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Background Religiosity/spirituality is a major coping mechanism for African Americans, but no prior studies have analyzed its association with the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 (LS7) indicators in this group. Methods and Results This cross‐sectional study using Jackson Heart Study (JHS) data examined relationships between religiosity (religious attendance, private prayer, religious coping) and spirituality (theistic, nontheistic, total) with LS7 individual components (eg, physical activity, diet, smoking, blood pressure) and composite score among African Americans. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the odds of achieving intermediate/ideal (versus poor) LS7 levels adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and biomedical factors. Among the 2967 participants (mean [SD] age=54.0 [12.3] years; 65.7% women), higher religious attendance was associated with increased likelihood (reported as odds ratio [95% CI]) of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.16 [1.06–1.26]), diet (1.10 [1.01–1.20]), smoking (1.50 [1.34–1.68]), blood pressure (1.12 [1.01–1.24]), and LS7 composite score (1.15 [1.06–1.26]). Private prayer was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels for diet (1.12 [1.03–1.22]) and smoking (1.24 [1.12–1.39]). Religious coping was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.18 [1.08–1.28]), diet (1.10 [1.01–1.20]), smoking (1.32 [1.18–1.48]), and LS7 composite score (1.14 [1.04–1.24]). Total spirituality was associated with increased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of physical activity (1.11 [1.02–1.21]) and smoking (1.36 [1.21–1.53]). Conclusions Higher levels of religiosity/spirituality were associated with intermediate/ideal cardiovascular health across multiple LS7 indicators. Reinforcement of religiosity/spirituality in lifestyle interventions may decrease overall cardiovascular disease risk among African Americans.

Background: African Americans continue to have suboptimal cardiovascular health (CVH) based on the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), 7 health-promoting behaviors and biological risk factors (eg, physical activity, blood pressure). Innovative, community-level interventions in partnership with trusted institutions such as African American churches are potential means to improve CVH in this population. Methods: Using a community-based participatory research approach, the FAITH! Trial (Fostering African American Improvement in Total Health) rigorously assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a refined, community-informed, mobile health intervention (FAITH! App) for promoting CVH among African Americans in faith communities using a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants from 16 churches in Rochester and Minneapolis-St Paul, MN, were randomized to receive the FAITH! App (immediate intervention) or were assigned to a delayed intervention comparator group. The 10-week intervention core features included culturally relevant and LS7-focused education modules, diet/physical activity self-monitoring, and a group sharing board. Data were collected via electronic surveys and health assessments. Primary outcomes were average change in mean LS7 score (continuous measure of CVH ranging from poor to ideal [0–14 points]) from baseline to 6 months post-intervention (using generalized estimating equations) and app engagement/usability (by the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale; range, 0–5). Results: Of 85 enrolled participants (randomized to immediate [N=41] and delayed [control] intervention [N=44] groups), 76 and 68 completed surveys/health assessments at baseline and 6 months post-intervention, respectively (80% retention rate with assessments at both baseline and 6-month time points); immediate intervention [N=30] and control [N=38] groups). At baseline, the majority of participants (mean age [SD], 54.2 [12.3] years, 71% female) had <4-year college education level (39/66, 59%) and poor CVH (44% in poor category; mean LS7 score [SD], 6.8 [1.9]). The mean LS7 score of the intervention group increased by 1.9 (SD 1.9) points compared with 0.7 (SD 1.7) point in the control group (both P <0.0001) at 6 months. The estimated difference of this increase between the groups was 1.1 (95% CI, 0.6–1.7; P <0.0001). App engagement/usability was overall high (100% connection to app; >75% completed weekly diet/physical activity tracking; Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale, mean [SD], 4.2 [0.7]). Conclusions: On the basis of preliminary findings, the refined FAITH! App appears to be an efficacious mobile health tool to promote ideal CVH among African Americans. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03777709.

Background African-Americans are underrepresented in mobile health intervention research studies which can perpetuate health inequities and the digital divide. A community-based, user-centered approach to designing mobile health interventions may increase their sociocultural relevance and effectiveness, especially with increased smartphone use during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We aimed to refine an existing mobile health intervention via a virtual focus group series. Methods African-American community members (n = 15) from churches in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Rochester, Minnesota were enrolled in a virtual (via videoconferencing), three-session focus group series over five months to refine a cardiovascular health-focused mobile health application (FAITH! [Fostering African-American Improvement in Total Health!] App). Participants accessed the app via their smartphones and received a Fitbit synced to the app. Participants engaged with multimedia cardiovascular health-focused education modules, a sharing board for social networking, and diet/physical activity self-monitoring. Participant feedback on app features prompted iterative revisions to the FAITH! App. Primary outcomes were app usability (assessed via Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale range: 0–5) and user satisfaction. Results Participants (mean age [SD]: 56.9 [12.3] years, 86.7% female) attended a mean 2.8 focus groups (80% attended all sessions). The revised FAITH! App exceeded the goal Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale score threshold of ≥4 (mean: 4.39, range: 3.20–4.95). Participants positively rated updated app content, visual appeal, and use of social incentives to maintain engagement. Increasing user control and refinement of the moderated sharing board were identified as areas for future improvement. Conclusions Community-partnered, virtual focus groups can optimize usability and increase participant satisfaction of mobile health lifestyle interventions that aim to promote cardiovascular health in African-Americans.

