James Pike

Negative Affect in At-Risk Youth: Outcome Expectancies Mediate Relations With Both Regular and Electronic Cigarette Use.

Despite the general trend of declining use of traditional cigarettes among young adults in the United States, alternative high school students continue to smoke cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at rates much higher than do students attending regular high schools. Challenging life circumstances leading to elevated levels of negative affect may account for increased smoking behavior in this population. Further, a belief in the negative affect-reducing qualities of nicotine may mediate this effect. The current study tested the hypothesis that negative reinforcing outcome expectancies mediate the relationship between negative affect on smoking susceptibility in nonusers, smoking frequency in users, and smoking experimentation in the overall sample. Results support the hypothesis that negative affect in alternative high school students is correlated with smoking experimentation, smoking willingness, and smoking frequency and that the relationship between negative affect and smoking behavior outcomes is mediated by negative reinforcing outcome expectancies (i.e., beliefs in the negative affect-reducing effects of smoking). This finding was supported for both cigarettes and electronic cigarettes and coincides with a rapid increase in the number of high school students nationally who have experimented with electronic cigarettes. Future antismoking initiatives directed at at-risk youth should consider integrating healthier negative affect reduction techniques to counter the use of nicotine products.

Biospecimen Education Among Pacific Islanders in Southern California

Despite increasing rates of cancer, biospecimen donations for cancer research remains low among Pacific Islanders (PIs). To address this disparity, researchers partnered with PI community organizations to develop and test a theory-based culturally tailored educational intervention designed to raise awareness about the issues surrounding biospecimen research. A total of 219 self-identified PI adults in Southern California were recruited to participate in a one-group pre-post design study. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed their knowledge and attitude regarding biospecimen research before and after viewing an educational video and receiving print materials. Results showed that participants’ overall knowledge and attitude increased significantly from pre-test to post-test (p < .0001). Over 98% of participants also reported that they would be willing to donate at least one type of biospecimen sample. Efforts such as these that utilize culturally tailored education interventions may be instrumental in improving biospecimen donation rates in the PI community as well as other minority populations.

A Community-Based Approach to Biospecimen Collection Among Pacific Islanders

This study tested the feasibility of collecting saliva samples from Pacific Islanders (PIs) via a community-based participatory research approach. Collection of saliva samples were conducted by trained and trusted PI community leaders at various partner sites. A total of 214 saliva samples were donated by PIs living in Southern California, more than half of whom were females between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Donors indicated that they donated because they wanted to help science and their community. A majority of donors reported a very positive experience with the donation process and were willing to donate saliva and hair samples in the future. The positive findings of this article highlight the importance of community input and participation.

Development of an Online Smoking Cessation Curriculum for Pacific Islanders: A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach

Abstract: Background: Pacific Islanders (PIs) have one of the highest rates of cigarette use, but evidence-based smoking cessation programs designed specifically for PIs are practically nonexistent. Objectives: This paper reports on the development of a culturally tailored smoking cessation curriculum designed specifically for young adult PIs using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. This paper demonstrates the shared leadership and equal contribution of community and academic partnerships. Methods: Together community and academic partners conceptualized and developed a smoking cessation curriculum. Data from formative studies shaped the various components of the educational modules. Results: Eight educational modules were developed through CBPR. Information on the dangers of cigarettes, benefits to cessation, and ways to cope with cravings and stress through cognitive behavioral therapy were offered in both narrative and non-narrative formats. Conclusions: Use of CBPR is critical in the development of the curriculum because it allowed for the sharing of ideas and knowledge between academics and community members.

The Prevalence and Marketing of Electronic Cigarettes in Proximity to At-Risk Youths: An Investigation of Point-of-Sale Practices Near Alternative High Schools

abstract This study examines the point-of-sale marketing practices used to promote electronic cigarettes at stores near schools that serve at-risk youths. One hundred stores selling tobacco products within a half-mile of alternative high schools in Southern California were assessed for this study. Seventy percent of stores in the sample sold electronic cigarettes. Convenience stores heavily frequented by youths had the highest number of interior ads for e-cigarettes and were the most likely to employ in-store product placement strategies. Increased exposure to the promotion of these products at the point of sale poses a challenge for antismoking efforts directed toward vulnerable populations.

Self-regulation interventions to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in adolescents.

This study evaluated the efficacy of self-regulation interventions through the use of drink-specific implementation intentions and drink-specific Go/No-Go training tasks as compensatory strategies to modify inhibitory control to reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). In a between-subjects randomized manipulation of implementation intentions and Go/No-Go training to learn to inhibit sugary drink consumption, 168 adolescents reporting inhibitory control problems over sugary drinks and foods were recruited from high schools in southern California to participate. Analysis of covariance overall test of effects revealed no significant differences between the groups regarding calories consumed, calories from SSBs, grams of sugar consumed from drinks, or the number of unhealthy drinks chosen. However, subsequent contrasts revealed SSB implementation intentions significantly reduced SSB consumption following intervention while controlling for inhibitory control failure and general SSB consumption during observation in a lab setting that provided SSBs and healthy drinks, as well as healthy and unhealthy snacks. Specifically, during post-intervention observation, participants in the sugar-sweetened beverage implementation intentions (SSB-II) conditions consumed significantly fewer calories overall, fewer calories from drinks, and fewer grams of sugar. No effects were found for the drink-specific Go/No-Go training on SSB or calorie consumption. However, participants in SSB-II with an added SSB Go/No-Go training made fewer unhealthy drink choices than those in the other conditions. Implementation intentions may aid individuals with inhibitory (executive control) difficulties by intervening on pre-potent behavioral tendencies, like SSB consumption.

Abstract A02: Tobacco and alcohol comorbidities among young adult Pacific Islanders

Pacific Islanders (PIs) in the United States have among the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking and alcohol use both of which contribute significantly to increased risk for cancer. Across racial/ethnic groups, late adolescents and young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 years are particularly vulnerable to tobacco and alcohol use. The community-based participatory research (CBPR) program “Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training (WINCART)” consisting of community researchers from five NHPI-led community-based organizations (CBOs) and academic researchers are collaborating on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a culturally attuned smoking cessation intervention for young adult PIs entitled “Motivating Pasifika against Cigarettes and Tobacco (MPACT).” Findings from MPACT baseline data provide a description of tobacco and alcohol use patterns in a community sample of young adult PI cigarette smokers in Southern California. The sample of 200 comprised 103(51.5%) males, primarily U.S. born participants 167(84.4%), and individuals self-identifying mostly as either Samoan 106(53%) or Tongan 82(41%). Education level for the majority was completion of high school or GED 89(45.4%) or some college or trade school 77(39.3%). Just over half 113(56.5%) were employed and only 113(56.5%) reported having medical insurance coverage. Regarding general health status, 84(42.6%) of participants rated their health good-excellent, while 113(57.3%) reported their health as fair-poor. Most of the sample reported light to moderate cigarette smoking, 83(43.2%) reported concurrent 30-day E-cigarette or vaping use, and 154(78.2%) smoked menthol cigarettes. Most 127(65.8%) believed that E-cigarettes or vaping were less harmful than cigarettes. The majority of the sample, 153(81%) reported past month alcohol use, 132(69.5%) reported binge drinking on a least one day during that time, and 71(37.4%) reported past month binge drinking on 3 days or more. Utilizing the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, a screening test for depression and depressive disorder, 87(47%) of the sample, reported symptoms consistent with a clinical diagnosis. These findings indicate that our study sample comprised young adult PIs smokers with a high unemployment rate, low-moderate education level, high fair to poor self-reported health status, light to moderate cigarette use with high concurrent rates of E-cigarette or vaping use, high rates of alcohol use, in particular, binge drinking, and high rates of depressive symptoms. These findings indicate the need for health education, preventive health services, and further research regarding tobacco and alcohol use health disparities that increase cancer risk in this Pacific Islander population. Citation Format: Paula Palmer, Sora Park Tanjasiri, Vanessa Tui9one May, Tupou Toilolo, Victor Kaiwi Pang, Dorothy Etimani Vaivao, Melanie Sabado, Nasya Tan, James Pike, Melevesi Fifita Talavou, Genesis Lutu, Bin Xie. Tobacco and alcohol comorbidities among young adult Pacific Islanders. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A02.

