The Wellness for African Americans through Churches Project (WATCH) is a multi-level intervention to improve diet, physical activity, and screening for prevention of colorectal cancer. The WATCH Project works through the channel of the black church to test the effects of two theoretically based interventions aimed at changing health behaviors associated with colorectal cancer prevention and detection. This randomized control trial utilizes the help of Lay Health Advisors as one means of health promotion. In addition, the project is testing the use of individualized tailored print health information to deliver personalized information to decrease risk factors for colorectal cancer. Preliminary results from baseline data from 900 members of 12 black churches and focus groups discussions with members of pilot churches were used to determine beliefs, barriers, and readiness to change targeted behaviors. Less than 20% of those 50 and older were obtaining recommended screening (annual FOBT and/or sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years) and the majority were in the precontemplation stage of change regarding screening. The most cited barriers to exercise and diet change were having no one to exercise with (28%) and cost of healthier foods (31%) respectively. Barriers to screening included not having it recommended by a health provider (63%), pain (27%), and cost (19%). Focus group discussions revealed that participants believe African American patients do not receive the same quality of care, including preventive health counseling and services, compared to whites. Participants expressed willingness to ask for screening tests but lack the knowledge of what is recommended.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. List the behavioral goals of the WATCH Project. 2. Identify barriers to and motivators for targeted behavior changes for colorectal cancer prevention among Black church members in the WATCH Project. 3. Articulate how and why tailored communications are more likely to be effective than generic materials. 4. Understand how the Transtheoretical Model, Social Cognitive Theory, and Social Support Theory have been used to tailor interventions to the readiness and needs of the study participants to increase motivation for positive behavior change
Keywords: Cancer Prevention, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.