monoxide exposure to the smoker and level of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure to the child] in order to increase risk perception in smokers. In both conditions, smokers who are ready to quit receive the nicotine patch. Analyses will examine (1) quit rates, ETS level and motivation to quit as the primary dependent variables, (2) mediators of behavior change between and within conditions, and (3) relations between parent smoking outcomes and child asthma morbidity (i.e. ER visits and asthma symptoms) post-treatment. Results will help tailor interventions to this population, and identify mechanisms of behavior change that result in adaptive health outcomes for smokers and their children who have asthma.