Hepatitis B among Pacific Islanders in Southern California: how is health information associated with screening and vaccination?

We measured Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission knowledge and self-reported screening/testing behavior among Pacific Islanders (Guamanians/Chamorros, Samoans, and Tongans) in Southern California. We also examined access and trust by Pacific Islanders of varying health information sources. We administered and analyzed survey data (N = 297), using a convenience sample in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties in spring 2009. We found that while Pacific Islander respondents reported that they receive health information from physicians, and largely trust this source, information from and trust in physicians were not statistically significant in explaining whether respondents sought HBV screening or vaccination

Case Study in Chamorro Community and Academic Engagement for a Community-Partnered Research Approach

Objective: We describe the development of a community and academic research partnership, share reflections on processes for collaborations, and identify key factors for establishing strong and effective relationships to foster high-quality research. Background: A community-based participatory research (CBPR) effort evaluating a community-based patient navigation program assisting Chamorro women to access breast cancer services in Southern California served as the foundation for the development of the community-academic partnership. Methods: Using a CBPR approach focusing on active involvement of community members, organizational representatives, and academic researchers in all aspects of research process, faculty from a research university and a local community-based organization were brought together to build a partnership. Community and academic partners engaged in a series of meetings where dialogue focused on developing and nurturing trust and shared values, respect for community knowledge, and establishing community-defined and prioritized needs and goals. Partners have also focused on defining and developing explicit structures and policies to implement an equal partnership. Results: Experiences and lessons learned are shared, reflecting the processes of relationship building, and planning and implementing preliminary research steps. Lessons Learned: Adequate time for relationship-building, open and honest communication, flexibility, and ongoing examination of assumptions are keys to developing successful CBPR partnerships

Case Study in Chamorro Community and Academic Engagement for a Community-Partnered Research Approach

Objective: We describe the development of a community and academic research partnership, share reflections on processes for collaborations, and identify key factors for establishing strong and effective relationships to foster high-quality research. Background: A community-based participatory research (CBPR) effort evaluating a community-based patient navigation program assisting Chamorro women to access breast cancer services in Southern California served as the foundation for the development of the community-academic partnership. Methods: Using a CBPR approach focusing on active involvement of community members, organizational representatives, and academic researchers in all aspects of research process, faculty from a research university and a local community-based organization were brought together to build a partnership. Community and academic partners engaged in a series of meetings where dialogue focused on developing and nurturing trust and shared values, respect for community knowledge, and establishing community-defined and prioritized needs and goals. Partners have also focused on defining and developing explicit structures and policies to implement an equal partnership. Results: Experiences and lessons learned are shared, reflecting the processes of relationship building, and planning and implementing preliminary research steps. Lessons Learned: Adequate time for relationship-building, open and honest communication, flexibility, and ongoing examination of assumptions are keys to developing successful CBPR partnerships.</jats:p

Hepatitis B among Pacific Islanders in Southern California: how is health information associated with screening and vaccination?

We measured Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission knowledge and self-reported screening/testing behavior among Pacific Islanders (Guamanians/Chamorros, Samoans, and Tongans) in Southern California. We also examined access and trust by Pacific Islanders of varying health information sources. We administered and analyzed survey data (N = 297), using a convenience sample in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties in spring 2009. We found that while Pacific Islander respondents reported that they receive health information from physicians, and largely trust this source, information from and trust in physicians were not statistically significant in explaining whether respondents sought HBV screening or vaccination

Abstract B86: HIV and HPV risk and prevention factors among Tongan and Chamorro young adults in Southern California: A qualitative assessment

Abstract Background: Racial/ethnic minority and medically underserved populations are at significant risk of the intersection of HIV/AIDS, HPV, and cancer. Little is known about the intersection of these public health issues in Pacific Islander communities. Purpose: Establishing the ground work for understanding the intersection of these diseases, we assessed HIV and HPV risk and prevention factors among Chamorro and Tongan young adults in Southern California. Methods: Under guidelines of CBPR, a qualitative study was implemented utilizing community based focus groups with male and female young adults, and parents (n=69); and key informant interviews with medical, mental health, and social service providers, and community leaders from social, youth, and faith-based groups (n=26). Results: Utilizing grounded theory, common factors impacting HIV-HPV risk and prevention among young adults were identified: 1) religio-cultural taboos limit communication about sexual health between generations and from community leaders; 2) limited knowledge of HIV and particularly HPV engender misperceptions about disease transmission and prevention; 3) sexual abstinence, especially for young women, is promoted by parents and religious leaders; however, 4) the norm of expected abstinence leads to low levels of condom acceptance; and 5) collectivist notions of filial shame associated with HIV-HPV testing and utilization of other sexual health services, constrains prevention. Discussion: Quantitative exploration of the relationship between factors identified and behavior, as well as research to identify HIV/HPV links to cancer in these communities is needed. Future consideration must include multigenerational, gender appropriate and cultural norms –especially related to religion and the interplay between individualism and collectivism. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B86.</jats:p