The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #38319

Beverly J Gor, EdD, RD, LD, CDE¹, TruongSon Hoang, BS¹, Jenny K Yi, PhD, MPH², Jan C. Liang, PhD, MBA¹, Angelina Esparza, BA¹, and Lovell A Jones, PhD¹. (1) Center for Research on Minority Health, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe, Box 536, Houston, TX 77030, (713) 794-5555, bjgor@mdanderson.org, (2) Health Program, University of Houston, 3855 Holman St. Garrison Bldg. 104, Houston, TX 77204-6321

The Asian American population in Texas is the fourth largest in the US and yet relatively little is known about the health status and risk for cancer and other diseases in this group. The Center for Research on Minority Health (CRMH) at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX is conducting a health needs assessment of the Asian community residing in Houston and its surrounding counties. The Vietnamese and Chinese populations are among the largest Asian American communities in Houston so these groups are targeted in this study. A survey instrument was developed for the Asian community based on a modified version of the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. A panel of experts in Asian health and cancer issues reviewed the questions and provided feedback to make the instrument more culturally competent and sensitive. The goals of the project are to: (1) identify unmet health needs, (2) understand the ethnic and cultural variables that affect the behaviors and attitudes of this population in regards to cancer and other health concerns, (3) compile general demographic data, and (4) review exposure to risk factors (occupational, genetic, behavioral, etc…). With the information gathered from this study, the CRMH will develop a research agenda so that research projects can be prioritized to better address health needs, including but not limited to cancer concerns, among the Asian population in Houston.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• describe the need for more studies on Asian health, particularly in Texas and the southern US
• articulate the procedures used in developing a health needs survey instrument for an Asian population
• list at least 3 cultural considerations that were addressed when working with this Asian American population

Keywords: Asian Americans, Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Univesity of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Center for Research on Minority Health
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.