Abstract Introduction To eliminate tobacco-related disparities, tobacco control research would benefit from a paradigm shift. Intersectionality, a framework pioneered by Kimberlé Crenshaw in late 1980s, has the potential to improve our understanding of why and how certain social groups are disproportionately harmed by commercial tobacco use, and improve our ability to address persistent tobacco-related health disparities. Aims and Methods In this commentary, we outline the rationale and recommendations for incorporating intersectionality into equity-minded tobacco control research. These recommendations arose from intersectionality webinars organized by the Health Disparities (now Health Equity) Network of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) in 2019 and 2020. Results Specifically, we propose that eliminating tobacco-related disparities through intersectionality-informed research requires a multilevel, multipronged approach. We summarize priority actions for the tobacco control research field to achieve health equity through the intersectionality framework including acknowledging that structural factors, racism and power dynamics shape lived experiences, integrating critical theoretical frameworks and intersectionality scholarship into research questions, and embracing collaborative community-based approaches at every level of the research process. Conclusions Through these actions, our field can take concrete steps to fundamentally improve our approach to conducting research to achieve health equity. Implications Intersectionality is a valuable tool to align our field with our pursuit of health equity. The recommendations aim to improve methods of equity-focused tobacco control, prompt ongoing dialogue on the utility of this tool, and shift paradigms in how the research process is conducted at every level among stakeholders, including researchers, journal editors and reviewers, funders, practitioners, and policy makers.

Abstract Aims The objective of this study is to longitudinally assess sociodemographic and psychological correlates of increased alcohol use during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) period among adolescents and young adults. Methods Pre-COVID period is defined as the 1-year period on or before 31 March 2020, and during-COVID period is defined as the period from 1st April 2020 to 30 March 2021. Univariable logistic regression models are used to evaluate the association of demographic characteristics, Area Deprivation Index (ADI), rurality, changes in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale severity, and the risk of increased alcohol consumption (binge drinking, number of drinks and drinking regularity) from pre-COVID to during-COVID period. Results and conclusion Our study found that worsened anxiety symptoms, older age, being in college and current cigarette smoking status were associated with increased alcohol use among youth during the pandemic year. Socioeconomic position (measured by ADI) and rural status were not found to be associated with increased alcohol use among adolescents and young adults.

AbstractPurposeRural populations are disproportionately affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. We characterized urban‐rural disparities in patient portal messaging utilization for COVID‐19, and, of those who used the portal during its early stage in the Midwest.MethodsWe collected over 1 million portal messages generated by midwestern Mayo Clinic patients from February to August 2020. We analyzed patient‐generated messages (PGMs) on COVID‐19 by urban‐rural locality and incorporated patients’ sociodemographic factors into the analysis.FindingsThe urban‐rural ratio of portal users, message senders, and COVID‐19 message senders was 1.18, 1.31, and 1.79, indicating greater use among urban patients. The urban‐rural ratio (1.69) of PGMs on COVID‐19 was higher than that (1.43) of general PGMs. The urban‐rural ratios of messaging were 1.72‐1.85 for COVID‐19‐related care and 1.43‐1.66 for other health care issues on COVID‐19. Compared with urban patients, rural patients sent fewer messages for COVID‐19 diagnosis and treatment but more messages for other reasons related to COVID‐19‐related health care (eg, isolation and anxiety). The frequent senders of COVID‐19‐related messages among rural patients were 40+ years old, women, married, and White.ConclusionsIn this Midwest health system, rural patients were less likely to use patient online services during a pandemic and their reasons for its use differ from urban patients. Results suggest opportunities for increasing equity in rural patient engagement in patient portals (in particular, minority populations) for COVID‐19. Public health intervention strategies could target reasons why rural patients might seek health care in a pandemic, such as social isolation and anxiety.

