Sun Safe Schools

The Sun Safe Schools project worked with 112 school districts in California and Colorado to pass sun safety policies for students. The district-wide policies included environmental and personal protection actions such as the provision of shade structures and ways to improve sun safety for students while they were outdoors. (National Cancer Institute; CA100285; David Buller, PI).

To boost implementation of the policies, the Sun Safe Schools Translation project is assisting school districts in California that passed sun protection policies to activate them at the school level. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: HD074416; Kim Reynolds and David Buller, PIs)

Selected publications:

• Buller DB, Reynolds KD, Ashley JL, Buller MK, Kane IL, Stabell CL, Massie KL, Liu X, Cutter GR. Motivating public school districts to adopt sun protection policies: A randomized controlled trial. Am J Prev Med. 2011;41:309-16. PMCID: PMC316769


• Reynolds KD, Buller DB, French SA, Buller MK, Ashley JL. School sun protection policies: Measure development and assessments in two regions of the United States. J Sch Health. 2012;82:499-507. PMCID: PMC3475509

Sun Safe Workplaces

Sun Safe Workplaces promoted the adoption of sun safety policies for outdoor workers to 98 public sector employers in cities, counties and special districts in Colorado. The recommended policies included actions for administrative and environmental controls for sun safety, such as employee training and the provision of shade, as well as for personal protection like using sunscreen with an SPF 30+ and wearing a wide-brimmed hat. (National Cancer Institute; CA134705; David Buller and Barbara Walkosz, PIs)

A follow-up study, Sun Safe Workplaces: Costs and Benefits is examining the effects of the Sun Safe Workplace program on both employers and employees through review of employers’ actions to improve workers’ sun safety, implementation rates of sun safety by both employers and employees, as well as the overall economic cost and benefits of implementation. (National Cancer Institute; CA187191; David Buller and Barbara Walkosz, PIs)

Selected Publications:

• Buller, DB., Walkosz, BJ, Buller, MK, Wallis, A., Andersen, PA, Scott, MD, & Cutter, G. Results of a Randomized Trial on an Intervention Promoting Adoption of Occupational Sun Protection Policies. Am J Health Promot. 2017: 0890117117704531 [epub: Ahead of print]


• Wallis A, Andersen P, Buller D, Walkosz B, Liu X, Buller M, Scott MD, Jenkins R. Adoption of sun safe work place practices by local governments. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2014;20:608-16. PMCID: PMC4019714


• Walkosz BJ, Buller DB, Andersen PA, Wallis A, Buller MK, Scott MD. Factors associated with occupational sun-protection policies in local government organizations in Colorado. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151:991-7. PMCID: PMC4565754

Shade

The Shade in Public Parks Project examined people's use of new shade structures built in public parks in Denver, Colorado and Melbourne, Australia. Public parks are hubs for physical activity and leisure. The study purports that providing built shade where people are outdoors in the sun, like in public parks and playgrounds, will increase protection from UV exposure. The study is a collaborative effort between Klein Buendel and Cancer Council Victoria. (National Cancer Institute; CA140367; David Buller, PI)

Selected Publication:

• Dobbinson S, Niven P, Buller DB, Allen M, Gies P, Warne C. Comparing handheld meters and electronic dosimeters for measuring uv levels under shade and in the sun. Photochem Photobiol. 2016;92:208-14. Needs PMCID.

Solar Cell (aka sunZapp®)

This project developed Solar Cell (aka sunZapp®), a mobile smartphone application that combines personal and behavior data with geo-spatial data (UV Index forecast, time, and location) to deliver real-time actionable sun protection advice to reduce risk of skin cancer. It was developed for both iOS and Android operating systems. (National Cancer Institute; N44-CO-17004; David Buller, PI).

Selected Publications:

• Buller DB, Berwick M, Lantz K, Buller MK, Shane J, Kane I, Liu X. Smartphone mobile application delivering personalized, real-time sun protection advice: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151:497-504. PMCID: PMC4431912


• Buller DB, Berwick M, Lantz K, Buller MK, Shane J, Kane I, Liu X. Evaluation of immediate and 12-Week Effects of a smartphone sun-safety mobile application: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151:505-12. PMCID: PMC4431914.

