3006.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 2

Abstract #6213

Need for Cancer Data Specific to American Indians and Alaskan Natives

Theda McPheron Keel, RN, CRRN, MA, MS, Wind Hollow Foundation, 6739D South Clifton Road, Frederick, MD 21703, (301) 371-8759, windholo@windhollow.org

Cancer during this century has become a major health concern among American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. A critical need for cancer data specific to tribal populations exists nationwide. This presentation will highlight the issues and the barriers surrounding cancer data among tribal persons. Findings from a completed research thesis which focused on cancer data needs using both qualitative and quantitative methods will be shared. Participants in the study were tribal health employees representing over 69 tribes nationwide. Their responses have been analyzed to better define the tribal perspective of cancer awareness, prevention and outreach efforts in relationship to cancer data needs.

Areas of focus include perceived sources of information, actual usage patterns of these same sources, inclusion of traditional tribal healers and usage patterns, relevance of the sources used and level of satisfaction with these sources. Participants were also asked to identify issues and concerns they felt and experienced related to cancer data needs. These responses were then analyzed with issues of access, lack of facilities/funding resources/professional personnel and cultural needs all being identified as barriers and common needs. Data and its multifocused application to these areas was addressed with possible solutions offered to overcome barriers and meet common needs.

A summary of the findings using an integrated approach to include resources and involvement parameters for tribal, local, regional, state, and national strategies will be given. Areas of prioritized needs which maximizes limited fiscal and human resources will also be offered. Discussion and question/answer period will conclude session.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Better define and understand the huge variances in tribal beliefs, behaviors and resources as they impact cancer, data and relevant cancer prevention and control issues. 2. Be able to identify broad based system approaches to cancer data and their limitations and to compare and contrast population based approaches to cancer data and their limitations. 3. Be better prepared to integrate existing resources and agencies to focus on data as a multisource collaborative "product" and a shared responsibility with special emphasis on tribal involvement at all stages

Keywords: American Indians, Information Databases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA