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

How Do Adolescents Process Smoking and Antismoking Advertisements? A Social Cognitive Analysis with Implications for Understanding Smoking Initiation

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

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Review of General Psychology

Volume

5

Issue

4

Page(s)

429-444

10.1037/1089-2680.5.4.429

Abstract

Abstract

Youth tobacco use has increased substantially in the United States during the past decade. This increase can be attributed, in part, to the potency of cigarette advertising and relative ineffectiveness of antismoking advertising. In this article, the authors argue that an understanding of the effects of these 2 competing forms of advertising on youth smoking is limited in current theoretical treatments and that an integrative theoretical perspective has yet to be advanced. The authors argue that the elaboration likelihood model (R.E. Petty & J.T. Cacioppo, 1986) offers a framework with sufficient explanatory power in this domain. Prevention and legislative interventions may benefit from this analysis, which ultimately may help to decrease youth tobacco use.

Individual differences in responses to the first cigarette following overnight abstinence in regular smokers

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Shadel, W. G., Goldstein, M. G., Hutchinson, K. E., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

3

Issue

1

Page(s)

37-44

10.1080/14622200020032088

Abstract

Abstract

We utilized cluster analysis to identify individual differences in response to the initial effects of smoking following overnight abstinence among 183 regular smokers. Participants smoked three cigarettes (1 mg nicotine, spaced 30 min apart) in standardized fashion and completed questionnaires about their subjective responses to each cigarette. Heart rate was monitored throughout the procedure. Participants were grouped into two clusters based on their reported subjective effects and heart rate changes to the first cigarette. Clusters differed in terms of greater increases in heart rate, reports of dizziness, sweating, unpleasantness, nausea, and buzzing sensations in one group compared to the other group. The smokers showing increased responses developed greater acute tolerance to the effects of smoking subsequent cigarettes on subjective negative effects and heart rate, and experienced greater negative affect after quitting. These results are partially consistent with a nicotine sensitivity interpretation or a tolerance model of the effects of initial smoking.

Naltrexone and cue exposure with coping and communication skills training for alcoholics : Treatment process and 1-year outcomes

Abrams, D., Monti, P. M., Rohsenow, D. J., Swift, R. M., Gulliver, S. B., Colby, S. M., Mueller, T. I., Brown, R. A., Gordon, A., Abrams, D. B., Niaura, R. S., & Asher, M. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research

Volume

25

Issue

11

Page(s)

1634-1647

10.1111/j.1530-0277.2001.tb02170.x

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Promising treatments for alcoholics include naltrexone (NTX), cue exposure combined with urge-specific coping skills training (CET), and communication skills training (CST). This study investigated the effects of combining these elements as treatment adjuncts. Methods: A 2 × 2 design investigated the effects of CET combined with CST, as compared with an education and relaxation control treatment, during a 2-week partial hospital program (n = 165) followed by 12 weeks of NTX (50 mg/day) or placebo during aftercare (n = 128). Drinking outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge from the partial hospital. Process measures included urge, self-efficacy (confidence about staying abstinent in risky situations), and self-reported coping skills. Medically eligible alcohol-dependent patients were recruited. Results: Among those compliant with medication on at least 70% of days, those who received NTX had significantly fewer heavy drinking days and fewer drinks on days that they drank than those receiving placebo during the medication phase but not during the subsequent 9 months. CET/CST-condition patients were significantly less likely to report a relapse day and reported fewer heavy drinking days at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups than patients in the control treatment. Interactions of medication with behavioral treatments were not significant. Process measures showed that NTX resulted in lower weekly urge ratings, and those in CET/CST used more of the prescribed coping skills after treatment, reported fewer cue-elicited urges, and reported more self-efficacy in a posttest role-play test. Drinking reductions at 3, 6, and 12 months correlated with more use of coping skills, lower urge, and higher self-efficacy. Conclusions: The results suggest the probable value of keeping alcoholics on NTX for longer periods of time and the importance of increasing compliance with NTX. They also support the earlier promising effects of CET and CST as adjuncts to treatment programs for alcoholics by maintaining treatment gains over at least a year. The value of the urge-specific and general coping skills and of self-efficacy and urge constructs was demonstrated in their association with drinking outcomes.

