Assessing Needs for Cancer Education and Support in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities in the Northwestern United States.
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) experience significant cancer disparities. To inform future public health efforts, a web-based needs assessment survey collected quantitative and qualitative data from AI/AN community health workers and cancer survivors in the northwestern United States. Content analysis of qualitative responses identified themes to contextualize quantitative results. Seventy-six AI/AN respondents (93% female) described substantial unmet needs for education and resources to assist cancer survivors, including a shortage of patient navigators, support groups, and home health care workers. Fear of negative outcomes, a culturally rooted avoidance of discussing illness, and transportation difficulties were cited as major barriers to participation in cancer education and receipt of health services. Face-to-face contact was overwhelmingly preferred for community education and support, but many respondents were receptive to other communication channels, including e-mail, social media, and webinars. Survey results highlight the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to overcome barriers to cancer screening and education in AI/AN communities. Qualitative analysis revealed a widespread perception among respondents that available financial and human resources were insufficient to support AI/AN cancer patients' needs.
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA raymond.harris@wsu.edu.
Raymond
R
Harris
Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA.
Emily R
ER
Van Dyke
Precision Health Economics, Los Angeles, CA.
Thanh G N
TG
Ton
The Hope Heart Institute, Bellevue, WA.
Carrie A
CA
Nass
College of Medical Sciences, Washington State University, Seattle, WA.
Dedra
D
Buchwald
D000328:Adult; D000072957:Alaska Natives / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003150:Community Health Workers; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology*; D015205:Northwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D062526:Patient Navigation; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D000078329:Workforce
Alaska Natives; American Indians; barriers to care; cancer education; cancer survivorship; health needs assessment