Participant-level meta-analysis of mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation across different countries

Ybarra ML, Jiang Y, Free C, Abroms LC, Whittaker R. Participant-level meta-analysis of mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation across different countries. Prev Med. 2016;89:90-97. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.05.002. Abstract: With meta-analysis, participant-level data from five text messaging-based smoking cessation intervention studies were pooled to investigate cessation patterns across studies and participants. Individual participant data (N = 8315) collected in New Zealand (2001–2003; n = 1705), U.K. (2008–2009; n = 5792), U.S. (2012; n = 503; n = 164) and Turkey (2012; n = 151) were collectively analyzed in 2014. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day continuous abstinence at 4 weeks post-quit day. Secondary outcomes were: (1) self-reported 7-day continuous … [Read more...]

Program acceptability of a text-messaging based HIV prevention program for gay, bisexual, and queer adolescent males

Ybarra ML, Prescott TL, Phillips II GL, Parsons J, Bull S, Mustanski B. Program acceptability of a text-messaging based HIV prevention program for gay, bisexual, and queer adolescent males. Oral presentation at the 2015 National HIV Prevention Conference; 8 Dec 2015; Atlanta, GA. Data from the Guy2Guy study collected in 2012-2013 are discussed. … [Read more...]

Iteratively developing an mHealth HIV prevention programfor sexual minority adolescent men

Ybarra M, Last Prescott T, Philips G, Bull S, Parsons J, Mustanski B. Iteratively developing an mHealth HIV prevention program for sexual minority adolescent men. AIDS & Behavior. 2016; 20 (6): 1157–1172. dio: 10.1007/s10461-015-1146-3 Abstract: Five activities were implemented between November 2012 and June 2014 to develop an mHealth HIV prevention program for adolescent gay, bisexual, and queer men (AGBM): (1) focus groups to gather acceptability of the program components; (2) ongoing development of content; (3) Content Advisory Teams to confirm the tone, flow, and understandability of program content; (4) an internal team test to alpha test software functionality; and (5) a beta test to test the protocol and intervention messages. Findings suggest that AGBM preferred positive … [Read more...]

Meta-analysis of mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation trials in different countries

Jiang Y, Huang Y, Ybarra ML, Abroms L, Free C, Whittaker. (2014). Meta-analysis of mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation trials in different countries. Poster presented at 35th Annual Conference of the International Society for Clinical Biostatistics, Vienna, Austria Tobacco use contributes to 12% of all deaths among adults ages 30 years and older worldwide. Smoking cessation programs delivered via mobile phone text messaging are available in several different countries to help people quit smoking. Although results suggest increases in self-reported quitting, at least in short-term, little is know about how this differs for different cultures. … [Read more...]

Online focus groups as an HIV prevention program for gay, bisexual, and queer adolescent males

Ybarra ML, DuBois LZ, Parsons JT, Prescott TL, Mustanski B. Online focus groups as an HIV prevention program for gay, bisexual, and queer adolescent males. AIDS Educ Prev. 2014;26(6): 554-564. doi: 10.1521/aeap.2014.26.6.554 Abstract: Seventy-five 14–18-year-old gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) males provided feedback about how their participation in national, online focus groups (FG) about GBQ sexual health related topics resulted in behavioral and attitudinal changes. Most sexually experienced youth agreed that their participation positively changed their views and behavioral intentions. Some said that being in the FG made them more comfortable talking about sex, their sexuality, and making safer choices such as negotiating condoms. Others indicated intentions to become more involved … [Read more...]

Steps in tailoring a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for young adults

Ybarra ML, Prescott TL, Holtrop JS. Steps in tailoring a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for young adults. J Health Commun. 2014;19(12):1393-1407. doi: 10.1080/10810730.2014.901441 Abstract: Steps to develop or refine text messaging-based interventions are largely missing from the literature. Here, the authors describe steps in refining Stop My Smoking USA, a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for smokers 18-25 years old. Research activities included the following: needs assessment focus groups (n = 35); a content advisory team to affirm message acceptability (n = 10); and two beta tests to confirm technological feasibility (n = 12 and 28, respectively). Various recruitment strategies were tested to identify the optimal methods to reach young adult smokers … [Read more...]

Opportunities for technology-based HIV prevention among secondary students in Cape Town, South Africa

Ybarra ML, Mwaba K, Roman N, Rooi B, Prescott T, Bull S. Opportunities for technology-based HIV prevention among secondary students in Cape Town, South Africa. Oral presentation at the 141st Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association; 4 Nov 2013; Boston, MA. Data from the Cape Town Adolescent Health Survey collected in 2012 are discussed.  … [Read more...]

Tailoring HIV-prevention to meet the needs of gay, bisexual, and queer adolescent males: Online focus groups as an innovative tool for participatory research

DuBois LZ, Ybarra ML, Prescott T, Mustanski B. Tailoring HIV-prevention to meet the needs of gay, bisexual, and queer adolescent males: Online focus groups as an innovative tool for participatory research. Poster presentation at the Center for Community Health Groundbreaking; 15 May 2013; Chicago, IL. Data from the Guy to Guy (G2G) study collected in 2012 and 2013 are discussed. … [Read more...]

Pilot RCT results of Stop My Smoking USA: a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for young adults

Ybarra ML, Holtrop JS, Prescott TL, Rahbar MH, Strong D. Pilot RCT results of Stop My Smoking USA: a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for young adults. Nicotine Tob Res. 2014;15(8): 1388-1399. doi: 10.1093/ntr/nts339 Abstract: INTRODUCTION: To address the lack of smoking cessation programs available to young adults, Stop My Smoking (SMS) USA, a text messaging-based smoking cessation program, was developed and pilot tested. METHODS: This was a two-arm randomized controlled trial with adaptive randomization (arms were balanced by sex and smoking level [heavy vs. light]), conducted nationally in the United States. One hundred sixty-four 18- to 25-year-old daily smokers who were seriously thinking about quitting in the next 30 days were randomized to either (a) the 6-week … [Read more...]

Technology and public health interventions

Ybarra ML. Technology and public health interventions. Oral presentation at the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania Conference; 13 Apr 2012; Philadelphia, PA. … [Read more...]