Using Middle School Science Teachers to Address Cancer Health Disparities

Summary

The CARES4You study is testing a middle school science curriculum designed to teach students about cancer risk and prevention. The lessons are taught by regular science teachers during class time and are aligned with national science education standards. The curriculum includes six units (14 lessons) that help students learn about cancer, understand how lifestyle and environmental factors influence risk, and think about ways to make healthy choices. The study will take place in 10 public middle schools in New York City. Some schools will begin using the CARES4You curriculum right away, while others will continue with their usual science lessons and receive the program later. Researchers will compare the two groups of schools. The main goal of the study is to see whether the curriculum increases students' intentions to engage in healthy behaviors that may reduce cancer risk. The study will also examine whether students talk more with their caregivers about cancer risk and prevention after participating in the program. Caregivers may also report on some health behaviors in the household. If the program is effective, CARES4You could provide schools with a practical and sustainable way to teach cancer prevention and promote healthy behaviors among adolescents and their families.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents:
* Age 10-13
* Attends a NYC Public Middle School
* Resides in one of the study's four target PPA's
* Parents/Caregivers:
* 18 years of age or older
* Has at least one child registered for middle school in NYC that resides with them
* Resides in one of the study's four target PPA's
* Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents: Students who do not attend one of the participating NYC Public Middle Schools
* Parents/Caregivers: Caregivers who do not have a child that attends one of the participating NYC Public Middle Schools

Conditions3

Locations5 sites

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