Recorded presentation

Alexis Williams-Currie, MPH, CHES, National 5 A Day for Better Health Program, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Boulevard, EPN 4055, MSC 7332, Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-594-6622, williaal@mail.nih.gov, Marci K. Campbell, RD MPH PHD, Nutrition Dept, University of North Carolina, CB 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, Ken Resnicow, PhD, Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights (SPH II), 5009, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, and Carol Carr, MA, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 100 West Drive, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.

African Americans eat fewer daily servings of fruits and vegetables than other ethnic groups, placing them at higher risk for diet related chronic diseases including some cancers. The 5 A Day for Better Health program has recently refocused its efforts to address diet related health disparities, particularly among African American men. Program efforts include new collaborations with African American organizations and media outlets, media campaigns, and community based programs. One of these new initiatives is Body & Soul, a faith-based program that encourages African Americans to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables to reduce their risk for diet related chronic diseases. It is based on interventions that showed positive effects when evaluated under efficacy conditions. The primary investigators collaborated with community based organizations and a government agency to translate the research into a program that could be implemented under real world conditions. The program utilized a variety of intervention strategies including: 1) pastor involvement; 2) church wide educational activities; 3) changes in the church environment to increase access to fruits and vegetables and; 4) peer counseling. A randomized effectiveness trial of the program indicated a statistically significant increase in fruit and vegetable consumption of .5 daily servings. The program also showed significant increases in self-efficacy, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and a decrease in fat consumption.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• Describe an effective, evidence-based intervention delivered through the faith community that encourages African Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Describe a collaborative process for translating intervention research into practice.
• List best practices for implementing healthy eating programs in African American faith communities.

Keywords: Faith Community, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee of the organization whose produces are being disucssed.

Recorded presentation