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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Carol Goldtooth-Begay, BS, The Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1527 East Mabel Street, Tucson, AZ 85721-0457, 520-626-0260, carolg@email.arizona.edu, Sally Joe, Navajo Nation Division of Health, POBox 1390, WIndow Rock, AZ 86515, Lydia Hubbard-Pourier, MPH, National Indian Women's Health Resources Center, 228 S. Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464, and Louise M. Canfield, PhD, NAU/AZCC Native American Cancer Research Partnership, 1527 East Mabel Street, Tucson, AZ 85721-0457.

Background: This study provided the opportunity for Navajo people to assess knowledge and concern about cancer among Navajo Nation employees. The collaborative partnership between the Navajo Nation Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program and the Native American Cancer Research Partnership used a community participatory model.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was distributed to Navajo Nation employees. They were chosen as the study group because of their Navajo Nation citizenship and their representative genders, age, education and incomes. Approval from the University Human subjects' board and the Navajo Nation Human Research Review Boards were obtained.

Results: 373 surveys were returned for analysis (29%). Respondents were 82% female and 18% male and median age of 43 years. Selected results representing 58 key categories of inquiry examples were analyzed. For example, the causes of cancer are thought to be due to the environment, tobacco (“skoal”), genetics and lack of early screening/detection. Primary sources of information about cancer come from the medical provider and printed materials. Contrary to current literature, this American Indian population does not fear talking about cancer or think that cancer is a white man's disease, and they are interested in learning more about cancer.

Conclusion: This assessment demonstrated that the level of knowledge is greater and attitudes more positive regarding talking about cancer among Navajo people than previously assumed. This study identified focus areas to be addressed in future education and prevention programs, as well as key health care issues.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe information about the beliefs of cancer causation among Navajo Nation employees.
• Identify source(s) of public information concerning cancer and cancer prevention for Navajo Nation employees.
• Identify the need and sources for additional cancer education among Navajo Nation Employees.

Keywords: American Indians, Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No