Assessing Knowledge, Physician Interactions and Patient-Reported Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Arab Americans in Dearborn, Michigan.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men and women in the United States (Haggar and Boushey in Clin Colon Rectal Surg 22:191-197, 2009). Screening tests have shown to be successful at early detection of precancerous polyps. Between 2000 and 2010, there was a 72% growth in the population that identifies having an Arabic-speaking ancestry (Arab American Institute in https://www.aaiusa.org/demographics , 2011). Despite this, little research has been conducted to assess this unique community's knowledge regarding CRC. Given that low screening rates can be attributed to lack of knowledge, this study was designed to address CRC knowledge and screening barriers in an Arab American community. Between February 2016 and June 2017, an anonymous survey was conducted in English or Arabic among 131 patients from cancer programs at the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn, MI. Program participants were expected to have greater insight and awareness about cancer risk than the general population. Knowledge deficiencies surrounding CRC and the screening process were identified. 70% of participants did not know what a colon polyp is and over 89% were not aware of their individual risk for CRC. 45.8% have never had a CRC screening and leading barriers included screening costs, lack of health insurance, and lack of advice by physicians. The goal of this study was to serve as a tool to healthcare providers by identifying evident gaps in medical knowledge surrounding CRC. In order to help better serve and educate patients, healthcare providers and community organizations are encouraged to fight the stigma and help to reduce misunderstandings.

Knowledge Assessment and Screening Barriers for Breast Cancer in an Arab American Community in Dearborn, Michigan.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy afflicting women during their lifetime. Screening for breast cancer can reduce mortality through early cancer detection. Lack of knowledge is an important barrier leading to low screening rates. Little research has evaluated breast cancer knowledge and barriers to receiving appropriate screening among Arab Americans. Given that the Arab American population has grown approximately 47% since 2000, this study was designed to assess breast cancer knowledge and screening barriers in an Arab American community. An anonymous survey addressing knowledge assessment and screening for breast cancer was distributed at the Arab Community Center for Economics and Social Services in Dearborn, MI between June 2015 and August 2017. The survey was modified based on a similar study that was conducted Among Adult Saudi women in a primary health care setting. 102 non-BC survivors, 48 BC survivors and 50 men participated in this study. Gaps in knowledge around the role of age and family history, as well as cancer presentation were noted among the participants. Additionally, 51% of non-BC survivors over the age of 40 years have not had a screening mammogram in the past 2 years with leading causes being absence of symptoms, lack of health insurance, and absence of family history. Healthcare providers and community organizations should work towards increasing knowledge levels, reducing misconceptions and improving screening rates for breast cancer among Arab Americans. Increasing community outreach and education and navigating the community's health beliefs and practices can optimize the process of information delivery to community members.

A comparison of the experiences, challenges and coping strategies for parents of children with autism residing in the United States and The Arab World.

Most research on autism has targeted White Americans. Although challenges and coping mechanisms are present for all parents, some aspects are influenced by culture. This study aims to compare the experiences, challenges and coping strategies for parents of children with autism residing in the US and Arab countries. A survey, available in both English and Arabic, was posted electronically on social media support groups for parents of children with autism in Arab countries and the US. The survey covered experiences, challenges and coping strategies for raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. 165 surveys were collected from 15 Arab countries and 235 surveys were collected from 32 US states. On a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being highest satisfaction, US parents reported a higher satisfaction for the overall diagnostic process with median score of 3.0 compared to 2.5 for parents in Arab countries. Parents in both countries reported information seeking/self-education about autism and acceptance and/or religion as the 2 most valuable coping strategies. Lower satisfaction with all aspects of the diagnosis process was found among parents in Arab countries compared to those residing in the US. Lack of community support for Arab parents was also a more significant challenge compared to US parents. With such poor community support for Arab parents, it is pivotal to expand upon initiatives that minimize the stigma and shame associated with an autism diagnosis to ultimately reduce challenges and allow for better parental experiences.

Factors and scenarios influencing Arab Americans' preference for male versus female physicians.

As the Arab American community sees an increase in female physicians, knowledge of patients' perceptions is necessary to foster the physician-patient relationship. The objective of this study was to better understand physician gender preference among Arab Americans when given a range of selected medical scenarios. An anonymous survey was distributed electronically through social media. The survey elicited gender preferences of Arab Americans given different scenarios. Data was collected from 325 participants. No physician gender preference was noted for 6 out of 7 scenarios with the exception for sensitive medical issues. Same-sex gender preference was noted in the cases of sensitive medical issues, routine medical visits, medical emergencies, and minor medical procedures. Predominant visitations to male physicians across specialties was found. The current study shows that although most Arab Americans expressed no preference for physician gender, the majority currently visit male physicians. The study highlights similarities to other populations in terms of same-sex physician gender preference when it comes to patient choices. Our study shows, however, that physicians' experience and empathy were leading criteria as opposed to gender or Arab identity when it came to physician selection by Arab American patients.