Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-2018

Academic Year

2018-2019

Comments

Poster attached as supplemental file below.

Abstract

Introduction: Even though rates of smoking, the leading cause of cancer, are lower in Asian/Pacific Islanders (API), the rates of lung cancer deaths are still one of the highest compared to those of other minority groups in the US. However, little is known about the beliefs and attitudes that influence lung cancer screening behaviors of APIs.

Objective: The objective of this study is to better understand the current beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of APIs in Philadelphia towards lung cancer and lung cancer screening.

Methods: Six in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants, who all had extensive experience working with the Asian community in Philadelphia. The content of interviews included the interviewee’s knowledge of the attitudes and beliefs about lung cancer and lung cancer screening held by the API community. Motivational factors, barriers to screening, and effective educational/communication strategies were also assessed. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Results: A majority of the participants felt that fatalism, no concept of preventive care, and not wanting to know a bad diagnosis were strong beliefs associated with lung cancer screenings that are held by the API community. Work, cost, language, fear, and a lack of knowledge were identified as barriers to lung cancer screenings, while family and doctors’ recommendation were identified as motivational factors.

Conclusion: Culturally and linguistically appropriate education programs and materials in the future need to address these specific barriers, include basic information about and risk factors for lung cancer, and target messaging towards family to encourage lung cancer screening for APIs at risk.

Language

English

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