Randomized controlled trial of storytelling vs didactic education effects on dietary colorectal cancer risk behaviors among latinxs

Dietary patterns associated with risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) may contribute to continuing health disparities in Latinx populations. Latinx from low-income communities, aged 25–65, were randomized to a 12-week storytelling-based intervention (ST) (n = 300) or didactic learning (DL)(n = 285) classes on cancer screening and dietary changes related to CRC risk facilitated by Latinx lay health workers (promotora/es de salud). Dietary intake was assessed pre-and post-intervention (24-hour dietary recall) with no significant differences found between ST and DL groups. Specific dietary changes in both groups included increases (p<.05) in dietary fiber (ST from 17.0 to 18.2; DL from 16.38 to 17.8 gms), calcium (ST from 715.7 to 781.9; DL 666.4 to 748.7 mgs), and vegetables (ST 2.5 to 2.8; DL 2.4 to 2.6 servings/day). Although between-intervention group effects were not significant, both culturally-adapted interventions were found to change a selection of key CRC-preventive dietary behaviors.