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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Salma N. Shariff-Marco, PhD, MPH, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Applied Research Program, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7344, EPN 7009c, Rockville, MD 20852-7344, 301.435.4986, shariffs@mail.nih.gov

Racial/ethnic disparities in cancer exist and while some groups have experienced decreases or a leveling off with respect to their cancer burden, others have experienced increases. Racism has been identified as a potential contributor to these disparities with limited research evaluating its role in cancer prevention. Using cross-sectional data from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey, the study draws from 3,500 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (API) representing 6 ethnic groups in California. Perceived racism is measured with questions about general exposure to racism and exposure within the health care context. Segregation is measured via Index of Dissimilarity and Exposure Index. Cancer prevention is measured with a set of primary (e.g., avoiding tobacco use, regular exercise) and secondary (e.g., early detection) prevention behaviors. Linear regression and multilevel modeling are utilized for the individual level and multilevel analyses, respectively. Among APIs 64% of the respondents reported experiencing racism, in general, while 7% of the respondents reported experiencing discrimination within the health care context. Perceived racism varied by API ethnic groups, ranging from 8% to 29% for racism, in general, and 4%-34% within the health care context. As exposure to perceived racism increases for APIs, their cancer prevention behavioral risk profiles increase. This trend also holds for primary prevention behavioral risk profiles but not for secondary prevention. This research provides information on the prevalence of perceived racism for APIs and its effect on preventive behaviors. The research findings may support and inform health care setting interventions addressing discrimination and promoting cultural competency.

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

• Describe the range of perceived racism experienced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California.
• Assess the relationship between racism (perceived racism at the individual level and segregation at the county level) and cancer prevention behaviors among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California (as well as for the following subgroups
  Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino and South Asian).
  • Identify potential mediators and moderators of the relationship including socioeconomic position, immigration status, acculturation (e.g., language, length of US residence), and neighborhood characteristics between racism and cancer prevention for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California.

  Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Cancer Prevention

  Presenting author's disclosure statement:

  Any relevant financial relationships? No
  

  Recorded presentation

  Emerging Health Concerns for AAPI Communities

  The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA