Prevention and Behavior Change studies

Our researchers assess behavior change models for prevention of chronic conditions. Studies address concerns ranging from clinical preventive services such as cancer screening and well-child visits, to behavioral interventions related to diet and physical activity for prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. Our scientists also work closely with our clinical partners in practice at our Southern California medical facilities to evaluate behavior change efforts in our members related to obesity, depression, heart disease, and cancer.

An Intervention Study of Reminder Letter for Gardasil Regimen Completion

The goal of this randomized intervention study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a quarterly mailing intervention on human papillomavirus vaccine three-dose regimen completion.

Principal Investigator:

Chun Chao, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

Merck & Co., Inc.

Funding Years:

2012 - 2016

Care of Mental, Physical, and Substance Use Syndromes (COMPASS)

KPSC is one of nine sites throughout the country funded by an Innovation Award from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid to implement a coordinated care model for depressed patients with cardiovascular disease. We have the following goals for this project: 1. To implement in three stages a multiple condition collaborative care management model in primary care clinics of care systems in states. 2. To demonstrate that this model improves care quality, patient experience and health, provider satisfaction, and total healthcare costs for the Medicare and Medicaid patients with the targeted conditions. 3. To develop role descriptions and training for the two new types of workers required for this model – care managers and care consultants. 4. To identify the costs and payment models needed by care systems to sustain and spread this care model.

Principal Investigator:

Karen J. Coleman, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)

Funding Years:

2012 - 2015

Developing an HIV Specific-Specific Prevention Index Using Electronic Medical Record (HIV PI)

The goals of this study are to assess in HIV-infected patients, the degree of association between successful general clinical care by HIV disease-treating providers (reflected in overall adherence to recommended general prevention and screening guidelines) and higher-quality HIV-specific care and related clinical outcome.

Principal Investigator:

Chun Chao, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Funding Years:

2010 - 2013

Digital Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Perinatal Depression

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) an 8-session in-person intervention using mindfulness meditation and cognitive-behavioral strategies, has shown effectiveness in reducing residual depressive symptoms and risk for recurrence among pregnant women with histories of depression. A digital adaptation of MBCT for pregnant women, Mindful Mood Balance for Moms (MMBFM), was recently developed to overcome access barriers to in-person groups and increase potential for scale-up in OB care settings. We will address the following aims for this study: 1) Compare the clinical effectiveness (i.e. engagement and symptom reduction) of MMBFM supported by clinician vs. peer coaches among women with a history of prior depressive episodes; 2) examine specific mechanisms of action for MMBFM participants receiving clinician vs. peer coaching; 3) examine the effects of specific implementation strategies on reach of the MMBFM program; and 4) estimate the cost-effectiveness of MMBFM supported by clinician vs. peer coaches. We hypothesize that MMBFM will be more cost-effective when supported by peer vs. clinician coaches.

Site Principal Investigator:

Karen J. Coleman, PhD, MS

Funding Source:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Funding Years:

2019 - 2024

Impact of Sugary Beverage Taxes on Weight and Health Outcomes after 3-5 Years

This study uses electronic health records to determine the effects of sugary beverage taxes initiated in 4 Northern California cities compared with control cities in Northern and Southern California. Outcomes include weight change trajectories and prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adults, and incidence of diabetes among adults with prediabetes. Pre-specified sub-analyses include examining differences by race/ethnicity, age groups, and neighborhood socioeconomic status.

Principal Investigator:

Deborah Rohm Young, PhD, MBA

Funding Source:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Funding Years:

2020 - 2024

Long-term Effectiveness of Phentermine for Weight Loss

Site Principal Investigator:

Deborah Rohm Young, PhD, MBA

Funding Source:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Funding Years:

2021

Randomized Trial of Exercise Promotion In Primary Care (EPPC)

To determine the feasibility of a primary care based, telephone counseling physical activity behavioral intervention for diabetics and prediabetics.

Principal Investigator:

Deborah Rohm Young, PhD, MBA

Funding Source:

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Funding Years:

2014 - 2016

Randomized Trial of Exercise Promotion in Primary Care (EPPC)

EPPC is testing the effects of a 2-year motivational interview, telephone-based intervention on increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity among participants with diabetes and prediabetes.

Principal Investigator:

Deborah Rohm Young, PhD, MBA

Funding Source:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Funding Years:

2019 - 2024