Perseverance and consistency of interest in underrepresented post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty

Introduction

Underrepresented researchers face more challenges than their well-represented counterparts. Perseverance and consistency of interest are associated with career success in well-represented physicians. Therefore, we examined associations of perseverance and consistency of interest with Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory (CRAI), science identity, and other factors related to career success among underrepresented post-doctoral fellows and early-career faculty.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected from September to October 2020 among 224 underrepresented early-career researchers at 25 academic medical centers in the Building Up Trial. We used linear regression to test associations of perseverance and consistency of interest scores with CRAI, science identity, and effort/reward imbalance (ERI) scores.

Results

The cohort is 80% female, 33% non-Hispanic Black, and 34% Hispanic. The median perseverance and consistency of interest scores were 3.8 (25th-75th percentile: 3.7,4.2) and 3.7 (25th-75th percentile: 3.2, 4.0), respectively. Higher perseverance was associated with a higher CRAI score (β = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.30, 1.33, p = 0.002) and science identity (β = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.19, 0.68, p = 0.001). Higher consistency of interest was associated with a higher CRAI score (β = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.23, 0.96, p = 0.001) and higher science identity score (β = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.36, p = 0.02), while lower consistency of interest was associated with imbalance favoring effort (β = -0.22; 95% CI = -0.33, -0.11, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

We found that perseverance and consistency of interest are related to CRAI and science identity, indicating that these factors may positively influence one's decision to stay in research.

Temporal Variation in Individual Social Risk Factors Associated with Testing Positive for SARS-CoV-2 Among Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration

PURPOSE

Marginalized communities have been disproportionally impacted by SARS-CoV-2. How the associations between social determinants of health and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection shifted across time is unknown. In this evaluation, we examine individual-level social determinants of health as social risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection across the first 12 months of the pandemic among US Veterans.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 946,358 Veterans who sought testing or treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. We estimated risk ratios for testing positive by social risk factors, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and time. Adjusted models were stratified by pandemic phase to assess temporal fluctuations in social risks.

RESULTS

Approximately 19% of Veterans tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Larger household size was a persistent risk factor and this association increased over time. Early in the pandemic, lower county-level population density was associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, but between June 1- August 31, 2020, this trend reversed.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporal fluctuations in social risks associated with Veterans' SARS-CoV-2 infection suggest the need for ongoing, real-time tracking as the social and medical environment continues to evolve.

Peer specialists deliver cognitive behavioral social skills training compared to social skills training and treatment as usual to veterans with serious mental illness: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Serious mental illness (SMI) affects 4.6% of the American population. While treatments are available, adherence to specific regimens is often suboptimal. Multiple organizations, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), have called for more options that improve accessibility and engagement to treatment among individuals with SMI. This study protocol answers such calls by testing the effectiveness of peer specialists—individuals with SMI trained to use their experience to help others with SMI—in delivering social skills training (SST) and cognitive behavioral social skills training (CBSST), evidence-based treatments effective at engaging individuals with SMI to make behavioral and cognitive changes. Peer specialists have been shown to be adept at engaging those with SMI in treatment; however, their ability to deliver these structured treatments is unknown.

Methods

This study is a randomized, hybrid 1, research assistant-blinded, superiority trial. A total of 252 veterans with SMI will be recruited and randomized to one of three arms: CBSST-Peer vs. SST-Peer vs. treatment as usual. Participants randomized to CBSST-Peer or SST-Peer will participate in a 20-week group-based intervention that meets weekly for a 60-min class. All participants will complete 4 study assessments at baseline, 10 weeks, 20 weeks, and 32 weeks. A multidimensional battery of functional outcomes will be used with the Independent Living Skills Survey (ILSS) as the primary outcome measure. Post-study completion, veterans who participated in the CBSST-Peer or SST-Peer arms will randomly be invited to participate in focus groups, and peer specialists will complete interviews to further assess the effectiveness of each intervention.

Discussion

Improving care and outcomes for individuals with SMI is a national priority. To improve care, it is imperative to think about new ways to improve engagement and accessibility to care. This study provides an innovative solution to this problem by evaluating how two different types of treatment, delivered by peer specialists, compare to usual care. The results of the study will allow for the expansion of treatment options that improve access and engagement among veterans with SMI.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06376-9.

The role of Sociodemographic factors on goal achievement in a community-based diabetes prevention program behavioral lifestyle intervention

BACKGROUND

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) behavioral lifestyle intervention was effective among a diverse sample of adults with prediabetes. Demonstrated effectiveness in translated versions of the DPP lifestyle intervention (such as Group Lifestyle Balance, DPP-GLB) led to widescale usage with national program oversight and reimbursement. However, little is known about the success of these DPP-translation programs across subgroups of sociodemographic factors. This current effort investigated potential disparities in DPP-translation program primary goal achievement (physical activity and weight) by key sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

Data were combined from two 12-month community-based DPP-GLB trials among overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes and/or metabolic syndrome. We evaluated change in weight (kilograms and percent) and activity (MET-hrs/week) and goal achievement (yes/no; ≥5% weight loss and 150 min per week activity) after 6 and 12 months of intervention within and across subgroups of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black), employment status, education, income, and gender.

RESULTS

Among 240 participants (85%) with complete data, most sociodemographic subgroups demonstrated significant weight loss. However, non-Hispanic white lost more weight at both 6 and 12 months compared to non-Hispanic black participants [median weight loss (IQR), 6 months: 5.7% (2.7-9.0) vs. 1.5% (1.2-7.5) p = .01 and 12 months: 4.8% (1.1-9.6) vs. 1.1% (- 2.0-3.7) p = .01, respectively]. In addition, a larger percentage of non-Hispanic white demonstrated a 5% weight loss at 6 and 12 months. Employment was significantly related to 12-month weight loss, with retired participants being the most successful. Men, participants with graduate degrees, and those with higher income were most likely to meet the activity goal at baseline and 12 months. Differences in physical activity goal achievement across gender, education, and income groups were significant at baseline, attenuated after 6 months, then re-emerged at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The DPP-GLB was effective in promoting weight loss and helped to alleviate disparities in physical activity levels after 6 months. Despite overall program success, differences in weight loss achievement by race/ethnicity were found and disparities in activity re-emerged after 12 months of intervention. These results support the need for intervention modification providing more tailored approaches to marginalized groups to maximize the achievement and maintenance of DPP-GLB behavioral goals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01050205 , NCT02467881 .

Explaining Service Use and Residential Stability in Supported Housing: Problems, Preferences, Peers

BACKGROUND

The behavioral model of health service use identified health needs, service preferences (predispositions), and service availability (enabling factors) as important predictors, but research has not conceptualized consistently each type of influence nor identified their separate effects on use of substance abuse and mental health services or their value in predicting service outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To test hypotheses predicting use of substance abuse and mental health services and residential stability and evaluate peer specialists' impact.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Randomized trial of peer support added to standard case management in VA-supported housing program (Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing program).

SUBJECTS

One hundred sixty-six dually diagnosed Veterans in Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing program in 2 cities.

MEASURES

Average VA service episodes for substance abuse and mental illness; residential instability; preferences for alcohol, drug, and psychological services; extent of alcohol, drug, and psychological problems; availability of a peer specialist.

RESULTS

Self-assessed health needs, mediated by service preferences, and assignment to a peer specialist predicted use of VA behavioral health services and residential stability, as did chronic medical problems, sex, and race.

CONCLUSIONS

The behavioral model identifies major predictors of health service use and residential stability, but must recognize the mediating role of service preferences, the differing effects of alcohol and drug use, the unique influences of social background, and the importance of clinical judgment in needs assessment. Service availability and residential stability can be increased by proactive efforts involving peer specialists even in a health care system that provides services without a financial barrier.

Predicting Engagement With Mental Health Peer Specialist Services

OBJECTIVE

Peer specialists are individuals with behavioral disorders who complete training to use their experiences to help others with similar disorders. Recent analyses have suggested that greater engagement with peer specialist services is associated with fewer psychiatric symptoms. This study assessed predictors of engagement with peer specialist services.

