| Popis: |
Lifestyle modifications have been shown to improve outcomes for cancer survivors, yet no study has implemented and evaluated e-health coaching (e-HC) to encourage lifestyle modification specific to cancer survivorship. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of e-HC for survivors harvesting at an urban garden. Twenty-two survivors completed a 4-month experimental pre/post pilot aimed at improving adherence to the evidence-based recommendations for survivorship. A trained dietetic intern provided e¬-HC utilizing motivational interviewing and individual goal¬ setting. Fifteen survivors (68%) utilized e-HC. The majority of e-HC users were female (93%, n= 14), married (60%, n=9), with a mean age of 60. Of those users, (100%, n=15) reported they would utilize health coaching again. Seventy-eight percent of e-HC users (n=7) established and met measurable goals as evidenced by both qualitative (open-ended surveys) and quantitative (anthropometrics and biomarkers) data. In terms of self-efficacy towards adhering to recommendations for healthy survivorship, a 22% improvement was noted in self-efficacy of the goal setting group while a decrease of 4% was documented among those that did not utilize e-HC. A statistically significant increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables and a statistically significant decrease in the consumption of red and processed meats was observed amongst e-HC users (p = 0.021, p = 0.004, respectively). This pilot established preliminary data to support the feasibility and efficacy of e-HC for cancer survivors. Future large-scale randomized studies with a control group are warranted. |
