The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68878

Mollie W. Howerton, PhD, MPH, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Rm. E6031, Baltimore, MD 21205, 410-502-0014, mhowert2@jhmi.edu and Norma Fox Kanarek, PhD, Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Grant, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205.

Background. Maryland's Cigarette Restitution Fund Program provides $40 million annually from the tobacco settlement to target cancer. In Baltimore, the two statewide academic health centers are providing cancer care and screening services. The overall goal of the program is to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality as well as eliminate racial disparities. A Basic Priority Rating (BPR) model was used to define Baltimore City's cancer problem based on size and seriousness, effectiveness of interventions, and program feasibility in communities (Vilnius and Dandoy, 1990). The seven targeted cancer sites were set by the Maryland General Assembly: breast, cervix, colon/rectum, lung/bronchus, melanoma, oral, and prostate. Methods. BPR provides a basis for priority setting through a process that produces a quantifiable value for each target cancer site. The final value for each site was based on the formula [(A+B)C / 3 x D], where A is problem size, based on incidence and mortality rates; B is problem seriousness, based on urgency, severity, economic loss, and impact to others; C is intervention effectiveness, based on efficacy and degree to which targets will respond; and D is PEARL, or the program's propriety, economics, acceptability, resources, and legality. Results. The recommended cancer sites for prevention programs in Baltimore City are listed in the following rank order: prostate, oral, cervical, breast, melanoma, lung, colon/rectum. Moreover, priorities set using the BPR model match Baltimore City's program priorities set by decision makers. Conclusions. The BPR can be a useful tool in the analysis and priority setting of public health problems in communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the Basic Priority Rating (BPR) model.
• Apply the BPR model to other health problems in other communities.

Keywords: Cancer, Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.