Weight and blood pressure reduction among participants engaged in a cancer awareness and prevention program

摘要

Objectives African–Americans consume a diet high in fat, salt and sugar; such dietary habits increase the risks of cancer and other chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to engage rural communities in a nutrition and physical activity behavior modification program to promote cancer awareness and risk reduction. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted to generate information for the development of a nutrition and physical activity program. African Americans (N=62) from two rural counties (Bullock and Macon) in Alabama participated in a year-long intervention program in 2012 and 2013. Weight loss and blood pressure were evaluated to measure the impact of the intervention. Results Themes emerged for the focus group discussions were: nutrition, health, family, environment, and resource access. In Macon County participants lost weight irrespective of the exercise regimen, with those involved in floor exercise losing the most weight (?22.4lbs, or ?11.18% change), while in Bullock county walking was most effective in weight loss (6.1lbs or ?3.40% change) p<0.05. Systolic and diastolic pressure decreased from 5.3 to 10.5mmHg; ?2.0 to ?6.4mmHg, respectively, for Bullock county, except for the walking group. In Macon County, both systolic and diastolic pressure % change ranged from ?8.94 to 12.66 and ?5.34 to 12.66mmHg respectively, irrespective of physical activity respectively. Conclusion In this study, changes in weight lost and blood pressure were observed among individuals engaged in a nutrition education and physical activity program.