Kim, D. J., & Holowaty, E. J. (2003). Brief, validated survey instruments for the measurement of fruit and vegetable intakes in adults: A review. Preventive Medicine, 36(4), 440-447.

ABSTRACT
Brief surveys measuring fruit and vegetable intakes of populations have been used to monitor local and national trends in fruit and vegetable consumption over time, and to evaluate interventions to promote fruit and vegetable consumption for the primary prevention of disease. To date, brief validated survey instruments measuring self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption levels have not been systematically reviewed. MEDLINE search for papers describing validated survey instruments with 16 or fewer fruit and vegetable items.Ten survey instruments with total numbers of 6 to 16 items met our search criteria. In comparisons with in-depth dietary assessment methods, survey instruments with relatively greater numbers of fruit and vegetable items, and with questions on portion sizes and mixed vegetable dishes, were characterized by higher Pearson and/or Spearman rank correlation coefficients for fruit and vegetable intakes and by closer estimations of mean/median total fruit and vegetable intakes.This review suggests that the inclusion of a moderate number of representative fruit and vegetable items, and the review of questions on portion size and the consumption of mixed vegetable dishes, may enhance the validity of brief fruit and vegetable instruments.

We are attempting to get this information back primarily from sites that are testing physical activity interventions; however, there is a short section on SAE's for other health behaviors for those sites not conducting physical activity interventions. Only one completed questionnaire from each site (return instructions are enclosed in the survey). The survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Barb Resnick or Mace Coday. 

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (PA 04003)

Application Deadline: June 16, 2003

The CDC announces the availability of funds for a cooperative agreement program to fund PRCs. This program addresses the Healthy People 2010 focus areas of Access to Quality Health Services, Cancer, Diabetes, Disability and Secondary Conditions, Educational and Community-Based Programs, Health Communications, Nutrition and Overweight, and Physical Activity and Fitness.

The purpose of the PRC Program is to support health promotion and disease prevention research that: 1) focuses on the major causes of death and disability; 2) improves public health practice within communities; and 3) cultivates effective state and local public health programs. One of the major focuses of the PRCs is to design, test, and disseminate effective prevention research strategies.

Approximately $14,000,000 will be available in FY 2004 to fund approximately 18 awards. It is expected that the average award will be approximately $750,000 to $850,000 per center. The awards are expected to begin on or about September 15, 2004, and will be made for a 12- month budget period within a project period of up to five years. Funding estimates may change.

For more information about the Program Announcement, please click on the item subhead above.

LETTER OF INTENT DUE: May 12, 2003
APPLICATION DUE: June 16, 2003

The Long-Term Cancer Survivors RFA is a major initiative of NCI's Extraordinary Opportunity in Cancer Survivorship, and reflects its recognition of the critical importance and need for research that addresses the impact of cancer and its treatment on individuals living years beyond a cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this RFA re-issuance is to build upon the established research base, and provide a critical additional stimulus to the research community to undertake studies on cancer survivors who are five years or more post- diagnosis, focusing especially on research areas that remain understudied. This initiative focuses on expanding our understanding of the physiologic, psychologic, social, behavioral, and economic effects of cancer and its treatment among long-term survivors of cancer, and especially seeks to emphasize understudied questions, populations, and gaps in cancer survivorship research.

For detailed information about the RFA, please click on the item subhead above.

The Cancer Research Training Award provides an outstanding opportunity for an individual with a strong interest in health psychology and cancer control to gain experience working as an extramural behavioral scientist at the National Cancer Institute.

This position provides an exciting and unique opportunity to work with leaders in the field of behavioral science and cancer control. The position will allow contact with a large number of scientists representing disciplines of medicine, psychology, epidemiology, anthropology, public health, nursing, and social work, among others.

For further information about the position or application process, contact Dr. Wendy Nelson via e-mail, or by telephone at (301) 435-4590.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• MD/MPH with board certification in pediatrics, or Ph.D. with experience in child health services research

• A minimum of two years' productive post-doctoral research

• Interest in conducting research in defined populations, including managed care populations

• Demonstrated ability to obtain and lead externally-funded research grants

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary research teams

• Interest in mentorship, with strong interpersonal and teaching skills

The successful candidate will have an important role in the Center for Child Health Care Studies, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. The Center has ongoing research in asthma, infectious diseases (including vaccines and antimicrobial use), nutrition and obesity, and newborn health.  Center investigators are also conducting studies of community-based interventions and approaches for culturally diverse populations. 

The search committee expects to select candidates for interview in summer 2003.  Interested candidates should send a CV and statement of research interests to:

Tracy Lieu, MD, MPH
Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention
Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
133 Brookline Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA  02215
e-mail:  tracy_lieu@harvardpilgrim.org

Draft Guidance for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
(Protecting research volunteers from possible harm caused by financial conflicts of interest in research)