ABSTRACT
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a B cell-specific mutator required for antibody diversification. However, it is also implicated in the etiology of several B cell malignancies. Evaluating the AID-induced mutation load in patients at-risk for certain blood cancers is critical in assessing disease severity and treatment options. We have developed a digital PCR (dPCR) assay that allows us to quantify mutations resulting from AID modification or DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and repair at sites known to be prone to DSBs. Implementation of this assay shows that increased AID levels in immature B cells increase genome instability at loci linked to chromosomal translocation formation. This includes the CRLF2 locus that is often involved in translocations associated with a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that disproportionately affects Hispanics, particularly those with Latin American ancestry. Using dPCR, we characterize the CRLF2 locus in B cell-derived genomic DNA from both Hispanic ALL patients and healthy Hispanic donors and found increased mutations in both, suggesting that vulnerability to DNA damage at CRLF2 may be driving this health disparity. Our ability to detect and quantify these mutations will potentiate future risk identification, early detection of cancers, and reduction of associated cancer health disparities.
Subject(s)
Cytidine Deaminase , Hispanic or Latino , Mutation , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , Receptors, Cytokine , Humans , Cytidine Deaminase/genetics , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics , Hispanic or Latino/genetics , Receptors, Cytokine/genetics , DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded , B-Lymphocytes/metabolism , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , Health Status Disparities , Translocation, Genetic , Genetic Loci , Latin America , FemaleABSTRACT
Endometrial cancer is one of few cancers that has continued to rise in incidence over the past decade with disproportionate increases in adults younger than 50 years old. We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry (2000-2019) to examine endometrial cancer incidence trends by race/ethnicity and age of onset among women in the United States. Case counts and proportions, age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000), and average annual percent changes were calculated by race/ethnicity, overall and stratified by age of onset (early vs late). We found a disproportionate increase in endometrial cancer incidence among women of color, for both early and late onset endometrial cancer. The highest increases in early onset endometrial cancer (<50 years old) were observed among American Indian/Alaska Native women (4.8), followed by Black (3.3), Hispanic/Latina (3.1), and Asian and Pacific Islander women (2.4), whereas white women (0.9) had the lowest increase. Late onset (>50 years old) endometrial cancer incidence followed a similar pattern, with the greatest increases for women of color. The increasing burden of endometrial cancer among women of color, particularly those younger than 50 years old, is a major public health problem necessitating further research and clinical efforts focused on health equity.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lung cancer represents the leading cause of cancer death for Pacific Islanders in the United States, but they remain underrepresented in studies leading to the lack of evidence-based cessation programs tailored to their culture and lifestyle. OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to describe the development of culturally tailored and community informed recruitment materials, and provide lessons learned regarding implementation and adaptation of strategies to recruit Pacific Islander young adult smokers into a randomized cessation study. METHODS: Development of recruitment materials involved a series of focus groups to determine the cessation program logo and recruitment video. The initial recruitment strategy relied on community-based participatory research partnerships with Pacific Islander community-based organizations, leaders and health coaches with strong ties to the community.Results/Lessons Learned: While the recruitment materials were well received, initial strategies tapered off after the first 3 months of recruitment resulting in the need to revise outreach plans. Revised plans included the creation of a list with more than 200 community locations frequented by Pacific Islander young adult smokers, along with the hiring of part-time recruitment assistants who reflected the age and ethnicities of the desired cessation study participants. These materials and strategies ultimately yielded 316 participants, 66% of whom were recruited by the revised strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based participatory research approaches not only inform the design of culturally tailored intervention recruitment material and strategies, but also result in innovative solutions to recruitment challenges to address the National Cancer Institute's gaps in science regarding small populations.
