A feasibility test of a brief educational intervention to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among callers to the cancer information service

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Abstract

Background. In this paper, results are reported from a pilot study designed to test the feasibility of a proactive educational intervention delivered to callers of the Cancer Information Service (CIS). Methods. The study used a randomized two-group design (intervention vs control). Callers assigned to the intervention condition received a brief educational intervention at the end of usual service to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. As part of the intervention, key educational messages and materials drawn from the 5 A Day for Better Health program of the National Cancer Institute were provided to CIS callers over the telephone and then reinforced with two follow-up mailings. Results. Results from this pilot study indicated high levels of adherence to protocol by CIS Information Specialists who delivered the intervention to eligible CIS callers. Results obtained from the 4-week telephone follow-up interviews indicated that intervention subjects (n = 142) reported higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, averaging approximately 0.75 servings more per day (P < 0.01) than control subjects (n = 134). Conclusion. Nearly 80% of CIS callers endorsed the strategy of providing 5 A Day information at the end of usual service, even if such information was not specifically requested by the caller (i.e., the information was provided to CIS callers proactively).

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Marcus, A. C., Morra, M., Rimer, B. K., Stricker, M., Heimendinger, J., Wolfe, P., … Perocchia, R. S. (1998). A feasibility test of a brief educational intervention to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among callers to the cancer information service. Preventive Medicine, 27(2), 250–261. https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.1998.0246

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