Worksite cancer screening and nutrition intervention for high-risk auto workers: design and baseline findings of the Next Step Trial.
BACKGROUND
This article describes the design and baseline findings of The Next Step Trial, a health promotion intervention targeting automobile industry employees at increased colorectal cancer risk. The intervention encouraged colorectal cancer screening participation and adoption of low-fat, high-fiber diets.


METHODS
Twenty-eight worksites (n = 5,042) were randomized to control (a company-sponsored screening program) or intervention (an enhanced screening program including a personalized educational booklet and motivational telephone call and diet-change program including nutrition classes, self-help materials, and computer-generated personalized feedback). Outcomes included screening compliance and fat and fiber intake.


RESULTS
Pretrial data indicated targeted employees were predominantly older, well educated, married, Caucasian men. Sixty-one percent (SE = 2) participated in the screening program in the preceding 2 years, and 24% (SE = 1) reported a history of colorectal polyps or cancer. Fifty-eight percent of the cohort responded to the baseline questionnaire; respondents were older and more educated; more were married, retired, and Caucasian than nonrespondents. Mean dietary intakes were 36.9% energy from fat (SE = 0.21), 8.8 g fiber/1000 kcal (SE = 0.07), and 3.4 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (SE = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Baseline data show moderate screening participation and dietary intakes that did not meet guidelines; hence intervention efforts were warranted. Data from this trial will support a rigorous test of whether this high-risk employee population is responsive to targeted health promotion, early cancer detection, and prevention interventions.
Tilley
B C
BC
Division of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA. bct@biostat.hfh.edu
Vernon
S W
SW
Glanz
K
K
Myers
R
R
Sanders
K
K
Lu
M
M
Hirst
K
K
Kristal
A R
AR
Smereka
C
C
Sowers
M F
MF
D001336:Automobiles; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D016272:Occupational Health; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data