Real-time electronic adherence monitoring is feasible, comparable to unannounced pill counts, and acceptable

Haberer JE, Robbins GK, Ybarra M, Monk A, Ragland K, Weiser SD, Johnson MO, Bangsberg DR. Real-time electronic adherence monitoring is feasible, comparable to unannounced pill counts, and acceptable. AIDS Behav. 2012;16(2):375-82. Abstract: Second generation electronic medication adherence monitors provide real-time data on pill bottle opening behavior. Feasibility, validity, and acceptability, however, have not been established. Med-eMonitor is a multi-compartment adherence device with reminder and education capacity that transmits data through a telephone connection. Monthly adherence levels were measured for 52 participants over approximately 3 months using the Med-eMonitor (unadjusted and adjusted for participant confirmed dosing) and unannounced pill counts. HIV RNA was assessed … [Read more...]

SMS USA: Real world experiences fielding a text messaging-based smoking cessation program versus an attention control

Prescott T, Ybarra M, Holtrop J, Rahbar M. SMS USA: Real world experiences fielding a text messaging-based smoking cessation program versus an attention control. Oral presentation at the mHealth Summit; 5 Dec 2011; Washington DC. Data from the SMS USA study collected between 2009 and 2011 are discussed. … [Read more...]

Interest in technology-based and traditional smoking cessation programs among adult smokers in Ankara, Turkey

Ybarra ML, Bağci Bosi AT, Bilir N, Holtrop JS, Korchmaros J, Emri S. Interest in technology-based and traditional smoking cessation programs among adult smokers in Ankara, Turkey. Tob Induc Dis. 2011;9:10. doi: 10.1186/1617-9625-9-10 Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known about the demand for smoking cessation services in settings with high smoking prevalence rates. Furthermore, acceptability of text messaging and Internet as delivery mechanisms for smoking cessation programs in non-developed countries is under-reported. Given the cost effectiveness of technology-based programs, these may be more feasible to roll out in settings with limited public health resources relative to in-person programs. FINDINGS: 148 adult smokers took part in a community-based survey in Ankara, Turkey. Two … [Read more...]

Issues and challenges in participant recruitment: Using innovative technologies in sampling, measurement, and design

Ybarra M. Issues and challenges in participant recruitment: Using innovative technologies in sampling, measurement, and design. Oral presentation at the NICHD Summer Training Institute on Applied Research in Child and Adolescent Development: Interventions; 21 June 2011; Gaithersburg, MD.  … [Read more...]

Public health opportunities and responsibilities in the media violence field

Ybarra M. Public health opportunities and responsibilities in the media violence field. Oral presentation at the 19th International Society for Research and Aggression World Conference; 28 Jul 2010; Storrs, CT. Data from the Growing up with Media study collected in 2006 are discussed.  … [Read more...]

Reasons, assessments and actions taken: sex and age differences in uses of Internet health information

Ybarra M, Suman M. Reasons, assessments and actions taken: sex and age differences in uses of Internet health information. Health Educ Res. 2008;23(3):512-521. Abstract: The Internet is transforming the way in which consumers approach their health care needs. Sex and age are influential aspects of one’s health as well as disease risk and are thus integral components of the emerging picture of health information seekers. Using data from Surveying the Digital Future, Year 4, a nationally representative, longitudinal telephone survey of Americans 12 years of age and older (n = 2010), we examine the reasons for, assessments of and actions taken as a result of health information found online among men and women and older and younger people. Although we tend to think of the Internet as a … [Read more...]

Online behavior of youth who engage in self-harm provides clues for preventive intervention

Mitchell KJ, Ybarra ML. Online behavior of youth who engage in self-harm provides clues for preventive intervention. Prev Med. 2007;45(5):392-396. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the Internet use and interpersonal interactions of youth reporting deliberate self-harm as defined by any non-fatal act, regardless of intention. METHOD: The Second Youth Internet Safety Survey is a nationally representative telephone survey of 1500 Internet users (ages 10-17) in the United States, conducted March to June 2005. RESULTS: Youth reporting deliberate self-harm in the past 6 months (3%) were significantly more likely than other youth to have a sexual screen name or to talk with people known only online about sex (35% versus 5%) and to use chat rooms (57% versus 29%). All youth were equally … [Read more...]

Internet use and health information seeking behavior of adolescents in Mbarara, Uganda: Implications for HIV prevention

Ybarra M. Internet use and health information seeking behavior of adolescents in Mbarara, Uganda: Implications for HIV prevention.  South African-United States Workshop on Behavioural HIV/STI Prevention and Mental Health Research: Emerging Research Priorities; 3 June 2007; Durban, South Africa. Data from the CyberSenga study collected in 2005 are discussed.  … [Read more...]

Internet prevention messages: targeting the right online behaviors

Ybarra ML, Mitchell KJ, Finkelhor D, Wolak J. Internet prevention messages: targeting the right online behaviors. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(2):138-45. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Internet safety programs urge youth to avoid sharing personal information and talking with "strangers" online. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether sharing personal information and talking with strangers online or other behaviors are associated with the greatest odds for online interpersonal victimization. DESIGN: The Second Youth Internet Safety Survey was a cross-sectional random digit-dial telephone survey. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1500 youth aged 10 to 17 years who had used the Internet at least once a month for the previous 6 months. MAIN EXPOSURE: Online behavior, … [Read more...]

Internet use among Ugandan Adolescents: Implications for HIV intervention

Ybarra M, Kiwanuka J, Emenyonu N, Bangsberg D. Internet use among Ugandan adolescents: Implications for HIV intervention. PLoS Med. 2006;3(11):e433. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0030433 Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Internet is fast gaining recognition as a powerful, low-cost method to deliver health intervention and prevention programs to large numbers of young people across diverse geographic regions. The feasibility and accessibility of Internet-based health interventions in resource-limited settings, where cost-effective interventions are most needed, is unknown. To determine the utility of developing technology-based interventions in resource-limited settings, availability and patterns of usage of the Internet first need to be assessed. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The Uganda Media and You … [Read more...]