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Defined Population Studies

Defined population studies are designed to measure the impact of an intervention in a defined target population (i.e. women, racial and ethnic minorities). These studies can provide further validation of the methods utilized and information about whether or not an intervention works in various population groups.


  • Lay Health Workers and the Promotion of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Chinese Americans
    National Cancer Institute (NCI)
    This study investigates characteristics of lay health workers in Chinese American communities and evaluates the health workers' effectiveness as health educators for promoting colorectal cancer screening in adults aged 50 to 75. The findings will expand our understanding about effective and culturally appropriate cancer prevention techniques among ethnic minority communities.


  • Geographic and Contextual Influences on Energy Balance-Related Health Behaviors
    National Cancer Institute (NCI)
    These four studies focus on energy balance-related health behaviors. Topics include obesity, physical activity, eating behavior, and the impact of environmental factors affecting obesity on breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer risk. Understanding more about energy balance-related health behaviors can aid us in the development of prevention measures for obesity and its comorbidities.


  • Folic Acid, B-Vitamins, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Blood and Diet-based Studies
    National Eye Institute (NEI)
    Based on information from previous trials, this trial seeks to investigate the causal relevance of the amino acid homocysteine to age-related macular degeneration and to evaluate the possible preventive benefits of folic acid and B vitamins. This study will use blood samples from men and women who were diagnosed with macular degeneration to examine the effect of folic acid and B vitamins on homocysteine levels.


  • Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health II Exit Disclaimer
    National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
    This study is designed to test a multi-component behavioral intervention among family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other related disorders. The ultimate goal is to increase caregiver knowledge, skills, and well-being while enhancing support to the caregiver to improve quality of care for care recipients.


  • Voluntary Alcohol and Drug Intervention for Middle School Youth
    National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
    Middle school years are peak years for initiation of alcohol and marijuana use. Most youth who engage in substance abuse are unlikely to use formal prevention services. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Project CHOICE, an intervention program in Los Angeles, California aimed at minimizing the use of drugs among youth.


  • Effectiveness of Proactive Tobacco Treatment in Diverse Low-Income Smokers
    National Cancer Institute (NCI)
    There is a high prevalence of smoking and a high burden of tobacco-related disease among low-income populations. This study evaluates the effects of proactive outreach coupled with free telephone counseling on the population impact of tobacco dependence treatment. If effective, this intervention could reduce tobacco-related morbidity, mortality, and health care costs for low-income populations.


  • Barriers to Cervical Cancer Prevention in Hispanic Women
    National Cancer Institute (NCI)
    This study examines how individual, interpersonal, and community factors affect the likelihood Hispanic women will take the steps necessary to prevent, detect, and treat cervical cancer. Through surveys and observation, this study will provide an improved understanding of how to best communicate information about cervical cancer and facilitate screening among Hispanic women to maximize prevention.


  • Prevention of Substance Abuse Risks in American Indian Teen Families
    National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
    The Family Spirit intervention is designed to promote mothers' effective parenting practices. This research addresses critical behavioral health disparities and drug abuse among American Indian teen mothers and their children in communities located on reservation lands. This study sets out to expand early intervention with teen mothers in this and similar populations and to prevent behavior problems in young children that lead to adolescent and adult drug use.