Physical activity intervention co-created and pilot tested with African American Colorectal Cancer Survivors

NIH RePORTER · NIH · K23 · $159,175 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract The long-term objective of this research is to improve physical activity among populations experiencing cancer disparities. The goal of this training award is to: (1) deliver a multicomponent, culturally-targeted, technology- delivered, scalable intervention to increase physical activity among African American colorectal cancer survivors; while advancing the development of a new investigator, with a program of research focused on increasing physical activity and decreasing cancer disparities. Specific aims are to: (1) co-create, with AA CRC survivors who engaged in physical activity throughout cancer treatment, culturally targeted narrative videos to increase physical activity knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, habits and enjoyment; (2) pilot test the intervention to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance and; and (3) measure outcomes at baseline, 3- and 9-months post baseline. Outcomes include: psychosocial constructs related to physical activity engagement (knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, enjoyment, habits); physical activity (average daily steps, weekly minutes of moderate-vigorous intensity activity); symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression, bowel dysfunction); and inflammation biomarkers that may explain the pathways through which physical activity impacts cancer outcomes. First, a qualitative exploratory approach will be used to interview 20 African American colorectal cancer survivors. Together with a subset of interested participants a multi-component intervention to increase physical activity among African American colorectal cancer survivors will be created. Next, an additional 72 participants will be recruited to conduct a pilot two-group, randomized repeated measures study to assess Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE- AIM) of the intervention. Feasibility of collecting survey and biomarker data at baseline, 3 and 9 months later will be assessed. These timepoints will facilitate exploration of changes pre- and post-intervention, and to determine if effects are maintained 6 months after completing the intervention and chemotherapy. Time since last chemotherapy will be controlled for in all analyses to account for variations in treatment schedules.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10095200
Project number
1K23MD015719-01
Recipient
UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
Principal Investigator
Rachel Hirschey
Activity code
K23
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2021
Award amount
$159,175
Award type
1
Project period
2021-05-03 → 2026-01-31