Anxiety Sensitivity and Fast-Food Ordering Habits Among Black Adults

Black adults experience high rates of overweight/obesity, which is linked to chronic diseases and is exacerbated by fast-food consumption. Anxiety sensitivity, a relative stable fear of anxiety-related sensations, has been linked to high caloric intake. Here, we examine whether anxiety sensitivity is associated with fast-food ordering habits within a convenience sample of black adults. Of 124 adults (79.4% women; Mage = 49.3±11.6; 84.8% overweight/obese), 107 (86.3%) reported eating from a fast-food restaurant in the last month. Participants completed the Anxiety Sensitivity-Index 3, which has a total score and physical, cognitive, and social concerns subscales. Investigator-generated items queried frequency of ordering “supersized” quantities of fast-food (e.g., cheeseburgers, fries), and healthy items (e.g., salads, oatmeal, yogurt), respectively, from “never” to “always.” Covariate-adjusted ordinal logistic regression models were used to assess relations between measures of interest. Anxiety sensitivity (total and physical concerns) was associated with greater odds of more frequently ordering supersized unhealthy fast-food; and anxiety sensitivity (total and cognitive concerns) was associated with lower odds of more frequently ordering healthy items from fast-food restaurants. Results suggest that adults with greater anxiety sensitivity may engage in fast-food ordering habits that can contribute to the overweight/obesity epidemic. Future studies should replicate results and determine the potential for anxiety sensitivity-reduction interventions to affect dietary choices that contribute to overweight/obesity

Effects of evaluative context in implicit cognitions associated with alcohol and violent behaviors

A large body of literature has substantiated the relationship between alcohol use and violent behaviors, but little consideration has been given to implicit interactions between the two. This study examines the implicit attitudes associated with alcoholic drinks and violent behaviors, and their relationship to explicit reports of problematic behaviors associated with alcohol use. The Go/No-Go Association Task (GNAT, Nosek & Banaji, 2001) was used to test the effect of distracters (noise) on implicit cognitions associated with alcoholic drinks and violent behaviors. Data was collected from 148 students enrolled in a Midwestern university. Irrespective of contextual distractions, participants consistently exhibited negative implicit cognitions associated with violent behaviors. However, context impacted the valence of cognitions associated with alcoholic beverages. Implicit cognitions associated with alcoholic beverages were negative when nonalcoholic beverages were used as distracters, but were positive when licit and illicit drugs were used as distracters. Implicit cognitions associated with alcoholic drinks were correlated with implicit cognitions associated with violent behaviors and explicit measures of problem drinking, problem drug-related behaviors, and measures of craving, to name a few. Evaluative context can have an effect on the expressed appraisal of implicit attitudes. Implications, limitations, and future directions for using the GNAT in addictions research are discussed

The Association of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Facets with Smoking Dependence Motives

Introduction: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults have higher rates of smoking than heterosexual adults. LGB individuals face unique stressors, including challenges associated with having a LGB identity. The extent to which these unique stressors are related to dependence motives in LGB adult smokers, however, has not been previously explored. The current study was conducted to redress these gaps. Methods: Participants (N=52; Mage=42.8; 55.8% Black/African American) were recruited from the local community. Identity facets were measured by the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS). Dependence motives were measured by the Brief Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives. Linear multiple regressions were calculated with the predictors of seven LGBIS subscales for primary and secondary dependence motives, respectively. Results: Primary dependence motives (core nicotine dependence features) were predicted by affirmation of LGB identity (β=.44). Secondary dependence motives (e.g., taste, cognitive/affective enhancement) were predicted by uncertainty of LGB identity (β=.43). Conclusions: LGB identity affirmation was associated with primary dependence motives, suggesting that a positive view of one’s sexual orientation is a risk factor for dependence. It may be that identity affirmation is related to stronger involvement with the LGB community, which has smoking-friendly norms. Identity uncertainty was associated with secondary dependence motives; this unique identity challenge may represent a stressor contributing to smoking dependence. Findings can help explain the higher rate of smoking in LGB populations and offer avenues to better tailor smoking cessation interventions.Educational Psychology, Department o

The Relatinship Between Alcohol Consumption, Perceived Stress, and CRHR1 Genotype on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Rural African Americans

Objective: Rurally situated African Americans suffer from stress and drug-related health disparities. Unfortunately, research on potential mechanisms that underlie this public health problem have received limited focus in the scientific literature. This study investigated the effects of perceived stress, alcohol consumption, and genotype on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis. Method: A rural sample of African American emerging adults (n = 84) completed a battery of assessments and provided six samples of salivary cortisol at wakeup, 30 min post wakeup, 90 min post wakeup, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30PM. Results: Participants with a TT genotype of the CRHR1 (rs4792887) gene tended to produce the most basal cortisol throughout the day while participants with a CC genotype produced the least amount. Increased levels of perceived stress or alcohol consumption were associated with a blunted cortisol awakening response (CAR). Moreover, the CAR was obliterated for participants who reported both higher stress and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Perceived stress and alcohol consumption had a deleterious effect on the HPA-Axis. Furthermore, genotype predicted level of cortisol production throughout the day. These findings support the need to further investigate the relationship between stress dysregulation, drug-use vulnerability, and associated health disparities that affect this community

Association of Problematic Alcohol Use and Food Insecurity among Homeless Men and Women

Food insecurity results from unreliable access to affordable and nutritious food. Homeless adults are particularly vulnerable to both food insecurity and problematic alcohol use. The current study examined the link between problematic alcohol use and food insecurity among homeless adults. Participants (N = 528; 62.7% men; Mage = 43.6 ± 12.2) were recruited from homeless-serving agencies in Oklahoma City. Problematic alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Quantity and Frequency Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. The latter used DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to assess probable alcohol use dependence/abuse. Heavy drinking was considered >7 drinks (women) and >14 drinks (men) per week. Food insecurity was measured with the USDA Food Security Scale-Short Form. The link between alcohol problems and food insecurity was examined with logistic regression analyses controlling for sex, age, education, income, and months homeless. Overall, 28.4% of the sample had probable alcohol dependence, 25% were heavy drinkers, and 78.4% were food insecure. Probable alcohol dependence and heavy drinking were correlated at 0.53 (p < 0.001). Results indicated that heavy drinking (OR = 2.12, CI.95 = 1.21, 3.73) and probable alcohol dependence/abuse (OR = 2.72, CI.95 = 1.55, 4.77) were each associated with increased odds of food insecurity. Food insecurity and problematic alcohol use are major issues among homeless populations; this study suggests they are associated. Future research is needed to shed light on potential causal mechanisms and on whether alcohol may take precedence over eating or food purchases

Mobile Intervention to Address Cannabis Use Disorder Among Black Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundAfrican American or Black (hereafter referred to as Black) adults who use cannabis use it more frequently and are more likely to meet criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD) than both White and Hispanic or Latin individuals. Black adults may be more apt to use cannabis to cope with distress, which constitutes a false safety behavior (FSB; a behavior designed to reduce psychological distress in the short term). Although FSB engagement can perpetuate the cycle of high rates of CUD among Black individuals, limited work has applied an FSB elimination treatment approach to Black adults with CUD, and no previous work has evaluated FSB reduction or elimination in the context of a culturally tailored and highly accessible treatment developed for Black individuals. ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and pilot-test a culturally tailored adaptive intervention that integrates FSB reduction or elimination skills for cannabis reduction or cessation among Black adults with probable CUD (Culturally Tailored-Mobile Integrated Cannabis and Anxiety Reduction Treatment [CT-MICART]). MethodsBlack adults with probable CUD (N=50) will complete a web-based screener, enrollment call, baseline assessment, 3 daily ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) for 6 weeks, and a follow-up self-report assessment and qualitative interview at 6 weeks after randomization. Participants will be randomized into 1 out of the 2 conditions after baseline assessment: (1) CT-MICART+EMAs for 6 weeks or (2) EMAs only for 6 weeks. ResultsThe enrollment started in June 2023 and ended in November 2023. Data analysis will be completed in March 2024. ConclusionsNo culturally tailored, evidence-based treatment currently caters to the specific needs of Black individuals with CUD. This study will lay the foundation for a new approach to CUD treatment among Black adults that is easily accessible and has the potential to overcome barriers to treatment and reduce practitioner burden in order to support Black individuals who use cannabis with probable CUD. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05566730; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05566730 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/5277

Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes among Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Communities: Community Partners’ and Residents’ Perspectives

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, yet rates of COVID-19 vaccination remain low among these groups. A qualitative study was undertaken to better understand the factors contributing to low vaccine acceptance among these communities. Seventeen focus groups were conducted in English and Spanish from 8/21 to 9/22, with representatives from five critical community sectors: (1) public health departments (n = 1); (2) Federally Qualified Health Centers (n = 2); (3) community-based organizations (n = 1); (4) faith-based organizations (n = 2); and (5) BIPOC residents in six high-risk, underserved communities in metropolitan Houston (n = 11), for a total of 79 participants, comprising 22 community partners and 57 community residents. A social-ecological model and anti-racism framework were adopted to guide data analysis using thematic analysis and constant comparison, which yielded five key themes: (1) legacy of structural racism: distrust and threat; (2) media misinformation: mass and social; (3) listening and adapting to community needs; (4) evolving attitudes towards vaccination; and (5) understanding alternative health belief systems. Although structural racism was a key driver of vaccine uptake, a notable finding indicated community residents’ vaccine attitudes can be changed once they are confident of the protective benefits of vaccination. Study recommendations include adopting an explicitly anti-racist lens to: (1) listen to community members’ needs and concerns, acknowledge their justified institutional distrust concerning vaccines, and learn community members’ healthcare priorities to inform initiatives built on local data; (2) address misinformation via culturally informed, consistent messaging tailored to communal concerns and delivered by trusted local leaders through multimodal community forums; (3) take vaccines to where people live through pop-up clinics, churches, and community centers for distribution via trusted community members, with educational campaigns tailored to the needs of distinct communities; (4) establish vaccine equity task forces to continue developing sustainable policies, structures, programs and practices to address the structural issues driving vaccine and health inequities within BIPOC communities; and (5) continue investing in an effective infrastructure for healthcare education and delivery, essential for competently responding to the ongoing healthcare and other emergency crises that impact BIPOC communities to achieve racial justice and health equity in the US. Findings underscore the crucial need to provide culturally tailored health education and vaccination initiatives, focused on cultural humility, bidirectionality, and mutual respect to support vaccine re-evaluation

Organizational-Level Moderators Impacting Tobacco-Related Knowledge Change after Tobacco Education Training in Substance Use Treatment Centers

Tobacco use is disproportionately elevated among patients with substance use disorders relative to the general U.S. population. Tobacco interventions are lacking within substance use treatment centers (SUTCs) due to lack of knowledge and training. This study examined knowledge gain and the organizational factors that might moderate knowledge gains following tobacco education training provided to employees (N = 580) within 15 SUTCs that were participating in a tobacco-free workplace program. The number of total annual patient visits, unique annual patient visits, number of full-time employees, and organizational readiness for implementing change (ORIC) as assessed prior to implementation were examined as potential moderators. Results demonstrated significant knowledge gain (p < 0.001) after training overall; individually, 13 SUTCs had significant knowledge gain (p’s < 0.014). SUTCs with fewer total annual patient visits and fewer full-time employees showed greater knowledge gains. The ORIC total score and all but one of its subscales (Resource Availability) moderated knowledge gain. SUTCs with greater initial Change Efficacy (p = 0.029), Valence (p = 0.027), and Commitment (p < 0.001) had greater knowledge gain than SUTCs with lower scores on these constructs; SUTCs with greater Task Knowledge (p < 0.001) regarding requirements for change exhibited less knowledge gain. Understanding the organizational-level factors impacting training effectiveness can inform efforts in organizational change and tobacco control program implementation