ADDRESSING MULTIPLE BREAST CANCER RISK: METHODS

Recruitment

Subjects were 44 overweight/obese African-American women. Women were recruited from a Co-Op grocery store in Hyde Park, a community located on the south side of Chicago. Recruitment methods included the distribution of brochures in all shoppers’ bags over a four-day period, as well as presentations of the study by program staff to all interested women entering the store. If a woman expressed interest in participating, she completed an eligibility interview; if eligible, she was scheduled for a baseline interview during which informed consent was obtained. Inclusion criteria included: 1) self-identification as African-American or black, 2) female, 3) aged 35-65 years, 4) self-reported BMI >25 kg/m2, 5) not currently pregnant or nursing, 6) no current illegal drug use, 7) reported consumption of no more than two alcoholic beverages per day, and 8) no medical problems that would restrict or prohibit physical activity. A consulting physician reviewed questionable medical conditions.

Recruitment staff spoke with 177 women. Of the 177 women, 84 (47.5%) were not interested, 10 (5.6%) could not be scheduled, and 32 (18.0%) did not show up for the scheduled interview. Thus, 51 (28.8%) women were interviewed. Of these, seven women (4%) were ineligible, and 44 (24.9%) were finally recruited into the study. buy rimonabant online

Data Collection

Once eligibility was confirmed and informed consent obtained, subjects completed a 60-minute baseline interview and had their height and weight measured. All data collectors were trained and cer tified by study investigators to administer the interview and to measure anthropometrics. Participants received $20 compensation for their time and cooperation. Interviews, assessment of BSE proficiency, and measurement of height and weight were subsequently conducted at postintervention (four- to six weeks after baseline), and at a one-year follow-up.

Measures

The development of the intervention, and thus selection of dependent measures, was based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). SCT addresses the behavior, cognition, and environmental variables related to behavior change. Although we administered instruments that measured the behaviors, cognitions, and environmental factors related to dietary, physical activity, and breast screening/ health patterns, this manuscript focuses on outcome behaviors only. order phentrimine

Demographics. These data included name, address, education, marital status, income, and number of children.

Body Mass Index (BMI). Height was assessed using a portable stadiometer, and weight was assessed using a Seca Company digital scale. Participants were asked to empty their pockets and to remove shoes and any outer clothing. BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m2).