Subject(s)
Pacific Island People , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Smoking Cessation , Humans , Young Adult , Community-Based Participatory Research , Ethnicity , Patient SelectionABSTRACT
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) in aggregate experience greater health burdens than non-Hispanic Whites, such as a higher incidence of cervical cancer and COVID-19. Given the importance of vaccinations in preventing and reducing the severity of diseases, such as the flu, cervical cancer, and COVID-19, the receipt of vaccines during childhood and adolescence is crucial. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore the factors associated with NHPI parents' decisions regarding vaccinating their children with these elective vaccinations-that is, vaccinations not required for child care, preschool, or K-12 admissions in California but highly recommended. A total of 15 NHPI parents were recruited through a community-based organization. Semi-structured interviews explored parents' reasons for accepting or denying each vaccine for their child(ren). Results demonstrated variable acceptance of each vaccine, though consistent themes included protection and concerns over side effects. This study also found two general types of parents-those who treat vaccines the same and those with varying opinions about each vaccine. Results from this study demonstrate the family- and community-oriented nature of NHPI communities, suggesting that future interventions target not only parents but also their families and communities to cultivate vaccine acceptance through social networks. Furthermore, addressing all three vaccines during well-child visits may benefit parents who view each vaccine as separate entities with individual pros and cons. Such interventions could contribute toward reducing the burdens of particularly chronic health disparities.
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PURPOSE: We analyzed adherence to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines for anal squamous cell carcinoma in California and the associated impacts on survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients in the California Cancer Registry aged 18 to 79 years with recent diagnoses of anal squamous cell carcinoma. Predefined criteria were used to determine adherence. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for those receiving adherent care. Disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were examined with a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: 4740 patients were analyzed. Female sex was positively associated with adherent care. Medicaid status and low socioeconomic status were negatively associated with adherent care. Non-adherent care was associated with worse OS (Adjusted HR 1.87, 95% CI = 1.66, 2.12, p < 0.0001). DSS was worse in patients receiving non-adherent care (Adjusted HR 1.96, 95% CI = 1.56, 2.46, p < 0.0001). Female sex was associated with improved DSS and OS. Black race, Medicare/Medicaid, and low socioeconomic status were associated with worse OS. CONCLUSIONS: Male patients, those with Medicaid insurance, or those with low socioeconomic status are less likely to receive adherent care. Adherent care was associated with improved DSS and OS in anal carcinoma patients.
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Recent studies have found high levels of stress among Americans, particularly amongst young adults and ethnic minority groups. The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to explore the association between stress and social support among a sample of 276 young adult smokers of Pacific Islander ancestry, specifically Samoans and Tongans with an average age of 25.3 years. Previous research had documented the protective role of social support on stress, and thus it is hypothesized that young adult Pacific Islander smokers who perceived higher levels of social support will have less perceived stress. Social support was assessed using a 12-item scale which measured participant's perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others. Perceived stress was measured using a 10-item scale with 2 subscales - self efficacy and helplessness. Standardized parameter estimates from structural equation modeling indicated a statistically significant inverse relationship between perceived social support from family and perceived stress related to helplessness. More specifically, young adult Samoans and Tongans who report higher levels of social support from family do not feel as much stress stemming from being helpless. The results highlight the importance of family social support on stress management among this population. Most importantly, these findings add to the limited research around mental health within Pacific Islander (Samoan and Tongan) communities in the US.
Subject(s)
Ethnicity , Pacific Island People , Humans , Young Adult , United States , Adult , Smokers , Minority Groups , Social SupportABSTRACT
Through Our Eyes, Hear Our Voices is a virtual photovoice project that documents the impact of COVID-19 on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Quantitative studies on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 are still emerging, but they do not reveal qualitative experiences of a racialized pandemic exacerbated by political leaders labeling it "China virus." As a qualitative participatory action research approach, photovoice is an ideal archival and pedagogical tool to capture the lived experience of AAPI communities. However, we had to adapt photovoice to a virtual research environment. We did so by adopting a variety of digital learning and information sharing platforms. In addition, we enlisted community-based organizations who are providing essential services for underrepresented communities to serve as research mentors for university student researchers. Finally, given the historic nature of the pandemic and the underrepresentation of AAPI experiences in mainstream archives, we emphasized the importance of students as co-producers of archival knowledge.