Smoking-cessation counseling in the home : Attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of home healthcare nurses

Abrams, D., Borrelli, B., Hecht, J. P., Papandonatos, G. D., Emmons, K. M., Tatewosian, L. R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

21

Issue

4

Page(s)

272-277

10.1016/S0749-3797(01)00369-5

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in smoking treatment, cessation rates remain stagnant, possibly a function of the lack of new channels to reach heavily addicted smokers. This cross-sectional study examined home care nurses' attitudes, beliefs, and counseling behaviors regarding counseling their home care patients who smoke. Methods: Home healthcare nurses (N=98) from the Visiting Nurse Association of Rhode Island were randomly selected to participate in a study helping home-bound medically ill smokers to quit. At baseline, nurses completed a questionnaire that assessed a constellation of cognitive factors (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, perceived effectiveness, risk perception, motivation, and perceived patient adherence) as correlates of self-reported nurse counseling behaviors. Results: Nurses with higher outcome expectations spent more time counseling their patients about quitting (p

Stopping smoking : A hazard for people with a history of major depression?

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Lancet

Volume

357

Issue

9272

Page(s)

1900-1901

10.1016/S0140-6736(00)05089-3

Abstract

Abstract

~

Symptoms of depression and survival experience among three samples of smokers trying to quit

Abrams, D., Niaura, R., Britt, D. M., Shadel, W. G., Goldstein, M., Abrams, D., & Brown, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

15

Issue

1

Page(s)

13-17

10.1037/0893-164X.15.1.13

Abstract

Abstract

Symptoms of depression have been associated with increased smoking prevalence and failure to quit smoking in several cross-sectional and population-based studies. Few studies, however, have prospectively examined the ability of current symptoms of depression to predict failure to quit smoking in treatment-motivated smokers. Pretreatment depressed mood was assessed by 3 different methods in 3 separate samples, 2 of which comprised smokers receiving combined pharmacological and behavioral treatments and a 3rd in which smokers received self-help materials only. In all studies, time in days from quit day until the 1st cigarette was ascertained to document survival. Survival analyses showed that in all 3 studies survival time was significantly and negatively related to measures of even very low levels of pretreatment depressed mood. Results were replicated across 3 independent samples and were robust and uniformly clear, indicating that low levels of depressive symptoms assessed at baseline predict time to 1st cigarette smoked after attempted quitting.

Transdisciplinary research to improve brief interventions for addictive behaviors

Abrams, D., & Clayton, R. (n.d.). (P. Monti, S. Colby, & T. O’Leary, Eds.).

Publication year

2001

Abstract

Abstract

~

Will healthcare take tobacco addiction seriously? Using policy to drive practice.

Abrams, D., Orleans, C. T., Abrams, D. B., & Gruman, J. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

MedGenMed : Medscape general medicine

Volume

3

Issue

2

Page(s)

15

Abstract

Abstract

Despite being the leading preventable cause of disability, death, and economic burden on society, tobacco-use detection and treatment is yet to be taken as seriously as the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases or other addictive behaviors (eg, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol/substance abuse, and mammography screening). This paper outlines the process of intervening at the policy level to incorporate tobacco-use screening and treatment in health practice. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) call for new measures presented a window of opportunity. The NCQA report card (the Health Plan Employer Data Information Set [HEDIS]) is the most widely used and influential performance measure in managed care. Consequently, a 6-month process consisting of an expert panel review of research evidence and consensus building was initiated. Two measures were submitted to NCQA: (1) a primary measure based on chart review of tobacco-use screening and treatment implementation and (2) an adjunctive measure of population prevalence of tobacco use and physician advice to quit, based on a self-report survey of members. HEDIS eventually accepted the second measure. The mixed results, potential impact on societal disease burden and cost savings, and the lessons learned from the process are discussed.