METHODS

Using the Andersen model of health service utilization with a sample of veterans (N=71) receiving housing support, investigators constructed a negative binomial regression model to evaluate the association between peer specialist service engagement and the model's three factors assessed at baseline of a larger trial: predisposing (personal demographic and social variables); enabling (support variables), and need (perceived and evaluated health problems). Demographic characteristics and behavioral health service use six months before baseline were also predictors.

RESULTS

Greater hope (predisposing), psychiatric symptoms (need), and service utilization significantly predicted greater peer specialist engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest subpopulations with whom peer specialists would be most likely to engage successfully, perhaps improving their efficiency.

Health service preferences among veterans in supported housing in relation to needs expressed and services used

BACKGROUND

Understanding consumer service preferences is important for recovery-oriented care.

AIMS

To test the influence of perceived service needs on importance attached to treatment for alcohol, drug, mental health, and physical health problems and identify the influence of service needs and preferences on service use.

METHODS

Formerly homeless dually diagnosed Veterans in supported housing were surveyed in three waves for 1 year, with measures of treatment interests, health problems, social support, clinician-assessed risk of housing loss, and sociodemographics. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify independent influences on preferences in each wave. Different health services at the VA were distinguished in administrative records and baseline predictors for services used throughout the project were identified with multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Self-assessed problem severity was associated with the importance of treatment for alcohol, drug, mental health, and physical health problems. Social support also had some association with treatment interest for alcohol abuse, as did baseline clinician risk rating at the project's end. Preferences, but not perceived problem severity, predicted the use of the corresponding health services.

CONCLUSIONS

The health beliefs model of service interests was supported, but more integrated service delivery models may be needed to strengthen the association of health needs with service use.

Investigating the Degree of Reliable Change Among Persons Assigned to Receive Mental Health Peer Specialist Services

OBJECTIVE

Peer specialists are individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders trained to use their experiences to help others with similar disorders. Evidence for the effectiveness of peer specialist services has been mixed in previous randomized trials using intent-to-treat analyses, possibly because of variation in the intensity of treatment delivered. This study, which was part of a larger randomized trial, assessed whether level of peer specialist engagement was associated with reliable positive change on measures of psychiatric symptoms and hope.

METHODS

The Reliable Change Index was used to compute whether veterans (N=140) achieved reliable positive change on standardized baseline-to-posttest assessments of psychiatric symptoms and hope. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict positive change in symptoms and hope by level of peer specialist engagement, with controls for relevant demographic factors, several baseline mental health and substance abuse measures, and service use during the study.

RESULTS

Logistic regression models showed that veterans with higher peer specialist engagement were more likely than those in a control group to show reliable positive change in psychiatric symptoms but not in hope. Compared with the control group, those with lower peer specialist engagement did not show positive change on either measure. White veterans were less likely than those from minority groups to exhibit positive change in psychiatric symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that peer specialists can benefit those with mental illnesses and substance use disorders who engage in more frequent interactions. Studies are needed to further assess the circumstances under which peer specialists can be effective.

Peer specialists: Exploring the influence of program structure on their emerging role

Although peer specialists play an increasing role in mental health service delivery, little is known about the best program structures for maximizing effective service delivery. This study reports on qualitative data from a larger study on peer specialists working with veterans in a Veterans Affairs homelessness program who were dually diagnosed with substance abuse and mental health concerns. Peer specialists were trained to deliver a recovery support program that is carried out weekly over 9 months and includes 20 structured sessions using a workbook and 20 unstructured, individually planned sessions. A sample of 20 veterans who were in the program were interviewed, along with 8 case managers and 3 peer specialists involved with the program. Interview transcripts were coded for 3 elements of program structure: time, content, and delivery. Results show that the program structure allowed flexibility for individual needs and that the workbook sessions were useful. Veterans ascribed value to the peer specialist delivering the content, compared to working alone on the material. Deliberate use of unstructured time with the peer specialist was seen as reducing isolation, increasing community integration, and encouraging recovery activities. The weekly, dependable nature of the program was seen as highly positive, whereas the 9-month duration was seen as too short. All groups interviewed expressed satisfaction with the program, although the case managers reported some reservations related to supervision and boundaries. Results suggest that, compared to completely structured or unstructured approaches that are common for peer specialist services, a middle level of structure for peer specialist programs could be a useful alternative. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Early stages of development of a peer specialist fidelity measure