Subject(s)
Asian , COVID-19 , China , Humans , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderABSTRACT
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated longstanding inequities throughout the United States, disproportionately concentrating adverse social, economic, and health-related outcomes among low-income communities and communities of color. Inequitable distribution, prioritization, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines due to systemic and organizational barriers add to these disproportionate impacts across the United States. Similar patterns have been observed within Orange County, California (OC). Methods: In response to COVID-19 vaccine inequities unfolding locally, the Orange County Health Equity COVID-19 community-academic partnership generated a tool to guide a more equitable vaccine approach. Contents of the OC vaccine equity best practices checklist emerged through synthesis of community-level knowledge about vaccine inequities, literature regarding equitable vaccination considerations, and practice-based health equity guides. We combined into a memo: the checklist, a written explanation of its goals and origins, and three specific action steps meant to further strengthen the focus on vaccine equity. The memo was endorsed by partnership members and distributed to county officials. Discussion: Since the initial composition of the checklist, the local vaccine distribution approach has shifted, suggesting that equitable pandemic responses require continual re-evaluation of local needs and adjustments to recommendations as new information emerges. To understand and address structural changes needed to reduce racial and socioeconomic inequities exacerbated by the pandemic, authentic partnerships between community, academic, and public health practice partners are necessary. Conclusion: As we face continued COVID-19 vaccine rollout, booster vaccination, and future pandemic challenges, community knowledge and public health literature should be integrated to inform similar equity-driven strategic actions.
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Pacific Islander (PI) women experience disproportionately high rates of cervical cancer and mortality and have lower rates of Pap testing. Since up to 70% of cervical cancers could be prevented by being vaccinated for human papilloma virus (HPV), this cross-sectional study explored the predictors of HPV and vaccine awareness, receipt of the vaccine, and attitudes toward vaccinating children among adult PI women in southern California, who historically have low rates of HPV vaccination and high rates of cervical cancer that could be prevented with HPV vaccination. Participants (n=148) consist a subsample of Chamorro, Samoan, and Tongan women, ages 21 to 65 years, who were in a larger randomized community study to promote Pap testing. Overall, younger age and higher American acculturation were significantly associated with ever hearing about HPV and the vaccine. However, American acculturation was also associated with negative attitudes toward vaccinating their children for HPV. This paper provides preliminary insights into barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination among PIs in the USA and also informs the development of educational programs to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality in this underserved population.
Subject(s)
Alphapapillomavirus , Papillomavirus Infections , Papillomavirus Vaccines , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Adult , Aged , California , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Middle Aged , Papillomaviridae , Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Papillomavirus Vaccines/therapeutic use , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control , Vaccination , Young AdultABSTRACT
This study tested the feasibility of collecting saliva samples from Pacific Islanders (PIs) via a community-based participatory research approach. Collection of saliva samples were conducted by trained and trusted PI community leaders at various partner sites. A total of 214 saliva samples were donated by PIs living in Southern California, more than half of whom were females between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Donors indicated that they donated because they wanted to help science and their community. A majority of donors reported a very positive experience with the donation process and were willing to donate saliva and hair samples in the future. The positive findings of this article highlight the importance of community input and participation.
Subject(s)
Community-Based Participatory Research/organization & administration , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Specimen Handling/methods , Specimen Handling/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Saliva/cytology , Trust , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pap tests remain an essential cervical cancer detection method in the United States, yet they are underutilized among Pacific Islanders (PI) who experience elevated cervical cancer incidence and mortality. This study describes the design, methods, participants, and outcomes of a multiyear (2010-2016), community-based randomized intervention trial in southern California. Based upon strong collectivistic norms, the trial tested the efficacy of a unique social support intervention targeting Chamorro, Samoan, and Tongan women and their male husbands/partners. METHODS: A single-session educational intervention was designed and tailored for ethnic- and gender-specific groups to increase men's social support for their female wives/partners to receive a Pap test, and for women to receive a Pap test. The comparison group received preexisting brochures on Pap testing (for women) or general men's health (for men). Pretest and 6-month follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Intervention and comparison groups were mostly equivalent on pretest demographics and outcome variables. Intervention women who were not compliant with Pap screening recommendations at pretest were significantly more likely to have scheduled and received a Pap test at 6-month follow-up. However, 6-month follow-up results indicated no intervention effect on changes in women's Pap testing knowledge, fatalistic attitudes, or perceived social support from their male partner. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnic- and gender-tailored community interventions can successfully increase Pap test behaviors for PI women, although more research is needed on the specific pathways leading to behavior change. IMPACT: Collaborative community-based interventions lead to increases in women's cancer prevention and early detection for Pacific Islander and other collectivistic communities.
