A Feasibility Test of a Brief Educational Intervention to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Callers to the Cancer Information Service

Abstract

Background.In this paper, results are reported from a pilot study designed to test the feasibility of a proactive educational intervention delivered to callers of the Cancer Information Service (CIS).Methods.The study used a randomized two-group design (intervention vs control). Callers assigned to the intervention condition received a brief educational intervention at the end of usual service to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. As part of the intervention, key educational messages and materials drawn from the 5 A Day for Better Health program of the National Cancer Institute were provided to CIS callers over the telephone and then reinforced with two follow-up mailings.Results.Results from this pilot study indicated high levels of adherence to protocol by CIS Information Specialists who delivered the intervention to eligible CIS callers. Results obtained from the 4-week telephone follow-up interviews indicated that intervention subjects (n= 142) reported higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, averaging approximately 0.75 servings more per day (P< 0.01) than control subjects (n= 134).Conclusion.Nearly 80% of CIS callers endorsed the strategy of providing 5 A Day information at the end of usual service, even if such information was not specifically requested by the caller (i.e., the information was provided to CIS callers proactively).