OBJECTIVE

Research on peer specialists (individuals with serious mental illness supporting others with serious mental illness in clinical and other settings) has not yet included the measurement of fidelity. Without measuring fidelity, it is unclear whether the absence of impact in some studies is attributable to ineffective peer specialist services or because the services were not true to the intended role. This article describes the initial development of a peer specialist fidelity measure for 2 content areas: services provided by peer specialists and factors that either support or hamper the performance of those services.

METHOD

A literature search identified 40 domains; an expert panel narrowed the number of domains and helped generate and then review survey items to operationalize those domains. Twelve peer specialists, individuals with whom they work, and their supervisors participated in a pilot test and cognitive interviews regarding item content.

RESULTS

Peer specialists tended to rate themselves as having engaged in various peer service activities more than did the supervisors and individuals with whom they work. A subset of items tapping peer specialist services "core" to the role regardless of setting had higher ratings. Participants stated the measure was clear, appropriate, and could be useful in improving performance.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Although preliminary, findings were consistent with organizational research on performance ratings of supervisors and employees made in the workplace. Several changes in survey content and administration were identified. With continued work, the measure could crystalize the role of peer specialists and aid in research and clinical administration. (PsycINFO Database Record

Patterns and predictors of engagement in peer support among homeless veterans with mental health conditions and substance use histories

OBJECTIVES

Patterns and predictors of engagement in peer support services were examined among 50 previously homeless veterans with co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use histories receiving services from the Veterans Health Administration supported housing program.

METHOD

Veteran peer specialists were trained to deliver sessions focusing on mental health and substance use recovery to veterans for an intended 1-hr weekly contact over 9 months. Trajectories of peer engagement over the study's duration are summarized. A mixed-effects log-linear model of the rate of peer engagement is tested with three sets of covariates representing characteristics of the veterans. These sets were demographics, mental health and substance use status, and indicators of community participation and support.

RESULTS

Data indicate that veterans engaged with peers about once per month rather than the intended once per week. However, frequency of contacts varied greatly. The best predictor of engagement was time, with most contacts occurring within the first 6 months. No other veteran characteristic was a statistically significant predictor of engagement. Older veterans tended to have higher rates of engagement with peer supporters.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Planners of peer support services could consider yardsticks of monthly services up to 6 months. Peer support services need a flexible strategy with varying levels of intensity according to need. Peer support services will need to be tailored to better engage younger veterans. Future research should consider other sources of variation in engagement with peer support such as characteristics of the peer supporters and service content and setting. (PsycINFO Database Record

Characteristics and smoking patterns of intermittent smokers

Current models of smoking and dependence assume a need to smoke at regular intervals to maintain nicotine levels, yet about 25% of adult smokers do not smoke daily. This subset of intermittent smokers (ITS) has gone largely unexamined. In this study, we describe the demographics, smoking history, and smoking behavior of ITS (n = 282; 50.2% male) in comparison to daily smokers (DS; n = 233; 60.7% male). Within ITS, we also compare "converted" ITS (CITS), who had previously smoked daily, with "native" ITS (NITS). On average, ITS were 34.66 years of age, and had smoked 42,850 cigarettes in the course of an average of 18 years of smoking. They smoked an average of 4.38 days per week, consuming 4.39 cigarettes a day on smoking days, and demonstrated considerable day-to-day variability in cigarette consumption. Almost half of ITS had Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence scores of 0, indicating no dependence. Compared to DS, ITS were more likely to cite alcohol drinking, socializing, and being with other smokers as common contexts for smoking, and they also more often cited being angry or stressed. Data suggested that ITS' behavior was not explained by use of other nicotine products nor by economic constraints on smoking, nor by differences in psychological adjustment. Within ITS, CITS were heavier, more frequent, and more dependent smokers. In many respects, CITS were intermediate between NITS and DS. ITS show distinct patterns of smoking behavior that are not well explained by current models of nicotine dependence.