Improving Shared Decision Making about Cancer Screening for Native American Women with IDD
Project Description:
The proposed research project will address three of NACPs goals: fostering and supporting culturally
appropriate research, honoring the culture of Native American (NA) communities, and mentoring NA students
in research to develop future culturally competent health workers and researchers. The proposed project also
aligns with a stated need for cancer education interventions, identified by the NACP Community Action
Committee as a research priority for NA communities in Arizona. This community-engaged project is taking
place in collaboration with Community Partners with oversight from an Advisory Board. Our long-term goal is to
decrease breast and cervical cancer disparities among NA women with intellectual and/or developmental
disabilities (IDD) through culturally appropriate and universally designed education. We hypothesize that an
existing breast and cervical cancer screening program (Women Be Healthy 2, WBH2) for women with IDD can
be adapted and delivered in a culturally sensitive manner for NA women with IDD, in order to improve their
cancer screening knowledge and self-efficacy. Our specific aims and research methods are as follows: Aim 1:
Culturally adapt the WBH2 curriculum in partnership with an urban provider [TBD] and a rural provider, HOPI
Cancer Support Services. Focus groups with NA women with IDD (N=12), caregivers (N=12), NA serving
health providers (N=12), and program staff at partner sites (N=12) will be completed to refine the cultural
adaptation of the WBH2 curriculum. Aim 2: Examine feasibility and acceptability of WBH2 curriculum delivery
with NA women with IDD and their caregivers. Participants in the WBH2 program (N=30 NA women with IDD;
N=30 caregivers) will complete satisfaction surveys. The research team will also track recruitment, attendance
and completion rates. A sub-sample of NA women with IDD (n=12), caregivers (n=12), and health educators
(n=4) who participated in the WBH2 program will complete semi-structured interviews regarding the feasibility
and acceptability of the program. Aim 3: Explore preliminary knowledge and self-efficacy outcomes for NA
women with IDD and their caregivers. Participants in the WBH2 program (N=30 NA women with IDD, 15 at
each site; N=30 caregivers, 15 at each site) will complete pre- and immediate post-surveys assessing
knowledge and self-efficacy changes. Currently, one in four adults in the U.S. report living with a disability, and
disability prevalence is higher among NA populations. The WBH2 program will be culturally tailored for each
partner site, producing a sustainable and relevant resource for improving cancer screenings for participants in
the partner-agencys services. Additionally, the broader impact of this adapted cancer screening program will
be to develop an effective educational resource which is universally designed, meaning it is accessible to all
regardless of physical, cognitive, or sensory limitations.
Keyword(s):
Native Americans; cancer; health research; community-based research
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Other - Cultural Diversity
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