Subject(s)
Papanicolaou Test/methods , Vaginal Smears/methods , Adult , Aged , Early Detection of Cancer , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Middle Aged , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Despite the high burden of tobacco-related diseases experienced by Samoans and Tongans, there is relatively little understanding of the factors that influence their smoking behaviors which could inform effective smoking cessation strategies. This study examined several psychosocial characteristics that intertwine to predict smoking patterns in these Pacific Islander subgroups. METHODS: Samoans and Tongans between the ages of 18 and 33, who consumed at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and were current smokers, were categorized as light, moderate, or heavy smokers. Baseline data from a randomized controlled smoking cessation trial were analyzed. Participants (nâ¯=â¯278) were measured on self-efficacy, perceived stress, sensation seeking, hostility, depression, and impulsivity. Least square means estimated from General Linear Models were used to compare psychosocial characteristics across smoking groups, as well as by gender and ethnicity. RESULTS: Samoan male heavy smokers reported higher levels of self-efficacy compared to light smokers, and greater stress, hostility, depression, and urgency over moderate smokers. Samoan female heavy smokers demonstrated greater stress and hostility than moderate and light smokers. Tongan female heavy and light smokers had significantly elevated levels of sensation seeking compared to moderate smokers. Tongan male smokers did not display any meaningful associations with these psychosocial constructs. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the important distinctions between smoking patterns, gender, and ethnic subgroups. Interventions that rely on aggregated smoking profiles or general Pacific Islander data may not adequately address the complex array of mental health factors that contribute to tobacco use.
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Despite increasing rates of cancer, biospecimen donations for cancer research remains low among Pacific Islanders (PIs). To address this disparity, researchers partnered with PI community organizations to develop and test a theory-based culturally tailored educational intervention designed to raise awareness about the issues surrounding biospecimen research. A total of 219 self-identified PI adults in Southern California were recruited to participate in a one-group pre-post design study. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed their knowledge and attitude regarding biospecimen research before and after viewing an educational video and receiving print materials. Results showed that participants' overall knowledge and attitude increased significantly from pre-test to post-test (p < .0001). Over 98% of participants also reported that they would be willing to donate at least one type of biospecimen sample. Efforts such as these that utilize culturally tailored education interventions may be instrumental in improving biospecimen donation rates in the PI community as well as other minority populations.
Subject(s)
Biological Specimen Banks/organization & administration , Health Education/methods , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander/education , Neoplasms/ethnology , Patient Participation/statistics & numerical data , Tissue and Organ Procurement/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Biological Specimen Banks/trends , California/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/therapy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recent prevalence data indicates that Pacific Islanders living in the United States have disproportionately high smoking rates when compared to the general populace. However, little is known about the factors contributing to tobacco use in this at-risk population. Moreover, few studies have attempted to determine these factors utilizing technology-based assessment techniques. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop a customized Internet-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) system capable of measuring cigarette use among Pacific Islanders in Southern California. This system integrated the ubiquity of text messaging, the ease of use associated with mobile phone apps, the enhanced functionality offered by Internet-based Cell phone-optimized Assessment Techniques (ICAT), and the high survey completion rates exhibited by EMA studies that used electronic diaries. These features were tested in a feasibility study designed to assess whether Pacific Islanders would respond to this method of measurement and whether the data gathered would lead to novel insights regarding the intrapersonal, social, and ecological factors associated with cigarette use. METHODS: 20 young adult smokers in Southern California who self-identified as Pacific Islanders were recruited by 5 community-based organizations to take part in a 7-day EMA study. Participants selected six consecutive two-hour time blocks per day during which they would be willing to receive a text message linking them to an online survey formatted for Web-enabled mobile phones. Both automated reminders and community coaches were used to facilitate survey completion. RESULTS: 720 surveys were completed from 840 survey time blocks, representing a completion rate of 86%. After adjusting for gender, age, and nicotine dependence, feeling happy (P=<.001) or wanting a cigarette while drinking alcohol (P=<.001) were positively associated with cigarette use. Being at home (P=.02) or being around people who are not smoking (P=.01) were negatively associated with cigarette use. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the feasibility study indicate that customized systems can be used to conduct technology-based assessments of tobacco use among Pacific Islanders. Such systems can foster high levels of survey completion and may lead to novel insights for future research and interventions.