Go Sun Smart

Go Sun Smart (GSS) was a sun safety program developed for outdoor workers and guests of North American ski resorts. Working with 28 resorts, the GSS team trained managers to educate their employees about sun safety and promoted sun safety to resort guests with posters, lift pole signage, and interpersonal communication from employees. Sun protection behaviors increased among employees and guests, including children enrolled in ski and snowboard schools (National Cancer Institute, CA104876, David Buller, PI).

The Advanced Go Sun Smart program developed and tested the efficacy of a comprehensive, sun safety program for guests visiting U.S. warm weather resorts. The program augmented existing sun safety approaches with a new strategy using narrative persuasive messages and targeting comprehensive sun protection behaviors, such as pre-application and reapplication of sunscreen, using shade, and wearing protective clothing. The program produced significant improvements in sun protection at waterside venues (pools, marinas, and beaches). The study was a collaborative effort between Klein Buendel and San Diego State University. (National Cancer Institute; CA152411; Peter Andersen, PI)

Selected Publications

• Buller DB, Andersen PA, Walkosz BJ, Scott MD, Cutter GR, Dignan MB, Zarlengo EM, Voeks JH, Giese AJ. Randomized trial testing a worksite sun protection program in an outdoor recreation industry. Health Educ Behav. 2005;32:514-535.


• Walkosz BJ, Buller DB, Andersen PA, Scott MD, Liu X, Cutter GR, Dignan MB. Translation of a ski school sun safety program to North American ski and snowboard schools. Health Promot Pract. 2015;16(4):560-70. PMCID: PMC4485589.


• Buller DB, Andersen PA, Walkosz BJ, Scott MD, Beck L, Cutter GR. Rationale, design, samples, and baseline sun protection in a randomized trial on a skin cancer prevention intervention in resort environments. Contemp Clin Trials. 2016;46:67-76. PMCID: PMC4714565


• Andersen PA, Buller DB, Walkosz BJ, Scott MD, Beck L, Liu X, Abbott A, Eye R. Environmental variables associated with vacationers' sun protection at warm weather resorts in North America. Environ Res. 2016;146:200-6.

Sun Safety Ink

Sun Safety Ink! is developing a skin cancer prevention program for tattoo studios. Tattoo studios offer an opportunity to promote sun safety because sun protection is recommended for tattoo aftercare. Sun Safety Ink! will train tattoo artists to recommend full body sun protection, including use of sunscreen, hats, and cover-up clothing to their clients. (National Cancer Institute; CA206569; Barbara Walkosz and Robert Dellavalle, PIs)

Responsible Alcohol Server Training

A media-rich interactive alcohol server training program was developed to ensure the safe and legal sale of alcohol at bars, restaurants, and casinos. The program was found to be very effective and satisfying for servers in 120 premises in four New Mexico communities. The training resulted in the WayToServe® program that is now offered in multiple states, including New Mexico. This effort was a collaboration with the University of New Mexico and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; AA014982; W. Gill Woodall, PI) More information is available in Products.

The WayToServe ESPAÑOL project is developing and testing the first online responsible beverage server training program for predominantly Spanish-speaking servers. The culturally- and linguistically-appropriate program will fill a gap in evidence-based alcohol prevention interventions for this underserved population. (National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities; MD010405; W. Gill Woodall, PI)

Health Chat

Health Chat is a Facebook community designed for mothers interested in learning about teen health. Klein Buendel has partnered with East Tennessee State University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School to offer Health Chat to mothers and daughters in Tennessee. In a private Facebook group, Health Chat provides expert-reviewed health information and offers tools for improving how mothers and daughters talk about health. Health Chat shares valuable resources on physical activity, nutrition, vaccinations, mental health, tobacco, drug use, and more. (National Cancer Institute; CA192652; Sherry Pagato and David Buller, PIs)

Responsible Marijuana Vendor Training

The Responsible Marijuana Vending Project is creating and evaluating Train To Tend™, a media-rich, interactive, online responsible marijuana vendor training program for recreational marijuana retailers in three states with legalized retail recreational cannabis. Train To Tend is designed to keep communities safe by keeping cannabis out of the hands of children, adolescents, and intoxicated patrons through effective retailer training. (National Institute of Drug Abuse; DA038933; David Buller, PI)

Selected Publication:

• Buller, D. B., Woodall, W. G., Saltz, R., Grayson, A., & Buller, M. K. (2019). Implementation and effectiveness of an online responsible vendor training program for recreational marijuana stores in colorado, oregon, and washington state. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 25, 238-244.

Real E Quit Mobile

Real E Quit Mobile employed the convenience and omnipresence of mobile phone technology to provide smokers who want to quit smoking with a mobile phone-based support program to help them set a quit date and follow through with it. (National Cancer Institute; CA107444; David Buller, PI)

Selected Publication:

• Buller DB, Borland R, Bettinghaus EP, Shane JH, Zimmerman DE. Randomized trial of a smart phone mobile application compared to text messaging to support smoking cessation. Telemed J E Health. 2014;20:206-14. PMCID: PMC3934597

College Bystanders

This feasibility study explored developing an innovative web-based bystander intervention program for college students. The program aimed to provide students with the skills needed to overcome intervention-related anxiety, identify when intervention is appropriate, and to view themselves as helpers rather than bystanders to better take care of their friends and peers at social gatherings involving alcohol consumption. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; AA020157; Andrea Dunn and Barbara Walkosz, PIs).

B Ready 4 It

B Ready for It is an interactive website for students in grades 9 and 10 that was developed to help prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). The website was based on a previously-tested curriculum and features self-paced learning modules that emphasize role-playing and decision making skills to teach students about the transmission and dangers of STIs. It was tested for effectiveness in high schools in New Mexico and Colorado. (National Institute on Drug Abuse; DA018575; W. Gill Woodall, PI)

Selected Publication:

• Starling R, Helme D, Nodulman JA, Bryan AD, Buller DB, Donohew RL, Woodall WG. Testing a risky sex behavior intervention pilot website for adolescents. Calif J Health Promot. 2014;12:24-34. PMCID: PMC4498479

B-SMART

The B-SMART project developed a smartphone app prototype based on an in-person treatment manual for family-involved care regarding alcohol use and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenses. The app helps family members of DUI offenders, who have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle, to adopt and reinforce strategies and techniques to give support to their loved one. Family members are provided with the tools to help prevent the offender from driving under the influence, especially after the ignition interlock device is removed from their vehicle. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; AA022850; W. Gill Woodall, PI)

Momzing®

Momzing® is an evidence-based physical activity program for new moms who want to start working out after having a baby. Momzing features over 90 workouts with babies (from 11 to 22 pounds) allowing for simultaneous mommy-baby bonding and exercise. The interactive website streams the workout videos in 10-minute segments, making it easy to workout, even with a busy schedule. Momzing incorporates recommendations for physical activity from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to ensure that workouts are appropriate for new moms.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the customizable streaming Momzing videos to a packaged exercise DVD. The results showed that women who received the Momzing program had a higher rate of compliance with the national recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate or higher intensity exercise when compared to the women who received the DVD. This research was conducted jointly with the University of Hawaii. (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; HL091592; Cheryl Albright, PI).

Healthy Detours

Healthy Detours is a smartphone app that helps college students improve their eating, physical activity, and sleep behavior by customizing healthier options with the use of the student’s personal behavior patterns and preferences and location-based services. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; DP004995; Valerie Myers, PI)

Mobile Men

The Mobile Phone Intervention for Physical Activity Maintenance in African American Men (MobileMen) is a smartphone app that is being developed to provide African American men with physical activity maintenance strategies. mHealth approaches using smartphone apps, like MobileMen, offer several advantages for the delivery of health interventions because smartphones are portable, normally “on,” affordable, user-friendly, and offer advanced functionality. MobileMen implements evidence-based best practices for physical activity with culturally-targeted messages that make it responsive, unique, and distinct from generic apps. (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; MD010304; Robert Newton, PI)

