This study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI) for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Of the 22 persons enrolled, 9 were lost before starting treatment, and one dropped out after starting BBTI. Acceptability was rated favorably by those completing the treatment (n = 12). The most common problems pertained to sleep hygiene: variable bedtimes and rise times, watching television, or consuming caffeine. Improvements on sleep outcomes at posttreatment were clinically and statistically significant on questionnaire and sleep diary outcomes. This study supports the overall feasibility of BBTI in PLWH, and the preliminary evidence supports further research on this treatment for PLWH who have insomnia, but dropouts indicate that some individuals may have difficulty initiating treatment.

Problem: Uninterrupted nighttime sleep is associated with better cognition and functional outcomes in healthy adults, but the relationship between sleep and functional outcome in individuals hospitalized with severe TBI remains to be clarified. Objective: (1) Describe nighttime rest-activity variables-wake bouts (WB) (counts), total wake time (TWT) (minutes), and sleep efficiency (SE) (%; time asleep/time in bed)-in people on a neuroscience step-down unit (NSDU) post-TBI; (2) Describe association between injury and nighttime rest-activity on post-TBI functional outcome (using functional independence measure (FIM) at discharge from in-patient care). Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive pilot study. We recruited participants from the NSDU (N=17, (age, M = 63.4, SD = 17.9); 82% male; 94% Caucasian) who wore wrist actigraphy (source of nighttime rest-activity variables) for up to 5 nights. Injury variables: Glasgow coma scale score (GCS); injury severity score (ISS). We used Spearman's rho & regression to measure associations.

Cognitive interviewing is a research technique commonly used in survey research to improve measurement validity. However, this technique is useful to researchers planning to use self-report measures in intervention research because invalidity of such measures jeopardizes detection of intervention effects. Little research currently exists regarding the use of cognitive interviewing techniques with adolescent populations, particularly those who are Hispanic. This article describes common challenges to conducting cognitive interviewing with early adolescent girls and how these challenges are impacted by Hispanic culture and sensitive topics. A focus group approach is recommended over the traditional one-on-one cognitive interview format, and experiences from actual focus groups, conducted in preparation for an intervention study are used to illustrate strategies for accomplishing the goals of cognitive interviewing. Creative and careful planning, attention to developmental considerations, and incorporation of cultural values are essential to the success of this approach.