ABSTRACT
Pacific Islander (PI) populations of Southern California experience high obesity and low physical activity levels. Given PI's rich cultural ties, efforts to increase physical activity using a community-tailored strategy may motivate members in a more sustainable manner. In this paper, we (1) detail the program adaptation methodology that was utilized to develop the Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training (WINCART) Center's PI Let's Move Program, a culturally tailored program aimed to increase physical activity levels among members of PI organizations in Southern California, and (2) share the program's pilot evaluation results on individual and organizational changes. The WINCART Center applied the National Cancer Institute's program adaptation guidelines to tailor the evidence-based Instant Recess program to fit the needs of PIs. The end product, the PI Let's Move Program, was piloted in 2012 with eight PI organizations, reaching 106 PI adults. At baseline, 52 % of participants reported that they were not physically active, with the average number of days engaged in medium-intensity physical activity at 2.09 days/week. After the 2-month program, participants increased the number of days that they engaged in medium-intensity physical activity from 2.09 to 2.90 days/week. Post-pilot results found that 82 % of participants reported intentions to engage in physical activity for at least the next 6 months. At baseline, only one organization was currently implementing a physical activity program, and none had implemented an evidence-based physical activity program tailored for PIs. After the 2-month timeframe, despite varying levels of capacity, all eight organizations were able to successfully implement the program. In conclusion, results from our program provide evidence that disparity populations, such as PIs, can be successfully reached through programs that are culturally tailored to both individuals and their community organizations.
Subject(s)
Evidence-Based Practice , Exercise , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander/education , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Preventive Health Services/organization & administration , Adult , California , Community Health Planning , Delivery of Health Care , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Neoplasms/ethnology , Pacific IslandsABSTRACT
Pacific Islanders experience high rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality. This cross-sectional study examined the extent to which Samoan, Chamorro, and Tongan women's perceived receipt of social support from their husbands or male partners was associated with rates of routine cancer screening- specifically Pap testing. A total of 585 Pacific Islander women who live in the United States completed a self-report survey. Women who reported having a Pap test within the past 3 years had significantly higher scores on support from their husbands/male partners. Furthermore, the relationship of emotional support and informational support with increased Pap testing was significantly stronger for Tongan women. The findings suggest that men play an important role in promoting women's cancer prevention behaviors in Pacific Islander and potentially other collectivistic populations. Incorporating social support messages into interventions may be a simple yet effective strategy to increase women's Pap testing.
