Associations between working memory, brain activation, and e-cigarette use: A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study.

Saulnier K. Associations between working memory, brain activation, and e-cigarette use: A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 2025 Sep 19; 1.

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.    Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions

Search for Abstract from PubMed

---

Abstract:

Abstract There is a loneliness epidemic in the US. Embedding interventions within primary care may facilitate access to effective treatments for loneliness. This study characterized experiences of loneliness, strategies used to counteract loneliness, and perspectives on loneliness interventions among primary care patients. Semi-structured interviews were completed by 17 adults (M age = 41.9 years; SD = 18.9) who indicated social isolation on routine screens administered within primary care. Interviews were transcribed and rapid qualitative analysis was performed. Summaries were created and patterns within the data were grouped into themes. Participants spoke of intrapersonal, relational, and situational/contextual causes of loneliness. All participants reported being aware of strategies to reduce loneliness, with the majority having success using one or more strategies. Opinions were mixed regarding loneliness interventions within primary care, with half of the participants expressing positive impressions towards addressing loneliness in this setting and others voicing skepticism regarding whether primary care was the best setting to address loneliness, even among participants with positive overall impressions. Only two participants reported having spoken with their primary care provider about loneliness. Despite the mixed perspectives, participants indicated that strategies to improve coping, psychological states (e.g., amotivation), and enhance their social engagement would improve their loneliness. In conclusion, perspectives on loneliness interventions within primary care were mixed, suggesting that patient psychoeducation and alliance-building may be needed prior to delivering loneliness interventions in this setting. Given the varied identified causes and needs, multifaceted interventions may be needed to ameliorate the personal and public health burden of loneliness.