Beliefs about Diet and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Prevention in a Diverse Urban Population

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore beliefs related to diet and CRC prevention in an asymptomatic population of urban, ethnically diverse men and women over age 50.Theory, Prior Research, RationaleBlacks have the highest CRC incidence and mortality rates than any other racial and ethnic group. Epidemiological data suggests diet can play an important role in prevention. An understanding of dietary beliefs about CRC prevention is necessary to plan effective interventions.Study Design, Setting, Participants, and InterventionThe study design was cross-sectional with data drawn from baseline surveys of a randomized control trial. Participants (n=169) resided in greater New York City and were members of the 1199 service workers union. Seventy-nine percent were female, 68% were Black, 9.5% were Hispanic, 78.7% were born outside the United States and 71.2% had a household annual income below $50,000.Outcome, Measures and AnalysisDietary beliefs about CRC prevention were measured with qualitative open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by content analysis of qualitative responses, descriptive statistics of demographic data, and Chi-square analysis to determine statistical differences.ResultsOne hundred and eleven (65.7%) reported they believed diet can prevent CRC. Common beliefs were: Increase fiber (71.2%), vegetables (46.8%) and fruits (25.2%); and decrease meat (21.6%) and fat (16.2%). Characteristics associated with dietary beliefs included increased education (p<.001), increased income (p<.019), lower BMI (p<.015), previous CRC screening test (p<.024) and having a physician discuss CRC (p<.049). Gender, race/ethnicity and birthplace were not associated with beliefs.Conclusions and ImplicationsThere are a variety of demographic characteristics associated with the perception that diet is a factor in CRC prevention. These characteristics should be considered when targeting nutrition education interventions.FundingAmerican Cancer Society. ObjectiveTo explore beliefs related to diet and CRC prevention in an asymptomatic population of urban, ethnically diverse men and women over age 50. To explore beliefs related to diet and CRC prevention in an asymptomatic population of urban, ethnically diverse men and women over age 50. Theory, Prior Research, RationaleBlacks have the highest CRC incidence and mortality rates than any other racial and ethnic group. Epidemiological data suggests diet can play an important role in prevention. An understanding of dietary beliefs about CRC prevention is necessary to plan effective interventions. Blacks have the highest CRC incidence and mortality rates than any other racial and ethnic group. Epidemiological data suggests diet can play an important role in prevention. An understanding of dietary beliefs about CRC prevention is necessary to plan effective interventions. Study Design, Setting, Participants, and InterventionThe study design was cross-sectional with data drawn from baseline surveys of a randomized control trial. Participants (n=169) resided in greater New York City and were members of the 1199 service workers union. Seventy-nine percent were female, 68% were Black, 9.5% were Hispanic, 78.7% were born outside the United States and 71.2% had a household annual income below $50,000. The study design was cross-sectional with data drawn from baseline surveys of a randomized control trial. Participants (n=169) resided in greater New York City and were members of the 1199 service workers union. Seventy-nine percent were female, 68% were Black, 9.5% were Hispanic, 78.7% were born outside the United States and 71.2% had a household annual income below $50,000. Outcome, Measures and AnalysisDietary beliefs about CRC prevention were measured with qualitative open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by content analysis of qualitative responses, descriptive statistics of demographic data, and Chi-square analysis to determine statistical differences. Dietary beliefs about CRC prevention were measured with qualitative open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by content analysis of qualitative responses, descriptive statistics of demographic data, and Chi-square analysis to determine statistical differences. ResultsOne hundred and eleven (65.7%) reported they believed diet can prevent CRC. Common beliefs were: Increase fiber (71.2%), vegetables (46.8%) and fruits (25.2%); and decrease meat (21.6%) and fat (16.2%). Characteristics associated with dietary beliefs included increased education (p<.001), increased income (p<.019), lower BMI (p<.015), previous CRC screening test (p<.024) and having a physician discuss CRC (p<.049). Gender, race/ethnicity and birthplace were not associated with beliefs. One hundred and eleven (65.7%) reported they believed diet can prevent CRC. Common beliefs were: Increase fiber (71.2%), vegetables (46.8%) and fruits (25.2%); and decrease meat (21.6%) and fat (16.2%). Characteristics associated with dietary beliefs included increased education (p<.001), increased income (p<.019), lower BMI (p<.015), previous CRC screening test (p<.024) and having a physician discuss CRC (p<.049). Gender, race/ethnicity and birthplace were not associated with beliefs. Conclusions and ImplicationsThere are a variety of demographic characteristics associated with the perception that diet is a factor in CRC prevention. These characteristics should be considered when targeting nutrition education interventions. There are a variety of demographic characteristics associated with the perception that diet is a factor in CRC prevention. These characteristics should be considered when targeting nutrition education interventions.