Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R01CA233550-02 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Pekmezi, Dorothy |
Organization: |
University Of Alabama At Birmingham |
Project Title: |
Testing Scalable, Ivr-Supported Cancer Prevention Interventions in the Rural Alabama Black Belt |
Fiscal Year: |
2020 |
Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) is linked to lower risk for several cancers (breast, colon, endometrial)
. Yet, most
Americans are inactive, particularly in the Deep South. Cancer incidence/mortality is also generally higher in
this region, with underserved (rural, African American) populations reporting even less PA and disproportionate
cancer burden. Factors related to culture, distance from PA facilities, income, literacy, and Internet connectivity
in the Deep South may limit access to PA information/resources and contribute to existing cancer disparities.
Telephone-supported interventions have shown success in increasing PA, do not require clinic visits, literacy,
or costly technology, and thus may represent a promising strategy for promoting PA for cancer risk reduction in
the Deep South, especially when automated with Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems for improved cost-
effectiveness and reach. Thus, we adapted an existing IVR system, used in past HIV studies, for PA promotion
and cancer prevention in the Deep South through extensive literature review and formative research [11 focus
groups on PA intervention needs/preferences with Deep South Network For Cancer Control community health
advisors (CHAs) and community members]. A pilot trial of the resulting Deep south IVR-supported Active
Lifestyle (DIAL) intervention!(R03CA177538) found high retention and participant satisfaction at 12 weeks.
Moreover, DIAL produced larger increases in MVPA (42.5 more min/week) from baseline to 12 weeks than a
waitlist control, along with significantly greater improvements in PA self-regulation and social support. Results
have informed intervention enhancements in preparation for scale up and dissemination in rural counties
(using IVR-initiated calls and wristbands to facilitate adherence; further targeting unchanged Social Cognitive
Theory constructs; incorporating more interpersonal, community/organizational and policy level strategies for
increased encouragement and accountability and to assess and address built environment).
The current study will involve a fully powered randomized controlled trial of the refined, multi-level 12 month
DIAL intervention with a waitlist control condition (N=240 rural, mostly African American adults). Recruitment
will be led by Deep South Network for Cancer Control CHAs in Black Belt counties (involved in project since
initial formative research). Primary aims include examining arm differences in changes in moderate intensity or
greater aerobic physical activity from baseline to 6 and 12 months. Exploratory aims include examining
intervention effects on physical performance and psychosocial variables; changes in physical activity from 12-
18 months; intervention costs; potential mediators (social support from family, friends, CHAs) and moderators
of treatment efficacy (neighborhood/ environmental features); and potential barriers/facilitators to widespread
implementation of DIAL intervention in rural Black belt counties by Deep South Network for Cancer Control.
!
Publications
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity among Mostly Older, Overweight Black Women Living in the Rural Alabama Black Belt.
Authors: Neal W.N.
, Schleicher E.A.
, Baron K.
, Oster R.A.
, Brown N.I.
, Demark-Wahnefried W.
, Pisu M.
, Baskin M.L.
, Parrish K.B.
, Cole W.W.
, et al.
.
Source: International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 2023-12-15 00:00:00.0; 20(24), .
EPub date: 2023-12-15 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 38131731
Related Citations
An Interactive Voice Response System to Increase Physical Activity and Prevent Cancer in the Rural Alabama Black Belt: Design and Usability Study.
Authors: Thirumalai M.
, Brown N.
, Niranjan S.
, Townsend S.
, Powell M.A.
, Neal W.
, Schleicher E.
, Raparla V.
, Oster R.
, Demark-Wahnefried W.
, et al.
.
Source: Jmir Human Factors, 2022-01-04 00:00:00.0; 9(1), p. e29494.
EPub date: 2022-01-04 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 34982714
Related Citations
Design and Rationale for the Deep South Interactive Voice Response System-Supported Active Lifestyle Study: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Brown N.I.
, Powell M.A.
, Baskin M.
, Oster R.
, Demark-Wahnefried W.
, Hardy C.
, Pisu M.
, Thirumalai M.
, Townsend S.
, Neal W.N.
, et al.
.
Source: Jmir Research Protocols, 2021-05-25 00:00:00.0; 10(5), p. e29245.
EPub date: 2021-05-25 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 34032575
Related Citations