Feasibility of an Adapted Community-Based Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cancer in the Rural South: Healthy Living Partnerships to Prevent Cancer (HELP PC)

Authors: Sherrie Wise Thomas, Caroline Blackwell Young, Jamie Zoellner, Donna-Jean P. Brock, Scott Isom & Mara Vitolins

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of evaluating a CHW-facilitated lifestyle intervention in a rural community. The Healthy Living Partnerships to Prevent Cancer, or HELP PC, is an intervention focused on weight reduction through reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. Twenty-one study participants were recruited from local community centers and worksites in Southern Virginia, U.S. During the intervention, participants received a consultation from a registered dietitian and attended weekly group sessions facilitated by a CHW. CHWs received 20 hours of training and were required to meet several competencies before the study’s initiation. At six-month follow-up, researchers found small and medium improvements in participants’ health literacy, emotional wellbeing, and physical activity levels. Additionally, participants reported being “very satisfied” with the CHW and group sessions. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants in rural communities to be involved in a CHW-delivered intervention such as HELP PC. In the future, HELP PC may be modified and expanded to serve other rural communities.