Abstract A20: Wii Can: Merging technology and support from community health advisors
Authors: Martin Michelle Y. , Yuen Hon , Hardy Claudia M. , Pisu Maria 
Published: May 2015

Introduction and Purpose: Despite the benefits of physical activity, many cancer survivors fail to meet activity recommendations. Moreover, African American cancer survivors are less active than other survivor racial/ethnic groups. To address this disparity, we designed an intervention (Wii Can). Wii Can combines the appeal of emerging technology (Nintendo Wii) with the strength of social support from community health advisors (CHAs). The purpose of the current abstract is to describe the recruitment and retention of CHAs and African American cancer survivors to Wii Can. Methods: CHAs from the NCI-funded Deep South Network (DSN) for Cancer Control were identified and recruited to participate. CHAs completed training to deliver a 12 week intervention to increase physical activity in survivors. The intervention was based on Self Determination Theory. African American colorectal cancer survivors 45 to 75 years old who were not physically active, were recruited primarily through a hospital registry. Results: 10 CHAs were successfully recruited and trained as interventionists. Their mean age was 59.9 ± 3.9 years, 70% were female, 40% had some college, 40% had BA or BS, 20% had associate degrees. On average, they had been a DSN CHA for 3.1 ± 0.99 years. Reasons for deciding to participate in our study as a Wii Can CHA included: Family or friend with cancer; believe physical activity is important in general or for cancer survivors; helping others and being a role model; and encourage black people to participate in studies. All CHAs trained for the study have been retained. 170 letters were mailed to African American CRC survivors to invite their participation in the study. We were able to reach and screen 40 survivors. Incorrect mailing address, deceased, disconnected/incorrect telephone, or lack of interest were some of the reasons we were unable to screen a larger number. Of those screened, 25 were eligible. Of this group, 6 withdrew prior to enrollment (most common reason was lack of time to participate), 16 have received medical clearance to participate in the study (13 of these have enrolled and have been randomized; mean age of enrollees is 61 years). Three participants remain in the recruitment pipeline. The most common reason for ineligibility was currently receiving treatment. Only 2 individuals were ineligible due to already being too physically active. Study participants have been 100% adherent with baseline and follow-up assessments in addition to 100% adherent to receiving the planned intervention sessions (home visits and phone calls). Conclusions: A technology-based physical activity intervention is both acceptable to community health advisors who were trained to deliver the intervention and to African American CRC survivors. Challenges remain for some, as almost one quarter of those interested and eligible later determined that lack of time for the study was a barrier. Further, lack of accurate contact information provided by a hospital registry precluded optimal recruitment. Researchers need to identify efficient ways to engage African American survivors in health promotion interventions if we are to significantly impact the burden of this disease. Funding Acknowledgement: NCI: 1U54CA153719

Citation Format: Michelle Y. Martin, Hon Yuen, Claudia M. Hardy, Maria Pisu. Wii Can: Merging technology and support from community health advisors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A20. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A20