An idiographic approach to understanding personality structure and individual differences among smokers

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

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Cognitive Therapy and Research

Volume

24

Issue

3

Page(s)

345-359

10.1023/A:1005567405173

Abstract

Abstract

We present a social-cognitive theory which requires an idiographic assessment of individual differences in personality structure among smokers, and contrast this approach to traditional nomothetic trait approaches. A sample of 15 regular smokers completed idiographic assessment procedures designed to tap into three cognitive structures (smoker self-schema, abstainer ideal-possible self, abstainer ought-possible self) which are proposed to regulate individual differences in smoking behavior, coping behavior, and finally smoking cessation. Support for the idiographic approach was found. The three cognitive structures were distinguishable from one another, and had properties that self-schema are proposed to hold, and intraindividual patterns of schematic responding across situations were stable and predictable phenomena. These findings are not consistent with a nomothetic trait approach. We discuss the implications of these results for individual-differences assessment among smokers and suggest avenues for future research.

Brief coping skills treatment for cocaine abuse : 12-month substance use outcomes

Abrams, D., Rohsenow, D. J., Monti, P. M., Martin, R. A., Michalec, E., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of consulting and clinical psychology

Volume

68

Issue

3

Page(s)

515-520

10.1037/0022-006X.68.3.515

Abstract

Abstract

Patients (N = 108) in a study of cocaine-specific coping skills training (CST), which was found to reduce cocaine use during a 3-month follow-up, were followed for an additional 9 months. CST involved coping skills training in the context of high-risk situations. Control treatment used meditation-relaxation. Both were added to comprehensive private substance abuse treatment. Patients in CST who relapsed had significantly fewer cocaine use days than did the control group during the first 6 months, then both conditions did equally well. Patients in CST also drank alcohol more frequently in the last 6 months than did contrast patients but did not differ in heavy drinking days. For cocaine use outcomes, no interaction of treatment was found with gender, education, route of administration, drug use severity, sociopathy, or depression. Implications include the need to investigate different lengths and combinations of treatment.

Comorbidity, smoking behavior and treatment outcome

Abrams, D., Keuthen, N. J., Niaura, R. S., Borrelli, B., Goldstein, M., DePue, J., Murphy, C., Gastfriend, D., Reiter, S. R., & Abrams, D. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

Volume

69

Issue

5

Page(s)

244-250

10.1159/000012403

Abstract

Abstract

Background: A sizeable sector of the population continues to smoke cigarettes despite our efforts to prevent and treat this addiction. We explored the relationships between lifetime comorbidity, psychiatric symptomatology, smoking behavior and treatment outcome to better understand vulnerability to smoking and treatment response. Methods: One hundred and twenty smokers at two sites were enrolled in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, 10-week smoking cessation trial with fluoxetine and behavioral treatment. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were administered prior to treatment initiation. Self-report measures were used to assess psychiatric symptoms throughout treatment and during a 6-month follow-up period. Results: Overall 62.3% of our sample were diagnosed with a lifetime mood, anxiety or substance use disorder despite stringent study exclusion criteria. Lifetime comorbidity was shown to be related to higher smoking rates and nicotine dependence, depressed mood and greater self-report of anxiety and stress. Lifetime comorbidity, however, alone or in combination with treatment condition, failed to predict treatment outcome (at posttreatment or follow-up). Baseline depression scores (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI) were related to treatment outcome only for smokers without a positive history of any psychiatric disorder or depression, with lower BDI scores more frequent in those who were abstinent. Conclusions: High prevalence rates of lifetime psychiatric illness and substance use disorders are reported for chronic smokers. Subsyndromal psychiatric symptoms may play a role in smoking behavior in combination with diagnosable disorders. Clinicians need to carefully assess both psychiatric diagnoses and symptoms in chronic smokers to optimize patient-treatment matching. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Current models of nicotine dependence : What is known and what is needed to advance understanding of tobacco etiology among youth

Abrams, D., Shadel, W. G., Shiffman, S., Niaura, R. S., Nichter, M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Drug and alcohol dependence

Volume

59

Issue

SUPPL. 1

Page(s)

S9-22

10.1016/S0376-8716(99)00162-3

Abstract

Abstract

Youth smoking has risen dramatically during the last 5 years, leading one to the conclusion that prevention interventions have not been particularly effective. This paper provides an examination of features that define adult nicotine dependence and argues that these features need to be considered in any studied examination of youth etiology and development to nicotine dependence. We review the historical context for the concept of nicotine dependence, features that define the concept and current models of substance dependence more generally. Recommendations for future research are provided. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

Does the five factor model of personality apply to smokers? A preliminary investigation

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

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research

Volume

5

Issue

2

Page(s)

114-120

10.1111/j.1751-9861.2000.tb00068

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and smoking variables. Thirty-seven smokers completed a standard, reliable 80-item bipolar measure of the Big Five trait dimensions, as well as measures of nicotine dependence, smoking exposure, and quitting history. Despite finding some significant zero-order relationships between a few of the dimensions and the smoking variables, only one of the partial correlational analyses that controlled for relationships among the personality dimensions in their associations with the nicotine dependence and smoking history variables was significant. These results indicate the need for further research on personality traits and smoking.

Does the five factor model of personality apply to smokers? A preliminary investigation

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

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research

Volume

5

Issue

2

Page(s)

114-120

10.1111/j.1751-9861.2000.tb00068.x

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and smoking variables. Thirty-seven smokers completed a standard, reliable 80-item bipolar measure of the Big Five trait dimensions, as well as measures of nicotine dependence, smoking exposure, and quitting history. Despite finding some significant zero-order relationships between a few of the dimensions and the smoking variables, only one of the partial correlational analyses that controlled for relationships among the personality dimensions in their associations with the nicotine dependence and smoking history variables was significant. These results indicate the need for further research on personality traits and smoking.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection, AIDS, and smoking cessation : The time is now

Abrams, D., Niaura, R. S., Shadel, W. G., Morrow, K., Tashima, K., Flanigan, T., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Volume

31

Issue

3

Page(s)

808-812

10.1086/314048

Abstract

Abstract

Treatments for persons who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or who have developed AIDS have advanced to the point where death is no longer the inevitable outcome of diagnosis. Combination antiretroviral therapy has made HIV infection less of a terminal condition and more of a medically manageable chronic disease. Thus, efforts to improve the health status and quality of life of HIV-infected persons have become one of the highest treatment priorities for the next decade. Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among HIV-infected persons, and quitting smoking would greatly improve the health status of these individuals. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of a smoking-cessation intervention specifically tailored to this population. This article reviews the evidence and rationale for advancing smoking-cessation treatments specifically tailored to the needs of HIV-infected persons and provides recommendations for future treatment studies.

Introduction to tobacco, nicotine, and youth : The Tobacco Etiology Research Network

Abrams, D., Clayton, R. R., Ries Merikangas, K., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Drug and alcohol dependence

Volume

59

Page(s)

1-4

10.1016/S0376-8716(99)00160-X

Abstract

Abstract

~

Predicting increases in readiness to quit smoking : A prospective analysis using the contemplation ladder

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

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Psychology and Health

Volume

15

Issue

3

Page(s)

369-381

10.1080/08870440008401999

Abstract

Abstract

Most smokers are not motivated to quit. The transtheoretical model posits mechanisms (processes of change and pros and cons) by which smokers might increase their stage of readiness to quit. While cross-sectional relationships among the stages of change, processes of change, and pros and cons are well established, there is little evidence that processes of change and pros and cons predict progressive stage movements. This study uses data from a large worksite-based cancer prevention study (the Working Well Trial) to test the hypothesis that processes of change and the pros and cons of smoking predict progressive movement up the contemplation ladder, which is an alternative measure of motivation to quit smoking based on social cognitive theory. The results indicate that experiential processes of change promote increases in readiness to quit smoking. This study provides further evidence for the predictive validity of the contemplation ladder and sheds light on how unmotivated, nonvolunteer smokers can be motivated to consider cessation.

Smoking withdrawal dynamics in unaided quitters

Abrams, D., Piasecki, T. M., Niaura, R. S., Shadel, W. G., Abrams, D. S., Goldstein, M., Fiore, M. C., & Baker, T. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of abnormal psychology

Volume

109

Issue

1

Page(s)

74-86

10.1037/0021-843X.109.1.74

Abstract

Abstract

Considerable research shows that withdrawal severity is inconsistently related to smoking cessation outcomes. This may result from measurement problems or failure to scrutinize important dimensions of the withdrawal experience. Two recent studies demonstrated that withdrawal elevation and variations in the time course of withdrawal were related to relapse in smokers treated with the nicotine patch (T. M. Piasecki, M. C. Fiore, and T. B. Baker, 1998). This article reports a conceptual replication and extension of those findings in unaided quitters. Evidence for temporal heterogeneity was found across different types of withdrawal symptoms. Patterns or slopes of affect and urge reports over time predicted smoking status at follow-up, as did mean elevation in withdrawal symptoms. These results suggest that affect and urge withdrawal symptoms make independent contributions to relapse and that relapse is related to both symptom severity and trajectory.

