Diet and physical activity in patients with colorectal adenomas: directions for intervention programmes.
BACKGROUND
Screening programmes provide an opportunity to combine early detection programmes with prevention strategies for chronic disease risk reduction. The aim of the current exploratory research was to identify diet and activity habits in adults diagnosed with colorectal adenomas on screening colonoscopy in order to inform the development of an intervention study in this patient group.


METHODS
Participants were recruited from colonoscopy clinics and completed a 7-day food diary and physical activity record.


RESULTS
Valid food diaries were completed by 32 participants. Mean daily intake of nonstarch polysaccharide was estimated at 14.2 (SD 4.2) g per day and fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) at 3.6 (SD 1.9) portions. The highest quartile of FVI consumers reported greater consumption of fruit (on any occasion) and vegetables (at evening meal) compared with low FVI consumers. Physical activity records (n = 36) indicated that walking was the most common method of activity with few indications of leisure time sport. Overall, 37% of participants failed to meet minimum recommend activity levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The magnitudes of change in activity and diet required to conform with current guidelines were estimated. Food habits that were pertinent to the population were identified and help to provide goal-based guidance for intervention design.
Caswell
S
S
Centre for Public Health Nutrition Research, Ninewells Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK. s.caswell@dundee.ac.uk
Anderson
A S
AS
Steele
R J C
RJ
D000236:Adenoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat; D008875:Middle Aged; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D014675:Vegetables
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins