Colorectal cancer and cardiac risk reduction using computer-assisted dietary counseling in a low-income minority population.
Three nurses offered computer-assisted 24-hour dietary analysis to patients waiting to see their physicians in a general medicine clinic in a public hospital. The nurses showed the participants their results, recommended food substitutions, and suggested reevaluation of the patients' diets at their next scheduled clinic visit. Follow-up data showed a decrease in fat, dietary cholesterol, kilocalories, and weight, and an increase in dietary fiber. This article discusses the use of this and other interventions to assist low-income minority patients in understanding and complying with dietary recommendations that promote cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Watkins
S A
SA
Section of Preventive Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
Hoffman
A
A
Burrows
R
R
Tasker
F
F
D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D004045:Dietary Services; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups; D011203:Poverty