Alternative approaches to assessing intervention effectiveness in randomized trials: application in a colorectal cancer screening study.

Background: Previous analysis of a randomized community-based trial of a multi-component intervention to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Filipino Americans (n = 548) found significantly higher screening rates in the two intervention groups compared to the control group, when using intent-to-treat analysis and self-reported screening as the outcome. This report describes more nuanced findings obtained from alternative approaches to assessing intervention effectiveness to inform future intervention implementation.

Methods: The effect of the intervention on CRC screening receipt during follow-up was estimated using methods that adjusted for biases due to missing data and self-report and for different combinations of intervention components.

Results of a community-based randomized trial to increase colorectal cancer screening among Filipino Americans.

Objectives: We conducted 1 of the first community-based trials to develop a multicomponent intervention that would increase colorectal cancer screening among an Asian American population.

Methods: Filipino Americans (n = 548) nonadherent to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines were randomized into an intervention group that received an education session on CRC screening and free fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kits; a second intervention group that received an education session but no free FOBT kits; and a control group that received an education session on the health benefits of physical activity.

Results: Self-reported CRC screening rates during the 6-month follow-up period were 30%, 25%, and 9% for participants assigned to intervention with FOBT kit, intervention without the kit, and control group, respectively.

Explaining disparities in colorectal cancer screening among five Asian ethnic groups: a population-based study in California.

Background: Data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) indicate that levels and temporal trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening prevalence vary among Asian American groups; however, the reasons for these differences have not been fully investigated.

Methods: Using CHIS 2001, 2003 and 2005 data, we conducted hierarchical regression analyses progressively controlling for demographic characteristics, English proficiency and access to care in an attempt to identify factors explaining differences in screening prevalence and trends among Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese Americans (N = 4,188).

Results: After controlling for differences in gender and age, all Asian subgroups had significantly lower odds of having ever received screening in 2001 than the reference group of Japanese Americans.

Cancer survivorship research: the challenge of recruiting adult long term cancer survivors from a cooperative clinical trials group.

Introduction: With the growing number of adult cancer survivors, there is increasing need for information that links potential late and long term effects with specific treatment regimens. Few adult cancer patients are treated on clinical trials; however, patients previously enrolled in these trials are an important source of information about treatment-related late effects.

Methods: Focusing on colorectal cancer survivors, we used the database from five phase III randomized clinical trials from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast & Bowel Project (NSABP) to recruit and enroll long term survivors in a study of late health outcomes and quality of life.

Disparities in the receipt of fecal occult blood test versus endoscopy among Filipino American immigrants.

Background: This report examines disparities associated with the type of colorectal screening test, fecal occult blood test versus endoscopy, within a particular racial/ethnic group, Filipino American immigrants.

Methods: Between July 2005 and October 2006, Filipino Americans aged 50 to 75 years from 31 community organizations in Los Angeles completed a 15-minute survey in English (65%) or Filipino (35%).

Results: Of the 487 respondents included in this analysis, 257 (53%) had never received any type of colorectal cancer screening.

AutoCapture with dual-coil leads of implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

AutoCapture (AC) can confirm ventricular capture with true bipolar single coil leads of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). The compatibility of AC with a new, true bipolar, dual-coil ICD lead needed to be evaluated. This multicenter study enrolled 46 patients (69 +/- 10 years, 37 men) undergoing ICD implantation.