Effects of Integrated Risk Counseling for Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease in African Americans

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated a risk counseling intervention designed to enhance understanding about risk factors for cancer and cardiovascular disease, to improve self-efficacy for diet and physical activity, and to increase intentions to eat healthier and be physically active. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study developed by academic investigators and community stakeholders to evaluate the effects of integrated risk counseling in a community-based sample of African American adults (n = 101). The intervention provided education about the overlap in risk factors for cancer and cardiovascular disease and included components from motivational interviewing. RESULTS: Changes in behavioral intentions were not statistically significant (p \u3e .05). Participants reported significantly greater levels of self-efficacy for diet (t = 2.25, p = .03) and physical activity (t = 2.55, p = .01), and significantly increased perceived risks of developing colon cancer (chi2 = 3.86, p = .05) and having a heart attack (chi2 = 4.50, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Integrated risk counseling may have some benefits among African Americans