Stages of change versus addiction : A replication and extension

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

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

2

Issue

3

Page(s)

223-229

10.1080/14622200050147484

Abstract

Abstract

Data from the Working Well trial (n = 2379) were used to test the capacity of 19 variables to predict smoking cessation at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Among the core constructs of transtheoretical model (TTM), stage of change was the best predictor. The processes of change and the pros and cons of smoking were relatively ineffective predictors. Among other variables, self-efficacy, cigarettes per day, duration of longest quit attempt during the previous year, and the contemplation ladder were the most effective stand-alone predictors. A composite of cigarettes per day and quit duration was particularly effective for predicting cessation. Consistent with Farkas et al. (Farkas AJ, Pierce JP, Zhu SH, Rosbrook B, Gilpin EA, Berry C, Kaplan RM, Addiction 91:1271-1280, 1996), multivariate analyses including the composite variable (cigarettes per day and quit duration) and the stages of change revealed the composite variable to be the better predictor of cessation.

The use of nicotine replacement therapy during hospitalization

Abrams, D., Emmons, K. M., Goldstein, M. G., Roberts, M., Cargill, B., Sherman, C. B., Millman, R., Brown, R., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

22

Issue

4

Page(s)

325-329

10.1007/BF02895669

Abstract

Abstract

Recent findings suggest that smokers who are hospitalized experience significant craving for cigarettes. Thus, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may be a particularly important tool for use during hospitalization. The goal of this study is to evaluate the utilization of the transdermal nicotine patch and/or nicotine gum by hospitalized smokers. The data represented in this article are from 580 smokers who participated in a study of a motivational intervention for smoking cessation that was delivered during hospitalization. The primary outcome for this analysis was use of NRT during hospitalization. The results revealed that, among the entire sample, only 7.1% of the overall sample used NRT during hospitalization; 6% of the hospitalized smokers used the transdermal nicotine patch, and 1.1% used nicotine gum. Use of NRT was significantly greater among patients who reported that they were doing anything to help themselves quit smoking at the time of admission (OR = 4.1), those who were seriously planning to quit smoking within the next 30 days (OR = 2.36), those who were nicotine dependent (OR = 2.81), and those for whom a physician had ever offered to prescribe NRT (OR = 1.9). The finding that there is a very low rate of NRT use during hospitalization provides important information to hospital-based care providers and smoking cessation intervention planners. Barriers to NRT use among hospitalized patients should be identified, and strategies designed to maximize use when appropriate. The AHCPR Guideline on Smoking Cessation recommends routine use of NRT in health care settings. Further research is needed to determine why NRT use was so low. In addition, these data suggest that efforts to increase NRT use during hospitalization are needed.

Transdisciplinary concepts and measures of craving : Commentary and future directions

Abrams, D., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Addiction

Volume

95 Suppl 2

Page(s)

S237-246

10.1080/09652140050111807

Abstract

Abstract

A new theoretical model of craving is needed that uses a common language and standardized measures. The new conceptual model must fully integrate discoveries from cellular biology, neuroscience, animal and human laboratory, cognitive-behavioral social learning and socio-cultural disciplines. A transdisciplinary synthesis can then guide methods and measurement development. Mapping the structural pathways and interactions among mediators and moderators of craving will improve the diagnostic and prognostic tools in order to inform new treatments and prevention strategies.

