The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57471

Aimee James, PhD, MPH¹, Marci K. Campbell, PhD, MPH, RD², Brenda DeVellis, PhD³, Robert Sandler, MD, MPH⁴, and Carol Carr, MA¹. (1) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 100 West Drive, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, 919-843-7830, ajames@kumc.edu, (2) Dept. of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Box 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, (3) Dept of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina, CB #7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7400, (4) Dept of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, CB# 7080, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) survivors are a growing segment of the population yet few health promotion messages are specifically targeted to this group. Baseline data from NC STRIDES, which compares tailored print messages and motivational interviewing as message vehicles, were used to evaluate differences between CRC survivors (n=304) and a general population group (n=521) in terms of behaviors, health communication variables, and psychosocial characteristics. The two groups were similar in terms of gender (48% female) and ethnicity (36% African-American). Self-rated health and prevalence of comorbidities (heart disease, hypertension, arthritis) were similar; though diabetes was slightly more common among survivors. In regard to behaviors, there were no differences in fruit/vegetable intake or moderate-vigorous exercise by survivorship status, nor did the groups differ on intrapersonal psychosocial factors (self-efficacy, perceived barriers, stage-of-change) associated with these behaviors. Differences did emerge on interpersonal health-communication factors. Survivors perceived more social support from family/friends for fruit/vegetable intake and for physical activity (p=.05). There also were significant differences between the groups on the source/availability of social support for physical activity (p<.01): 14% of survivors and 27% of comparison individuals said “nobody” would be helpful to them. Additionally, survivors rated their patient-provider communication better than did comparison individuals (p<.01). Findings suggest that CRC survivors perceive greater support from significant others and from health providers for medical and lifestyle issues. This affirms the relevance of support as a tailoring variable for the CRC survivor group. Although further research is needed, this information will be useful for tailoring/targeting health-communication messages for survivors.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, learners will be able to: (
• Describe distinct characteristics of a cancer survivor population may differ from the general population in terms of health behavior and related psychosocial factors. (
• Describe the importance of examining multiple aspects of social support as well as ways in which support can be employed as a variable for tailoring or targeting health communications. (
• Critically evaluate the importance of adapting health communication interventions for cancer survivors, and the relative importance of tailoring variables by cancer history.

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.