Fewer than 20% of Hispanic cancer survivors meet the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity. Diagnosed at younger ages, later stages and with fewer resources (e.g., access to care), Hispanic cancer survivors are more likely to suffer from many symptoms, which linger long after they have completed treatment and may prevent them from leading a healthy life. Healthier lifestyle behaviors (such as diet and physical activity) would result in an immediate benefit of reduced symptoms and long-term benefit of improved health while lowering cancer risk. This randomized controlled trial tests an intervention that will help in lessening survivors' symptoms to improve adherence to the ACS guidelines for cancer prevention ultimately improving overall health.
In the proposed randomized controlled trial, the investigators will test the 12-week SMLI against an attention control condition in 107 dyads of Hispanic cancer survivors who have completed curative treatments within the past two years and their informal caregivers. A 12-week follow-up will determine the sustainability of the intervention. The primary outcome of this trial, vegetable and fruit intake in survivors (secondary in caregivers), will be measured at baseline, 13, and 25 weeks, using validated methods. Additional secondary and exploratory outcomes will add to the rigor of the trial and provide robust findings for future dissemination efforts. Specific Aim #1: Test the efficacy of the SMLI as compared to attention control among Hispanic female cancer survivors and their caregivers with respect to: 1. Increase in fruit and vegetable consumption (measured via self-reported 24-hour recall and objectively with carotenoid skin colorimetry) 2. Increase in physical activity (Metabolic Equivalents hours/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity measured by actigraphy) and decrease in symptom severity index Specific Aim #2: Determine the extent to which improvements in primary and secondary outcomes over weeks 13 and 25 are mediated by social support and self-efficacy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
217
Dyads will receive 12 weekly phone calls to assess symptom management.
Survivor and caregiver dyads will work together with a coach to establish diet and physical activity change SMART goals. Motivational interviewing based weekly coaching sessions will review symptom management and goal attainment and then enact strategies to modify goals to be more relevant and achievable.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, United States
RECRUITINGChange in vegetable and fruit intake at 13-weeks in survivors
Measured using data from 24-hour dietary recalls conducted on three randomly chosen days per timepoint including one weekend day and two weekdays. Objective assessment will be conducted in 10% of the sample using the Veggie Meter® Skin Carotenoid Scanner which measures skin carotenoid levels.
Time frame: Baseline to 13-weeks
Change from baseline vegetable and fruit intake at 25-weeks in survivors
Measured using data from 24-hour dietary recalls conducted on three randomly chosen days per timepoint including one weekend day and two weekdays. Objective assessment will be conducted in 10% of the sample using the Veggie Meter® Skin Carotenoid Scanner which measures skin carotenoid levels.
Time frame: Baseline to 25-weeks
Physical activity
Objective measurement will be completed using an Actigraph GTX9 accelerometer which participants will be mailed and then instructed to wear on the hip for seven continuous days. From the Actigraph GTX9 we get daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, sleep, sedentary time, light physical activity, and steps taken. Averages over 5-7 days will be used for physical activity measures (daily minutes of activity) to ensure validity and reliability. Participants will also provide a self-report using a seven day recall of physical activity.
Time frame: Baseline, 13-weeks, and 25-weeks
Symptom severity
The General Symptom Distress Scale will be used to evaluate 12 symptoms: shortness of breath, pain, sleep difficulties, diarrhea, constipation, numbness or tingling, swelling in hands and feet, difficulty concentrating, poor appetite, depression, anxiety, fatigue. Respondents indicate presence of each symptom (yes/no) and rate its severity on the scale from 1 to 10.
Time frame: Baseline, 13-weeks, and 25-weeks
Vegetable and fruit intake in caregivers
Measured using data from 24-hour dietary recalls conducted on three randomly chosen days per timepoint including one weekend day and two weekdays. Objective assessment will be conducted in 10% of the sample using the Veggie Meter® Skin Carotenoid Scanner which measures skin carotenoid levels.
Time frame: Baseline, 13-weeks, and 25-weeks
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