Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #106840

Melba Sanchez-Ayendez, PhD¹, Cruz Maria Nazario, PhD², Johan Hernández, MPH³, Himilce Velez, MS/ABD⁴, Cathy D. Meade, RN, PhD⁵, and Dinorah Martinez, MA/ABD⁵. (1) Human Development/School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, 787 731-6998, sanc369@attglobal.net, (2) Epidemiology/School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, (3) Medical Sciences Campus, Cancer Center, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, (4) Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, UPR School of Public Heath, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, (5) Education Program, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Dr, MRC-CANTRL, Tampa, FL 33612

The past decade saw advances in translating research findings into public health practices to reduce cancer risks. However, it has been found that those who are unable to read well enough to cope with the persistent reading demands of an increasingly complicated healthcare system often fall behind more literate groups in adopting and using cancer control interventions. Low literacy generates serious implications across the continuum of cancer control. Health literacy is critical to evaluate health information, make informed health decisions, and potentially adopt new behaviors. Relevant cancer communication is a key healthcare priority.

This study explores the cancer information needs, priorities and communication preferences among low-income and low literacy Puerto Ricans (21+). Focus groups were conducted divided by sex and age categories (21-40, 41-64, 65+). Results indicate striking differences by age. The younger cohorts (21-40) prefer visual strategies and messages that are presented in social activities such as music festivals, shopping malls, and sports events. The middle-aged and older participants prefer religious activities, television programs, and health fairs as sources of information. All age groups complained about the lack of information offered by physicians and responses also revolved around issues of respeto and personalismo. Role differentiation between males and females also affected the responses of the participants. Results from this research could lead to reduce some health disparities in cancer, particularly in terms of the development of culturally appropriate and literacy sensitive cancer communications regarding screening, early detection and prevention and effective disclosure of this information within the Hispanic community.

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