scholarly journals #CRCFREE: Using Social Media to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk in Rural Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-363
Author(s):  
Kaitlin Voigts Key ◽  
Adebola Adegboyega ◽  
Heather Bush ◽  
Mollie E. Aleshire ◽  
Omar A. Contreras ◽  
...  

Objectives: In this study, we pilot-tested #CRCFree, a Facebook-based intervention aimed at reducing colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in rural Appalachian adults at risk for CRC. Methods: Participants were 56 rural Appalachian adults aged > 50 years. Daily #CRCFree Facebook posts addressed diet, physical activity, and CRC screening. Participants' sociodemographics, diet, body mass index, physical activity, and CRC screening status were measured pre- and post-intervention. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) assessed dietary patterns. Facebook engagement was measured throughout the intervention. A post-intervention focus group evaluated intervention acceptability. Results: Participants were Caucasian, aged 58 ± 6 years, and predominantly female (66%). Post-intervention, HEI scores increased (49.9 ± 9.9 vs 58.6 ± 12.1, p = <.001), and DII scores decreased from baseline (2.8 ± 1.1 vs 1.6 ± 1.7, p = .002). There was no change in physical activity, BMI, or CRC screening status. Focus group participants found the intervention to be educational and motivating. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary evidence to support using Facebook to address CRC risk in this population. Participants were responsive to this intervention, and Facebook is a novel and accessible modality for health promotion.

Author(s):  
Kate E Murray ◽  
Veronica Anne Hellier Villafana ◽  
Amina Sheik Mohamed ◽  
Sarah Linke ◽  
Deborah J Bowen ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite growing numbers in the USA, immigrant populations are underrepresented in existing physical activity (PA) research, in particular Muslim immigrant women. The current study is a pilot evaluation of a culturally adapted evidence-based PA intervention for adult Somali women. Stratified randomization was used to assign participants from a sample of 27 Somali women, aged 18 to 65, to a PA group or a waitlist control group. Bicultural Somali community research team members delivered a 12-week culturally adapted intervention available in English and Somali in a community-based setting. Process and outcome evaluation assessed changes in PA, self-efficacy for PA, access to PA resources, and wellbeing as well as feasibility and satisfaction with the program. Participants in the PA group increased their moderate to vigorous PA significantly more than those from the waitlist group from baseline to post-intervention (2 (SD = 15) to 100 (SD = 53) vs 12 (SD = 21) to 32 (SD = 44) minutes per week). Participants in the PA group had significantly greater scores in wellbeing at post-intervention compared to the waitlist group though there was no significant change from pre- to post-intervention for either group. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the program and preliminary evidence supports the general feasibility and acceptability of the program. Findings show that a culturally adapted intervention increased engagement in PA and was feasible and acceptable within a pilot sample of Somali women.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S868-S868
Author(s):  
Lan Yao ◽  
Suha Kridli ◽  
Amne Talab

Abstract Arab American (AA) is the 3rd largest ethnic population in the state of Michigan. Previous studies found that Michigan Arabs were less healthy than the general population in Michigan. Older AAs have higher mortality risk than non-Arab and non-Hispanic Whites, particularly due to chronic diseases. Community-based programs are an effective approach to prevent disease and injury, improve health, and enhance quality of life. While evidence for functional gains resulting from Tai Chi exercise is accumulating, there is little research and support for its feasibility and effectiveness that target older AAs, who are not culturally related to Tai Chi. Participants in this report were 8 older female AAs (mean age 62.4±3.2, range 58-66) who sought services at a not-for-profit Arab Community Center, which aims to enable and empower residents and communities to lead informed, productive and culturally sensitive lives. A certified Tai Chi instructor led the classes using Yang-style Tai Chi moves. The participants completed a 12-week twice-weekly 1-hour Tai Chi classes and post-program focus group discussion, held in a classroom of the Community Center. Post-intervention improvement in timed up & go test (p&gt;.05), comfortable & fast gait speed (p&gt;.05), unipedal stance time (p&gt;.05) were observed. Themes identified from focus group supported Tai Chi’s benefits in balance and salient mental health benefits. The pilot data provides preliminary evidence for therapeutic gains resulting from Tai Chi practices. Agencies serving older AAs play important roles by creating and promoting evidence-based health promotion practices to address the growing needs among older adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-512
Author(s):  
Holly Ann Russell ◽  
Mechelle Sanders ◽  
Lynn Moll ◽  
Melanie Murphy ◽  
Angela M Lanigan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Models of care are needed to address physical activity, nutrition promotion and weight loss in primary care settings, especially with underserved populations who are disproportionately affected by chronic illness. Group medical visits (GMVs) are one approach that can help overcome some of the barriers to behaviour change in underserved populations, including the amount of time required to care for these patients due to socio-economic stressors and psychosocial complexities (1). GMVs have been shown to improve care in coronary artery disease and diabetes, but more evidence is needed in underserved settings. Objective This project sought to evaluate a GMV incorporating a physical activity component in an underserved patient population, measuring biometric and motivation outcome measures. Methods This project used a pre–post intervention study design through patient surveys at baseline and 12 weeks. We included validated motivational measures along with self-reported demographic information. A GMV intervention promoting physical activity and nutrition to promote weight loss was delivered by an interdisciplinary primary care team and community partners in a Federally Qualified Health Center in Rochester, NY. The intervention consisted of six, 2-hour sessions that occurred every other week at the clinic site. Results Participants lost a significant amount of weight and maintained the weight loss at 6 months. In addition, there was a significant improvement in motivation measures. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that our GMV model can improve weight loss and autonomous motivation in an underserved population. This project has potential for scalability and sustainability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. T. Mickle ◽  
D. R. Brenner ◽  
T. Beattie ◽  
T. Williamson ◽  
K. S. Courneya ◽  
...  

