Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
PD has retired on 6/29/2011. We could not reach the PD since then.
Publications
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: I analyzed data from focus groups of obese women and men, and from primary care physicians and gynecologists who care for obese women. The Women Care plus group has produced "A Big Women's Passport to Best Health". We have disseminated it at health fairs and the Soul Stroll. Obese women are the intended audience for the health promotion materials in this passport. I have analyzed survey data of 8500 children aged 6 to 18 years in order to compare diet and exercise patters of thin and obese children. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is obese women and health care providers who care for obese women. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Change in knowledge: I have learned that obese women are reluctant to get gynecological cancer screening. Very few women in the focus groups knew the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The early symptoms of ovarian cancer are non-specific and difficult to diagnose, and 70% of ovarian cancer is not detected until late stage. However, upon learning some facts about ovarian cancer, women expressed skepticism that if they reported symptoms of ovarian cancer to their healthcare provider, they would be taken seriously. They said they would just be told to "lose weight". As evidence for this skepticism, the women listed examples of their other medical concerns that were dismissed as solely weight-related. Ovarian cancer diagnosis could be compromised by misattribution of cancer symptoms to weight by both the patient and provider. For the study of children: Thin children were significantly shorter than other children. Thin children reported eating meals and snacks significantly more often than obese children. In a measure of body image, 57% of thin children compared with 83% of normal weight children thought that they were "about right". Of the thin children, 54% wanted to be heavier, 36% wanted to stay the same weight, and 10% wanted to weigh less. Thin children were significantly less likely than obese children to respond positively to statements such as "I am trying to get fitter" or "I need to get more exercise." Parents of thin children were significantly less likely to recommend exercise for thin children compared with other size groups. Both extremes of the spectrum of body sizes, from underweight to obese, have serious health concerns for the individuals, as well as for public health policy.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: We explored women's and healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, motivations and concerns that large women have about gynecological cancer screening. We used qualitative methods to gather in-depth information about how obese women perceive health care access. We analyzed the data from focus groups conducted previously. The focus groups were chosen to reflect the overall experiences of large women seeking gynecological care and their knowledge of ovarian cancer. We compared focus groups of race (white and African American women), of women with different degrees of body weight (women who were not overweight, women who were overweight [BMI greater than 25], and women who were very obese (BMI greater 50); and gender (obese men with women). Dissemination: Health Information for Kids Syllabus: I sponsored a course to involve undergraduates in an outreach program that aims at spreading health awareness among elementary school children. The curriculum involved teaching healthy eating, personal hygiene, dental health and physical health. The undergraduates have learned how to develop age-appropriate lesson plans which incorporate health information. The students evaluate the success of the lesson plan after every class. The elementary school students have benefited from the attentiveness and enthusiasm of the two to one interaction with the University of California undergrads. This course has been held both Fall and Spring semesters at Emerson Elementary School in Berkeley which serves a multiracial population. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Change in knowledge: Our study showed some of the reasons why obese women delay gynecological cancer screening. This information has been used to generate a publication called the Big Women's Passport to Best Health which has been distributed at community health events. This publication helps obese women make positive life choices and encourages health cancer prevention. We also learned about the attitudes of the physicians treating the obese women. We reported these findings to physicians' groups for improved public health policy. Change in action: Our students at Emerson Elementary School tasted unfamiliar vegetables and are more likely to wash their hands before eating and brush their teeth after the school program intervention.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Many women delay cancer screening. My previous studies have shown that body weight is an important factor involved in the delay of screening. We investigated factors affecting the rate of Cancer Screening for California women. We used the 2005 California Health Interview Survey dataset. Underweight women were significantly less likely to have regular Pap test screening and Mammogram screening compared to normal weight women. Other factors found to decrease screening include young age, having no health insurance, low income, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Asian women had significantly lower odds of regular Cancer Screening compared with all other ethnic groups. Family history of cancer was associated with higher odds of regular Cancer Screening. Health Information for Kids Syllabus: I sponsored a course to involve undergraduates in an outreach program that aims at spreading health awareness among elementary school children. The curriculum involved teaching healthy
eating, personal hygiene, dental health and physical health. The undergraduates have learned how to develop age-appropriate lesson plans which incorporate health information. The students evaluate the success of the lesson plan after every class. The elementary school students have benefited from the attentiveness and enthusiasm of the two to one interaction with the undergrads. This course has been held both Fall and Spring semesters at Emerson Elementary School in Berkeley which serves a multiracial population.
PARTICIPANTS: Nancy K. Amy, Principal Investigator. Sarah M. Goins, Graduate student, earned M.S. degree. Partner Organization: Emerson School, Berkeley.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Emerson School: racially, ethnically, and economically mixed population.
Impacts
Change in knowledge: Our study of the rates of cancer screening in California women has resulted in a substantial increase in the knowledge of factors affecting the health of women. In particular, the needs of Asian women regarding cancer screening have been ignored. It is vital to eliminate the gaps in health care for populations of California residents. Change in actions: Our students at Emerson Elementary School are much more likely to wash their hands without reminders, are more likely to taste an unfamiliar fruit, and even know how to cut up some vegetables.
Publications
- Goins, S.M. 2007. Factors and behaviors found to decrease likelihood of regular mammogram and Pap test receipt. M.S. Thesis, Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of California, Berkeley.
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