Abstract B66: Utilizing communication preferences for smoking cessation with Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders

Despite a general decline in cigarette smoking in the U.S., Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) experience higher prevalence rates and tobacco-related morbidity and mortality than most other ethnic groups. To inform the development of a theory-driven smoking cessation intervention for NHPI young adults, a group at high risk for progression to nicotine addiction, community researchers from five NHPI-led community-based organizations (CBOs) along with academic researchers collaborated on a community-based participatory research (CBPR) pilot study. Of 64 participating current smokers from 18 to 29 years of age, 61% were male, 76.6% were born on the U.S. Mainland, and 81.2% self identified as either Tongan or Samoan. Completion of high school/GED was the highest level of education for 58.1%, 25.8% had some college or post-high school training, and 6.5% completed a 2-year and 6.5% a 4-year college degree. Among participants, 44.3% were unemployed, 53.2% had no health insurance, and 50.9% could not afford medical care. Past month daily smoking was reported by 74.6%, 35.5% reported heavy intermittent smoking at least 20 days in the past month, 79.7% smoked menthol cigarettes, and 53.2% smoked more than 11 cigarettes daily. Past quit attempts had failed for 82.8%, 75% had tried to quit without a program or support, and 65.1% intend to try to quit in the next year. In terms of communication preferences, 93.8% had access to the internet and 79.7% could access a computer at least 4 days per week. While 46.9% had landline phone access, 93.8% had cell phones, and 93.7% felt confident using smart phones. With regard to social media and video site use, 92.7% reported using online social networking sites (sometimes to very often) with Facebook (95%), Twitter (44%), and YouTube (98.4%) the most frequently used sites. A summary of findings revealed high unemployment, relatively low education, and limited access to medical services for most, in addition to moderate to high cigarette use, past failed quit attempts, lack of cessation program support, high intention to quit, and familiarity with and high use of various communication modes. Guided by pilot results and CBPR processes, our smoking cessation program comprises: 1) an 8-module online curriculum with tobacco use education, quit tips, and maintenance strategies; 2) supportive and motivational text messages, 3) an internal online social support forum for participants to blog their challenges and successes, and 4) a weekly text/phone contact for participants with program staff. Given Facebook9s high use, we have provided components 1-3 through a Facebook App designed expressly for the program. In addition, recruitment videos and quit smoking scenarios in the curriculum are available through YouTube. Facebook is also being used for broad advertisement of the intervention study in the NHPI community. Smoking cessation strategies for NHPI young adults should utilize design components and methods of delivery that are appealing and practical. Use of technology fits the lifestyle of young adult NHPIs and holds promise for scalable, cost effective methods of reaching populations at high risk for health disparities. Citation Format: Paula Palmer, Sora Park Tanjasiri, Cevadne Lee, Vanessa Tui9one May, Tupou Sekona Toilolo, Kaiwi Pang, Dorothy Etimani S. Vaivao, Annette Orne, Jonathan Tana Lepule, Melanie Sabado, James Pike, Steven Cen, Bin Xie. Utilizing communication preferences for smoking cessation with Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B66. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-B66

Abstract B85: WINCART Center: Technology and tobacco use assessment for young adult Pacific Islanders

Introduction: This research study (WINCART – Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training) focuses on the development of a smoking cessation intervention for late adolescent and young adult PIs in Southern California. Methods: The comprehensive tobacco use and quitting assessment is geared towards young adult Pacific Islanders between 18 and 29 years old. The assessment is comprised of four parts: 1) smoking history semistructured interview or “talk story” session with current and former tobacco users to understand the individual9s tobacco use history; 2) Computerassisted Iowa Gambling Test (IGT), a neurocognitive decision-making test in the form of a card game, to assess affective decision making that may make an individual more susceptible to tobacco use, 3) Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) which will be used to track in real time, an individual9s smoking behaviors and cues that are in response to stressors, moods, and other environmental influences, using an iPhone, and 4) online survey tool to collect relevant demographic information. Results: Results of the assessment will be used to inform the development of an evidence-based online tobacco cessation program geared towards young adult Pacific Islanders. This study has been recently awarded and a work in progress. The WINCART community and academic research team have established a governance structure, developed measures, and is building the technological infrastructure. Conclusion: When compared with all other major racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., young adult Pacific Islanders have a high prevalence rate of tobacco use. Evidence-based smoking cessation programs tailored to the culture and lifestyle of PIs in the U.S. do not exist. Findings from our assessment will fill many knowledge gaps and will lead in the development of a novel multicomponent cessation intervention for late adolescent and young adult PIs consisting of interactive technological components. The intervention will be highly engaging, interactive, and age- and culturally appropriate. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B85.