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Assessing cultural sensitivity in printed cancer materials
1Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College of Education, College Station 77843-4243, USA.
Cancer Practice
|March 25, 2000
Summary
Most printed cancer education materials are not culturally sensitive for African Americans, particularly visual messages. Future materials need culturally tailored visuals to improve cancer prevention awareness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Communication
- Cancer Control
Background:
- Printed cancer education materials (PCEMs) are vital for cancer prevention and awareness.
- Cultural factors significantly influence information retention and utilization among African Americans.
- Existing literature inadequately addresses the cultural sensitivity of PCEMs for this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cultural sensitivity of PCEMs disseminated to African Americans.
- To identify specific areas of cultural insensitivity within these materials.
Main Methods:
- Conducted focus groups with the target population.
- Established an advisory committee for guidance.
- Developed and utilized the Printed Cancer Education Materials for African Americans Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool.
Main Results:
- Assessed PCEMs based on format, visual message, and written message.
- Found 56.2% of PCEMs to be culturally insensitive.
- Identified visual messaging as the least culturally sensitive component.
Conclusions:
- Future PCEMs for African Americans must incorporate culturally sensitive visual messages for enhanced effectiveness.
- The developed assessment tool can aid cancer control specialists in creating culturally appropriate materials.