American Indian communities' needs assessments through participatory research

American Indian (AI) communities typically lack sufficient cancer information and data documenting their local cancer concerns. In addition, recent budgetary limitations have hampered most communities' abilities to collect accurate and timely data from a large enough sample to provide meaningful data for program and service planning. Without sufficient, accurate data, the community has difficulty focusing on the greatest cancer-related priorities affecting its population. Three AI community-based organizations were subcontracted by Mayo Clinic's Spirit of Eagles to collect local cancer needs assessment survey data. The primary methodology for survey implementation is to use an audience response system (ARS) version of a needs assessment survey that was tailored by local AI leaders. The survey is implemented with multiple, small community groups. Multiple advantages, including cost-effectiveness and ease of tailoring for diverse geographic regions will be shared during the session. Through the use of ARS with small AI gatherings, more than 150 unduplicated AI community members provided needs assessment feedback. Examples of findings include, more than ¾ of the community participants are AI and more than 40% have HS or less education. More than half are tobacco smokers and about half have family or friends diagnosed with tobacco-related cancers. About 2/3 are overweight, ¾ eat 0-2 fruits and vegetables daily, more than ¼ take part in no daily physical activity, and fewer than ¼ have taken part in recommended cancer screening. These findings are already being used to obtain funding for local cancer interventions.