Purpose To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a social network weight loss intervention delivered by lay health promoters (HPs) to immigrant populations. Design Single-arm, non-randomized, pilot study of a social network weight loss intervention developed by a community-based participatory research partnership and delivered by HPs. Setting Community-based setting in Southeastern Minnesota, United States. Sample Somali and Hispanic immigrants to the United States: 4 social networks of adults (2 Hispanic and 2 Somali) with 39 network participants. Intervention Twelve-week behavioral weight loss intervention delivered by HPs (4 weeks in-person and then 8 weeks virtual). Measures Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and retention rates. Acceptability was assessed by surveys and focus groups with HPs and participants. Behavioral measures included servings of fruits and vegetables, drinking soda, and physical activity. Physiologic measures included weight, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Analysis Paired t-tests of pre- to post-intervention changes at the end of 12 weeks of treatment. Results Recruitment was feasible and post-intervention was 100%. Participants highly rated the intervention on satisfaction, motivation, and confidence to eat a healthy diet, be physically active, and lose weight. Participants were motivated by group social support and cohesion of their social networks. On average, participants lost weight (91.6 ± 15.9 to 89.7 ± 16.6 kg, P < .0001), lowered their systolic blood pressure (133.9±16.9 to 127.2 ± 15.8 mm Hg; P < .001), lowered their diastolic blood pressure (81 ± 9.5 to 75.8 ± 9.6 mm Hg; P < .0001), had more servings of vegetables per day (1.9 ± 1.2 to 2.6 ± 1.4; P < .001), and increased their physical activity (2690 ± 3231 to 6595 ± 7322 MET-minutes per week; P = .02). Conclusion This pilot study of 2 immigrant communities who participated in a peer-led weight loss social network intervention delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability. Participants lost weight, improved their health status, and improved their health behaviors.

AbstractIntroductionData on cigarette smoking prevalence among Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people are limited to cross-sectional studies or specific subpopulations. Using data from the Alaska Education and Research toward Health (EARTH) Study 10-year follow-up, this study assessed patterns of smoking from baseline and factors associated with current use.Aims and MethodsEARTH Study urban south central ANAI participants (N = 376; 73% women) provided questionnaire data on smoking at baseline and 10-year follow-up. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression assessed whether gender, cultural factors (Tribal identity, language spoken in the home), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), baseline smoking status, and baseline cigarettes per day (CPD) were associated with current smoking at follow-up.ResultsCurrent smoking was 27% and 23% at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Of baseline smokers, 60% reported smoking at follow-up (77% men, 52% women). From multivariable-adjusted analyses, the odds of current smoking at follow-up were lower among women than men, those who never or formerly smoked versus currently smoked at baseline, and smoking &lt;10 CPD compared with ≥10 CPD at baseline. PHQ-9 score or cultural variables were not associated with smoking at follow-up. Smoking fewer baseline CPD was associated with former smoking status (ie, quitting) at follow-up among women, but not men.ConclusionsOur project is among the first to longitudinally explore smoking within an ANAI cohort. While we observed persistent smoking during a 10-year period, there were important differences by gender and CPD in quitting. These differences may be important to enhance the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions for ANAI people.ImplicationsThis study contributes novel longitudinal information on cigarette smoking prevalence during a 10-year period among Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people. Prior data on smoking prevalence among ANAI people are limited to cross-sectional studies or specific subpopulations. Our project is among the first to longitudinally explore smoking prevalence within an ANAI cohort. We observed persistent smoking during a 10-year period. The study also contributes information on differences by gender and cigarettes smoked per day in quitting. These findings have implications for enhancing the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions for ANAI people.

Abstract Introduction There is tremendous need for efficacious and accessible interventions for smoking cessation among American Indians and Alaska Natives. We tested the efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based smartphone application (iCanQuit) versus US Clinical Practice Guidelines-based smartphone application (QuitGuide) for smoking cessation among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Aims and Methods We compared cessation, changes in ACT-based processes, engagement and satisfaction between American Indian and Alaska Native iCanQuit (n = 89) and QuitGuide (n = 80) participants enrolled in the iCanQuit trial. The primary outcome was self-reported, complete-case, 30-day point-prevalence abstinence. Follow-up timepoints were 12, 6, and 3 months. Results Randomized American Indians and Alaska Natives from 31 US states (70% urban, 30% rural, with 25% of participants residing on tribal land). The outcome data retention rates were 93%, 92%, and 90% at the 12-, 6-, and 3-month follow-ups, respectively, with no differential retention between arms. The 30-day point-prevalence abstinence for iCanQuit versus QuitGuide was 30% versus 18% at 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90 to 4.26) 25% versus 11% at 6 months (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.06 to 6.45), and 15% versus 6% at 3 months (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 0.90 to 9.59). Increases in acceptance of internal cues to smoke mediated the effect of treatment on smoking cessation at 12 months. iCanQuit arm participants were also significantly more engaged and satisfied with their assigned application. Conclusions In a nationwide sample with high data retention and participant engagement, this is the first study to show that a digital intervention may be efficacious for helping American Indians and Alaska Natives quit smoking. Implications This is the first study to provide evidence of an efficacious, accessible, and engaging treatment for helping American Indians and Alaska Natives quit smoking. Compared to a US Clinical Practice Guidelines-based smartphone application (QuitGuide), an ACT-based smartphone application (iCanQuit) was more efficacious, engaging, and satisfactory among American Indians and Alaska Natives nationwide. Our results will inform the tailoring of the iCanQuit smartphone application for American Indian and Alaska Native tribal communities and organizations with potential for broad dissemination and high impact.