FITastic Health

FITastic Health developed and evaluated a web program for pediatricians to offer to their overweight patients (and their parents and siblings) as part of routine primary care. The program includes five videos and 20 interactive games for children aged 9-12 to increase motivation for a lifestyle change by developing healthy dietary and physical activity habits. This project was conducted in collaboration with the University of Miami. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; HD051244; Alan Delamater, PI)

Caminamos

The Caminamos project developed a smartphone app prototype that uses location-based services to promote physical activity by connecting Hispanic women within geographically proximal neighborhoods as a way to provide social support for increased walking. (National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities; MD009652; Valerie Myers, PI)

Step for Life

Step for Life is an interactive web-based physical activity program prototype for older adults residing in independent living facilities. The outcomes of this research will provide information on how to translate physical activity research protocols for older adults into a scalable delivery medium by examining both individual and organizational level factors. (National Institute on Aging; AG046670; Valerie Myers, PI)

5 a Day School Gardening

The 5 A Day School Gardening Project, Grow Eat Thrive, developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a container school gardening curriculum for Grades K-5 based on the 5 A Day for Better Health Program. 5 A Day promotes physical activity and the consumption of fruits and vegetables each day. (U.S. Department of Agriculture 2005-33610-16469; Lee Stiffler-Meyer, PI). More information is available in Products.

Real Health Photos®

Real Health Photos® is stock art photography website that offers an innovative collection of health images that specifically represents diverse, minority, disparate, and underrepresented populations. This research demonstrates that photographs that match the target population can increase the effectiveness of the message because of increased audience identification. All photography models on the site have self-identified their race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ status. (Minority Health and Health Disparities; MD003338; Mary Buller, PI) .

End-of-Life Care

The End-of-Life Care project is developing a full-scale media-rich interactive computer-based training focused on End-of-Life and geriatric care issues in correctional settings. The project addresses the growing need to attend to the care of those aging and dying in prisons and is intended to be used by prison insiders including guards, nurses, chaplains, corrections officers, unit managers and psychology support staff. It is being developed in collaboration with Pennsylvania State University. (National Institute on Aging; AG049570; Janice Penrod, PI)

Pinpoint

Pinpoint is a tablet app for use with 13-17 year olds that will utilize a Pain Assessment Tool (PAT) to describe and categorize specific types of pain experienced by adolescents with sickle cell disease. The PAT is being translated into gamified mobile app technology, named Pinpoint, to engage adolescent patients and improve pain specification. Pinpoint uses core game aspects such as fun, play, transparency, design, and challenge, and applies them to real-world objectives to increase engagement and effectiveness. Pinpoint is being conducted in collaboration with the Hilton Publishing Company. (National Institute of Minority Health and Disparities: MD010746; Valerie Myers, PI).

Be Vaccinated

The Be Vaccinated project developed a smartphone app to address the need to improve the rates of completion of adolescent vaccinations by minority and low-income youth. The app helps parents and teens make informed decisions about fulfilling uptake of the recommended panel of adolescent vaccinations (HPV, MCRV4, Pertussis, Varicella). (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; HD082901; W. Gill Woodall, PI).

HPV Boys

The HPV Boys project will develop and evaluate an intervention delivered by a mobile web app that addresses parent and adolescent male concerns about HPV vaccination and promotes HPV vaccine uptake. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; HD086603; W. Gill Woodall, PI).

When Cancer Calls...

Through a theatrical performance and DVD named When Cancer Calls, this project helped cancer patients, their family members, and medical professionals communicate more effectively about the challenges of cancer. The performance and its DVD are drawn from actual recorded and transcribed telephone calls between family members as they talk through a cancer journey. When compared to a control program, audience scores for self-efficacy, family fabric, outside support, and family communication were all higher in those exposed to When Cancer Calls. They also reported 30% more conversations about cancer between patients and family members. This project was conducted in collaboration with San Diego State University. (National Cancer Institute; CA144235; Wayne Beach, PI)

Selected Publication:

• Beach WA, Dozier DD, Buller MK, Gutzmer K, Fluharty L, Myers VH, Buller DB. The conversations about cancer (CAC) project - phase II: National findings from watching when cancer calls… and implications for entertainment-education (E-E). Patient Educ Couns. 2016;99:393-9. PMCID: PMC4779378