A prospective analysis of change in multiple risk factors for cancer

Abrams, D., Emmons, K. M., Shadel, W. G., Linnan, L., Marcus, B. H., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

Cancer Research Therapy and Control

Volume

8

Issue

1-2

Page(s)

15-23

Abstract

Abstract

Problem: Cancer risk is increased among individuals who have more than one behavioral risk factor. The purpose of this paper is to expand our understanding of how risk factors co-occur by evaluating longitudinal changes in and predictors of naturalistic change in behavioral risk factors. Methods: The data presented in this paper were drawn from 1288 employees in the 12 standard care worksites that participated in the Working Healthy Project (WHP), a large randomized trial of worksite health promotion. Results: At baseline, the majority of the sample had two or more risk factors. At the final survey, there were very small changes in the overall risk factor profile among the entire sample. However, significant change occurred within baseline risk factor groups. Significant relationships between risk factors were also found. Conclusions: Multiple risk factors are prevalent, and little is known about how to best impact on risk profiles. Use of a multiple risk factor index score, that will allow investigators to begin to assess the impact of interventions on change in overall risk, may be an important part of efforts to develop more effective methods for reducing multiple risk factors for chronic disease.

Behavioral medicine strategies: Management of nicotine dependence, obesity, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation exercise

Abrams, D. (n.d.). (A. Stoudemire, B. Fogel, & D. Greenberg, Eds.; 2nd ed.).

Publication year

1999

Abstract

Abstract

~

Binge eating, body image, depression, and self-efficacy in an obese clinical population

Abrams, D., Cargill, B. R., Clark, M. M., Pera, V., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

Obesity Research

Volume

7

Issue

4

Page(s)

379-386

10.1002/j.1550-8528.1999.tb00421.x

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Binge eating disorder appears to be an important factor in obesity treatment. Researchers have proposed that specialized treatment programs be developed to address chronic binge eating behavior. This study was conducted to examine the relationships between binge eating, depression, body image, and self-efficacy. Based on related research, it was hypothesized that depression and negative body image would be greater for binge eaters whereas weight self-efficacy would be lower. Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects were 159 clinic patients participating in a multidisciplinary weight management program. Baseline measurements of binge eating status, body image and related eating behaviors, depression, and self-efficacy were obtained, whereas follow-up measures consisted of weight loss and attendance. Exploratory factor analyses were performed to obtain factors for items contained in the Eating Habits Questionnaire. Chisquare, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses determined relationships between binge eating, body image, depression, and self-efficacy. Results: Univariate comparisons indicated that increased perceptions of poor body image were significantly related to binge eating. Higher levels of depression and lower weight self-efficacy were related to binge eating, but the results were qualified after applying corrective statistics for multiple comparisons. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that body image, particularly characterized by a sense of shame and concern with public appearance, had the strongest relationship to binge eating among all the factors examined in this study. Discussion: These findings extend current understanding of the relationships between binge eating, body image, depression, and self-efficacy. The significance of body image, especially in relation to negative social consciousness, was determined when comparing several psychological and behavioral factors thought to influence binge eating. Further research is needed to determine the causal relationships between binge eating and the other factors examined in this study.

Challenges and future directions for tailored communication research

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., Mills, S., & Bulger, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

21

Issue

4

Page(s)

299-306

10.1007/BF02895961

Abstract

Abstract

As informatics technology advances, a growing number of research trials on tailored communications provide an accumulation of promising evidence to support their efficacy. These trials also reveal gaps and opportunities for future research. The scope and boundaries of tailoring must be redefined in terms of both new technology and the trade-offs between complexity, demand burden on participants, and the minimal information required for effective and efficient tailoring. Basic and methods research is needed to broaden theory, develop a common language, standardize measures, and isolate the key mediating mechanisms that facilitate tailored communications. Applied research must consider more rigorous research designs for efficacy trials and conduct more effectiveness trials to investigate the mechanisms of technology transfer to enhance large-scale diffusion of tailored communications. The role of contextual variables needs to be examined, as well as their interaction with different population groups, and also the channels, modes, and methods of tailored message delivery. Research is also needed on the feasibility of tailoring across clusters of multiple risk factors to identify the commonalities, differences, and interrelations among diverse behaviors. The potential cost-effectiveness of tailored communications must also be examined. No matter how efficacious, tailored communications delivered to large populations (i.e. mass-customization) will not make a public health impact unless proven to be practical and cost-efficient.