Findings from American Indian Needs Assessments.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• American Indian (AI) populations face significant challenges in cancer care, including limited access and poor survival rates.
• Effective strategies are needed to improve cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and screening within these communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a locally tailored needs assessment to gather data on cancer prevention, control, risk factors, and knowledge, attitude, and perceived behavior among AI community members.
• To utilize the collected data to identify local health priorities and inform the creation of a pilot cancer prevention and early detection education intervention.

Main Methods:

• A needs assessment instrument was developed with input from local AI Advisory Committees, existing in short and long versions.
• Data were collected anonymously from 677 AI community members across three diverse US settings over four years using audience response system (ARS) technology.
• Collaboration with local AI organizations was crucial for participant identification and recruitment at community venues.

Main Results:

• The needs assessment revealed low levels of cancer education knowledge among participants.
• Significant barriers to accessing timely cancer screening and care services were identified.
• High rates of tobacco use and insufficient daily physical activity were prevalent in the study population.

Conclusions:

• Audience response system (ARS) proved effective for collecting needs assessment data from AI communities.
• Community members expressed a strong desire for increased cancer education and patient navigation services.
• There is a need for culturally competent healthcare providers to improve cancer care delivery for AI populations.