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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Cayla R. Teal, MA, Mia S. Hall, BS, Jan C. Liang, PhD, MBA, Janice Chilton, DrPH, LaSonya D. Knowles, BA, Anissa J. Lewis, BS, Kelly P. Hodges, MS, Gayle Harper, LMSW-ACP, Angelina Esparza, BA, Richard A. Hajek, PhD, Lovell A Jones, PhD, and Danielle Baham, MS, RD, LD. Center for Research on Minority Health, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd - Box 536, Houston, TX 77030-4009, 713-794-5550, cteal@mdanderson.org
African American (AA) women have the highest incidence and mortality rates of pre-menopausal breast cancer. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber has been linked to lowered risk of cancer. Though several nutrition programs have been developed for African Americans, few have focused on younger, pre-menopausal women. As part of a research program to develop and evaluate a culturally appropriate dietary intervention for pre-menopausal AA women, several focus groups were conducted. These groups assessed modifications necessary in a) a 3-Day Food Record (for data collection) and b) existing educational approaches to dietary change in the AA community. Because many of the existing programs were designed for other diseases (for example, cardiovascular disease), the focus groups also assessed the women’s beliefs, perceptions and barriers regarding breast cancer and its relationship with nutrition. More than thirty pre-menopausal AA women between ages of 25 and 45 participated. They represented lower to middle income ranges and diverse educational backgrounds. The focus group data (including transcripts, moderator and observer notes) were analyzed using NU*DIST (v.5). The analyses demonstrated that changes were necessary to make the Food Record more culturally appropriate for use with African American women. Similarly, modifications in existing nutrition programs were critical to make them more appealing to and effective with the younger women targeted by this study. Finally, information regarding breast cancer and nutrition was more effective when presented in response to specific beliefs about breast cancer held by these women. These modifications and beliefs are described in this presentation.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: African American, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.