Publications by authors named "Elizabeth Gonzalez-Suarez"
Background: To determine whether exposure to a peer-led intervention focused on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, physical activity, and multi-vitamin intake can lead to increased intentions to be screened for CRC once age eligible among adults under the age of 50.
Methods: Participants were residents of low-income housing sites, and CRC screening intentions were assessed at baseline and at follow-up (approximately 2 years later) to determine changes in screening intentions and factors associated with changes in intentions.
Results: Participants (n = 692) were 78.
Background: Association studies have suggested that lower circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in African Americans may partially underlie higher rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer in this population. Nonetheless, the relation between vitamin D supplementation and 25(OH)D concentrations in African Americans remains undefined.
Objective: Our primary objective was to determine the dose-response relation between vitamin D and plasma 25(OH)D.
Motivational interviewing (MI) shows promise for pediatric obesity prevention, but few studies address parental perceptions of MI. The aim of this study was to identify correlates of parental perceptions of helpfulness of and satisfaction with a MI-based pediatric obesity prevention intervention. We studied 253 children 2 to 6 years of age in the intervention arm of High Five for Kids, a primary care-based randomized controlled trial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBlacks have significantly higher rates of hypertension than whites, and lower circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There are few data about the effect of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on blood pressure in blacks. During 2 winters from 2008 to 2010, 283 blacks (median age, 51 years) were randomized into a 4-arm, double-blind trial for 3 months of placebo, 1000, 2000, or 4000 international units of cholecalciferol per day.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Churches can be effective venues for cancer control initiatives targeting Latinas, particularly by understanding how religious beliefs influence health behaviors.
- This study involved interviews with 78 female, Spanish-speaking members of a Baptist church in Boston, focusing on their cancer screening habits and levels of religiousness.
- Results indicated that about 46% of participants were not up-to-date with recommended cancer screenings, but positive religious coping was linked to a higher likelihood of adhering to all age-appropriate screenings, suggesting potential areas for intervention.
Background: This paper presents the study design, intervention components, and baseline data from Open Doors to Health, a study designed to address social contextual factors in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention for low-income, racial/ethnic minority populations.
Methods: A cluster randomized design with 12 housing sites as the primary sampling units was used: 6 sites were assigned to a "Peer-led plus Screening Access" (PL) condition, and 6 were assigned to "Screening Access only" (SCR) condition. Study-related outcomes were CRC screening, physical activity (measured as mean steps/day), and multivitamin use.
Purpose: To examine the relationship between intervention dose and health behavior change in Healthy Directions-Health Centers, an intervention designed to reduce cancer risk factors. DESIGN. Analysis of intervention condition participant data from a randomized controlled trial.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: We analyzed outcomes from a study that examined social-contextual factors in cancer prevention interventions for working class, multiethnic populations.
Methods: Ten community health centers were randomized to intervention or to control. Patients who resided in low-income, multiethnic neighborhoods were eligible; the intervention targeted fruit and vegetable consumption, red meat consumption, multivitamin intake, and physical activity.
Background: This paper describes the implementation of the Healthy Directions-Health Centers intervention and examines the characteristics of participants associated with completion of intervention activities. Healthy Directions-Health Centers was designed to address social contextual factors relevant to cancer prevention interventions for working class, multi-ethnic populations.
Methods: Ten community health centers were paired and randomly assigned to intervention or control.
Background: This paper presents the study design and baseline data from Healthy Directions-Health Centers (HCs), a study designed to address social contextual factors in cancer prevention interventions for working class, multi-ethnic populations. This study is part of the Harvard Cancer Prevention Program Project.
Methods: Ten community HCs were paired and randomly assigned to intervention or control.