Breast cancer is the leading site of cancer incidence and mortality for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women in the nation. In addition, cervical cancer incidence rates for many ethnic AAPI women are higher than for white women. Unfortunately, AAPI women have the lowest breast and cervical cancer screening rates for cancer compared to all other ethnic groups, yet few programs have specifically targeted these women to promote and sustain screening practices. Between September 1999 and August 2000, focus group methodology was used to assess the breast and cervical cancer control needs of AAPI women from seven communities (Cambodian, Chamorro, Lao, Samoan, Thai, Tongan, and Vietnamese) in the counties of Los Angeles and Orange, California. A total of 20 in-language focus groups were conducted with women, men, community leaders and health care provider informants from each community. Transcripts were created and translated into English, and analyzed using qualitative methods to identify important differences in perspective by informant type. Results will be presented in order to demonstrate the need to triangulate information from multiple sources when using this needs assessment technique. Implications for improving the rigor of focus group methodology for AAPI community needs assessment will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will have: 1. knowledge about how focus group methodology was used to assess the breast cancer needs of API women; 2. understanding of important differences in perspective between women, men, community leaders and providers; 3. implications of findings for the use of focus groups in assessing community needs.
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander Women, Methodology
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.