Abstract Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes that form the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes where they protect DNA from genomic instability, prevent end-to-end fusion and limit cellular replicative capabilities. Increased telomere attrition rates, and relatively shorter telomere length, is associated with genomic instability and has been linked with several chronic diseases, malignancies and reduced longevity. Telomeric DNA is highly susceptible to oxidative damage and dietary habits may make an impact on telomere attrition rates through the mediation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to examine the association between leucocyte telomere length (LTL) with both the Dietary Inflammatory Index® 2014 (DII®) and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010). This is a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from 263 postmenopausal women from the Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention (ALPHA) Trial, in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. No statistically significant association was detected between LTL z-score and the AHEI-2010 (P = 0·20) or DII® (P = 0·91) in multivariable adjusted models. An exploratory analysis of AHEI-2010 and DII® parameters and LTL revealed anthocyanidin intake was associated with LTL (P < 0·01); however, this association was non-significant after a Bonferroni correction was applied (P = 0·27). No effect modification by age, smoking history, or recreational physical activity was detected for either relationship. Increased dietary antioxidant and decreased oxidant intake were not associated with LTL in this analysis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 40-40
Author(s):  
Lori Brand Bateman ◽  
Somaia Khamess ◽  
Ahmed Nawar ◽  
Salah-Eldin Abdelmoneim ◽  
Waleed Arafat ◽  
...  

PURPOSE Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is not routinely performed in Egypt, and more than one third of CRC cases occur in individuals age 40 and younger, with overall survival estimated at only 2 years, presumably because of late diagnoses. To lay the foundation for the development of a CRC multilevel screening program in Egypt to promote CRC prevention and early detection, this qualitative study aimed to explore the potential barriers to and facilitators of screening from the perspectives of physicians and residents in Alexandria. METHODS We conducted one-on-one, 1-hour, semistructured interviews with primary health care physicians and specialists—oncologists and gastroenterologists—practicing in Alexandria, Egypt. Focus groups of residents, stratified by social class and gender, were also held. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in Arabic by trained interviewers/moderator, and were audio recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Seventeen physicians participated—8 specialists and 9 primary care physicians—and 7 focus groups—7 to 8 participants each—were held. According to both interview and focus group participants, individual-level barriers to CRC screening included socioeconomic status, a lack of emphasis on prevention in the culture, fear, and cost. Provider-level barriers as mentioned by physicians included a belief that only high-risk patients should be screened and a lack of confidence in providers to perform and interpret screening tests appropriately. Structural-level barriers, discussed by physicians and focus group participants, included cost and a lack of testing availability. Potential facilitators of screening mentioned by physicians included implementing a media campaign emphasizing early detection and curability. Focus group participants focused on making screening tests free or low cost, obligatory, and convenient. CONCLUSION On the basis of the perceptions of physicians and residents of Alexandria, Egypt, multiple barriers to and facilitators of CRC screening exist. Addressing these would be important in designing a successful screening program.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-41
Author(s):  
Shannon M. Christy ◽  
Patrick O. Monahan ◽  
Timothy E. Stump ◽  
Susan M. Rawl ◽  
Victoria L. Champion

Background. Individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) have multiple test options. Preference for a specific test modality may affect decision making about CRC screening. The current study examined 1) the sociodemographic and health belief characteristics of average-risk participants with a test preference for stool blood test (SBT) versus those with a preference of colonoscopy, and following receipt of a tailored CRC screening intervention, 2) the percentage of participants who completed a preference-concordant CRC screening test, and 3) the sociodemographic, health care experience, and health belief characteristics and intervention group(s) associated with completion of a preference-concordant screening test. Methods. Participants ( N = 603) were female, aged 50 to 75 years, at average CRC risk, not currently up-to-date with CRC screening recommendations, had Internet access, and were randomized to receive 1 of 3 tailored CRC screening promotion interventions. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results. Most women (64%) preferred SBT, whereas 36% preferred colonoscopy. There were significant differences in test preference by age, stage of change for the specific tests, perceived benefits of CRC screening, perceived barriers to both tests, and self-efficacy for colonoscopy. Two hundred thirty participants completed CRC screening at 6 months post-intervention. Of those, most (84%) completed a test concordant with their preference. Multivariable analyses revealed that compared with participants completing a preference-discordant test, those completing a preference-concordant test were older ( P = 0.01), had health insurance ( P < 0.05), and were in the phone counseling–only group ( P < 0.01). Conclusions. High levels of completion of preference-concordant CRC screening can be achieved by educating average-risk patients about the multiple screening test options, soliciting their preferences, and offering testing that is concordant with their preference.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
José María Remes-Troche ◽  
Gabriela Hinojosa-Garza ◽  
Priscilla Espinosa-Tamez ◽  
Arturo Meixueiro-Daza ◽  
Peter Grube-Pagola ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In middle-income countries, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in parallel with resources for diagnosis and treatment. There is a potential benefit of CRC screening programs in Mexico. Objective Since there are no organized screening programs in the country, we explored the willingness of individuals to complete a faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) based CRC screening program and its potential benefit in Mexico. Methods We conducted a CRC screening program pilot in Veracruz, Mexico, during 2015–16 using FIT. Individuals with FIT results &gt;100 ng of haemoglobin/ml buffer were referred for diagnostic colonoscopy. Results Of 473 FIT kits distributed to adults aged 50–75, 85.8% (406) were completed by participants and analysed in the laboratory. Of these, 5.9% (24/406) of test results showed &gt;100 ng haemoglobin/ml. Twenty-one participants completed colonoscopy. The positive predictive value of FIT &gt;100 ng haemoglobin/ml for premalignant lesions was 33%. Conclusion These results provide preliminary evidence of the willingness of individuals to complete FIT-based CRC screening program in Mexico. However, further evaluation of health systems resources will be needed prior to large-scale implementation of CRC screening programs.


Children ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myrto F. Mavilidi ◽  
David R. Lubans ◽  
Narelle Eather ◽  
Philip J. Morgan ◽  
Nicholas Riley

Background: The physical, cognitive, and learning benefits of physical activity for children have already been established. However, many schools are failing to provide children with sufficient activity at school due to a crowded school curriculum. Physical activity interventions that integrate physical activity with learning is a way to enhance physical and cognitive benefits without loss of academic time. This study evaluated the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of “Thinking While Moving in English”, a primary school program that integrates physical activity into English lessons. Method: Two classes of Grade 4 students (n = 55, 10–11 years old) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 29) or control (n = 26) conditions. The program components consisted of 3 × 40 min physically active academic lessons per week, delivered over a 4-week period. The following measures were taken at baseline and immediate post-intervention: on-task behavior, cognition (inhibition and working memory), and learning outcomes (spelling and grammar). Results: Results revealed significant improvements in on-task behavior and spelling in the intervention group, compared to the control group. There were no observed improvements in cognitive outcomes or grammar. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence for the efficacy of physically active English lessons to enhance children’s educational outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-414
Author(s):  
Judy Y Ou ◽  
Echo L Warner ◽  
Gina E Nam ◽  
Laura Martel ◽  
Sara Carbajal-Salisbury ◽  
...  

Abstract Hispanics have the lowest colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates of all racial/ethnic groups and comprise the largest proportion of low-income manual laborers in the nation. We partnered with businesses to implement a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention among Hispanic workers in service-related and manual labor occupations, which often pay low wages and do not provide health insurance. CHWs measured knowledge, screening adherence and perceptions of CRC risk before and after educational interventions via interview. CHWs provided fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) to participants aged ≥50 years. Chi-square tests and logistic regression identified pre-intervention predictors of CRC knowledge of all participants and adherence among eligible participants. Adherence among participants increased from 40% (n = 307) pre-intervention to 66% post-intervention. Knowledge about CRC was associated with age ≥50 years (OR = 8.90 [95% CI = 2.61–30.35]; ref = 18–30) and perceived personal risk for CRC (Likely, OR = 3.06 [95% CI = 1.40–6.67]; ref = Not likely). Insurance status was associated with screening adherence pre-intervention (OR = 3.00 [95% CI 1.10–8.12]; ref = No insurance). Improvement in adherence post-intervention was associated with income between $25 000 and ≥$55 000 (OR = 8.49 [95% CI 1.49–48.32]; ref = $5000–<$10 000). Community-based health programs can improve CRC screening adherence among Hispanic workers in service-related and manual labor positions, but lowest-income workers may need additional support.


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