Identifying phenotypes and factors impacting outcomes in older adults with asthma: A research protocol and recruitment results.

Success in testing research outcomes requires identification of effective recruitment strategies in the targeted population. In this paper, we present the protocol for our NIH-funded study as well as success rates for the various recruitment strategies employed. This longitudinal observational study is: developing a phenotyping algorithm for asthma in older adults, exploring the effects of the asthma phenotype and of volatile organic compounds on asthma control, and developing a predictive model of asthma quality of life.

Predicting asthma in older adults on the basis of clinical history.

Background: The diagnosis of asthma is not always straightforward and can be even more challenging in older adults. Asthma is ideally confirmed by demonstration of variable expiratory airflow limitation. However, many patients with asthma do not demonstrate airflow obstruction nor show bronchodilator reversibility.

A novel text message-based motivational interviewing intervention for college students who smoke cigarettes.

Introduction: Tobacco use disorder is critical among people aged 16 to 25 years. College campuses are prime locations for smoking cessation interventions for young adults. The vast majority of the smoking research with college students has been epidemiological in nature.

The Relationships of Demographic Characteristics with Diabetes Biomarkers and Physical Activity Adherence in African American Adults.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationships of demographic characteristics with diabetes biomarkers and physical activity adherence in African American adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Data for this secondary analysis were collected in a controlled trial conducted at an ambulatory internal medicine clinic located in a mid-sized metropolitan area in the southeastern USA. Demographic information was obtained at baseline for all participants receiving a motivational interviewing intervention.

Using motivational interviewing for smoking cessation in primary care.

Objectives: To compare the effects of resident physician motivational interviewing (MI), resident physician MI plus registered nurse (RN), and the standard of care counseling approach--ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange follow-up (5 As)--on current smokers' behaviors (readiness to quit, cigarettes smoked per day, current smoking rates), self-efficacy to quit smoking, and nicotine dependence.

Methods: The study design was quasi-experimental pretest/posttest with a comparison group. Pencil/paper measures were completed in the clinic setting at baseline and via telephone approximately 1 and 2 months after the clinic visit.