Subject(s)
Early Detection of Cancer/statistics & numerical data , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander/psychology , Papanicolaou Test/statistics & numerical data , Social Support , Spouses/psychology , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander/statistics & numerical data , Self Report , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/ethnology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control , Young AdultABSTRACT
This study applies an ecological perspective to the context of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Specifically, it examines how endogenous and exogenous factors influence the dynamics of CBPR partnerships, including the tendency toward reciprocity and transitivity, the organizational type, the level of resource sufficiency, the level of organizational influence, and the perceived CBPR effect on organizations. The results demonstrate that network structure is related to the selection and retention of interorganizational networks over time, and organizations of the same type are more likely to form partnerships with each other. It shows that the dynamics of the CBPR initiative presented in this article were driven by the structure of the interorganizational networks rather than their individual organizational attributes. Implications for sustaining CBPR partnerships are drawn from the findings.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pacific Islanders (PIs) experience high cervical cancer rates in the United States. Stage of diagnosis is also later for PIs than non-Hispanic Whites. The Pap test is severely underutilized among PIs: only 71% of Asian American and Pacific Islander women age 25 years or older received a Pap test within the last 3 years (U.S. average, 82%). Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is increasingly seen as an essential approach in designing and conducting culturally relevant and appropriate studies that reduce cancer incidence and other health disparities among minority and other medically underserved populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe the lessons learned thus far regarding the identification, recruitment, and retention of PI community organizations and members into a CBPR-informed, randomized, community trial promoting Pap testing. METHODS: This 5-year study used CBPR to develop and test the efficacy of a social support intervention for Chamorro, Samoan, and Tongan women to increase Pap testing in southern California. Eligible women were between the ages of 21 and 65, and married or in a long-term relationship with a man for at least 5 years. Women and their husbands or significant others received a 2-hour, culturally tailored workshop that include a group activity, information on Pap testing, a video, and corresponding materials. Comparison participants received a brochure about Pap testing. Three waves of data are collected from all participants: pretest (before workshop or brochure), posttest 1 (immediately after workshop or brochure), and posttest 2 (6 months follow-up). RESULTS: Of the 76 organizations approached to participate in the study, 67 (88.2%) eventually agreed to participate. Thus far, 473 women and 419 men completed the study pretest, post-test, education, and 6-month follow-up. Only 242 women and 204 men of the eligible participants have completed the follow-up survey (63.5% of women and 60.5% of men retained after 6 months). LESSONS LEARNED: The main strategy to overcome initial recruitment challenges was study staff persistence, because they averaged five contacts with each church or clan leader before receiving confirmation that an educational session can be scheduled. Personal connections provided an introduction to the most appropriate church or clan leader. Other efforts for retention include creation of an online version of the survey, re-attending church services, and creating special events organized around clan activities. CONCLUSIONS: Although CBPR improves the cultural competence and relevance of study activities for ethnically diverse populations, selected past research shows that it does not ensure that such designs overcome all of the unique challenges in ethnically diverse communities. PI-specific organizational recruitment and individual retention is influenced by study issues and cultural factors in each community.
Subject(s)
Community-Based Participatory Research/methods , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander/statistics & numerical data , Papanicolaou Test/statistics & numerical data , Patient Participation/statistics & numerical data , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , California , Cultural Competency , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Middle Aged , Patient Dropouts/statistics & numerical data , Patient Selection , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Social Support , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Challenges in community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships often pertain to trust and power, dilemmas posed by funding sources, and equitable community participation. Although challenges in CBPR can be welcomed because they present opportunities for growth and development of partnerships, tools are needed to facilitate issue identification and resolution. Moreover, such tools need to align with CBPR principles involving equal feedback among partners to improve the partnership and its outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To describe how appreciative inquiry (AI) was used as an evaluation tool to contribute to the strengthening of empowerment of ongoing and future community-university relationships in CBPR collaborations. METHODS: AI was applied at the end of a community-university partnership to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Tongan women in Southern California. Through individual interviews and group discussion, tensions were identified and discussed in light of partnership and community strengths. RESULTS: Through AI, program staff emphasized community and university strengths of shared key values related to the program and aspects of program management that enabled them to contribute to successful program outcomes. They also discussed the following challenges: 1) approach of partners, 2) role definition, and 3) and time span of program development and implementation. Based on these discussions, recommendations were made to overcome current challenges and improve ongoing and future CBPR collaborations. CONCLUSIONS: The AI process helped the partners recommit to collaborate with each other, renewed their excitement about working together, and assisted with reclarification of their roles to inform future collaborations.
Subject(s)
Community Participation/methods , Community-Based Participatory Research/methods , Community-Institutional Relations , Early Detection of Cancer , Program Evaluation/methods , Breast Neoplasms , California , Female , Humans , Power, Psychological , Program Development/methods , Uterine Cervical NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Pacific Islanders experience enduring and growing poverty in the United States, yet our understanding of their financial distress and needs is limited. Financial institutions, government agencies, and community-based organizations in areas with large Pacific Islander communities need better information with which to develop tailored programs, improve outreach and education, and improve economic security for these and other underserved populations. This paper describes the results from a unique in-language survey that asked detailed questions regarding the financial knowledge, status, and needs of Pacific Islanders, including poverty and wealth questions beyond those in the Census, in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties of Southern California.