Our Research
Healthy Heart Habits 2 (HHH-2)
Principal Investigators: Emily Gathright, Andrew Busch
The overarching goal of this study is to pilot Behavioral Activation for Health and Depression (BA-HD) across three regions. This trial will accomplish two aims: First, we will examine study feasibility (e.g., recruitment, treatment engagement, retention) and acceptability of both study procedures and the BA-HD treatment. Second, we will examine the preliminary efficacy of BA-HD to improve (1) depressed mood and (2) cardiovascular health assessed via the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 Total Score. Findings from the proposed research are necessary to finalize study design in preparation for a subsequent fully powered trial to evaluate the efficacy of BA-HD to improve cardiovascular health and depression
Hi Activity
Principal investigators: Lisa Uebelacker, Jason Baker
Co-Investigator: Andrew Busch
The purpose of this study is to understand how best to help people living with HIV increase their physical activity. For many people, this will mean finding ways to increase their steps and take more walks.
COMPARE: Expanding first line options for depression and matching treatments to patients: hatha yoga vs. behavioral therapy
Principal investigator: Lisa Uebelacker, Louisa Sylvia
Site PI: Andrew Busch
This study is funded by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and will conduct a four site noninferiority trial of tele-delivered Hatha Yoga vs. tele-delivered evidence-based psychotherapy (Behavioral Activation) for depression. Dr. Busch is leading the Minnesota recruitment site and the development and implementation of the Behavioral Activation treatment.
Chronic Disease Reduction and Equity Promotion Across Minnesota (C2DREAM): Smoking Cessation Outreach for Research Equity (SCORE)
Principal Investigator: Sandra Japuntich
This study is part of a center aimed at mitigating the effect of racism on chronic disease. The Proactive Outreach Project study tests the effect of adding proactive outreach to BIPOC patients who smoke cigarettes to usual care for smoking (routine screening in primary care practices). This study will enroll 2000 BIPOC patients across two healthcare systems: Hennepin Healthcare and Mayo Clinic Health System. The primary outcome is long term abstinence from combustible tobacco products.
Brief Acceptance-Based Retention Intervention for Newly Diagnosed HIV Participants (HIV Engage)
Principal Investigator: Ethan Moitra
Site PI: Andrew Busch
The overall aim of this program of research is to test a newly developed intervention, Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy (ABBT), to improve HIV patients' commitment to medical care.
The purpose of the proposed project is to establish the efficacy of ABBT and examine its mechanisms of action. To achieve the specific aims, the investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial (n = 270), with two treatment arms: ABBT vs. an attention-matched HIV education control condition.
Effectiveness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sampling in Dental Practices (FreSH)
Principal Investigator: Sandra Japuntich
This study is being conducted in the National Dental Practice Based Research Network. The study tests whether providing free samples of nicotine replacement therapy during routine dental care will produce long term abstinence from cigarettes, quit attempts, or nicotine replacement therapy use compared to those who receive another gift unrelated to smoking cessation.
Post Acute Cardiac Event Smoking (PACES) Study
Principal Investigator: Andrew M. Busch
Co-Investigators: Sandra Japuntich and Woubeshet Ayenew
The PACES study is a randomized control trial that aims to help people who have just experienced a cardiac event to quit smoking and keep their mood up. We are recruiting participants from four hospitals in the Twin Cities for this study. Participants will receive 6 counseling sessions targeting smoking cessation and mood or smoking cessation and health education. In addition, all participants will be offered 8 weeks of nicotine patches free of charge.