Quality of life and diet intervention in individuals at risk for recurrence of colorectal adenomas

The effect of participation in a diet intervention study on self-reported quality of life (QOL) with subjects at risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas was explored in 77 men and women, aged 18-80 years, with a history of adenomatous polyps. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups and followed for 1 year. Dietary goals for the intervention group included reduced intake of fat and increased intakes of fiber, calcium, and vegetables and fruit. Diet counseling was provided by telephone. Anthropometric measurements were obtained and dietary intakes were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 months. The quality of life factors questionnaire (QF), designed to explore the absolute effects of the diet intervention on participants' perceived QOL, was administered at baseline and study end. Based on repeated 24-h dietary recalls, the intervention group reported significantly higher consumption of vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy products, fiber, and calcium at 12 months. There were no significant differences in total QF scores for the two groups at study end, and no significant changes within groups between baseline and study end. Findings suggest that even though the intervention participants made significant modifications in their eating behavior, these changes did not impact their perceived QOL negatively. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.