273685 M-PACTing African American men's health: Feasibility and acceptability of health information technology on informed decision-making for prostate cancer screening

Monday, October 29, 2012

Daisy Le, MPH, MA , Department of Behavioral & Community Health (BCH) - CHAMP Lab, University of Maryland, College Park - School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Cheryl L. Holt, PhD , Department of Behavioral and Community Health; School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Darlene Saunders, PhD, MPH, CHES , Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD
Min Qi Wang, PhD, MS , Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Nancy L. Atkinson, PhD , Westat, Rockville, MD
Jimmie Slade , Community Health Ministry of Prince George's County, Upper Marlboro, MD
Bettye Muwwakkil, PhD , Access to Wholistic and Productive Living Institute, Inc, Largo
Ralph Williams, BS , Access to Wholistic and Productive Living Institute Inc, Workplace, Largo, MD
Michael Naslund, MD, MBA , Division of Urology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Emily Schulz, PhD , Occupational Therapy, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ
African American men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer and are twice more likely to die from this disease than European-American men. The objective of the Men's Prostate Awareness Church Training (M-PACT) project is to develop and evaluate a spiritually based 4-part educational series focused on informed decision-making for prostate cancer screening. Trained lay community health advisors (CHAs) will deliver the series to African American men in church settings. This abstract reports on the use of formative research to determine the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating health information technology components such as text messaging to disseminate intervention reminders and health messages to the African American male community. Two initial focus groups comprised of 23 African American men ages 40-79 were convened. The men overwhelmingly reported cellphone/internet/email use, and many reported receiving text messages from their faith communities. Participants reported that they do not check their email and use electronic devices as frequently as their younger counterparts, but do actively engage in these technologies. Culturally appropriate text messages were developed based on analysis of the focus group data and review of previous empirical studies that incorporated technology into health behavior change interventions. Finally, a pilot test of the intervention protocol and materials was conducted prior to study implementation. With increased Internet penetration through the use of smart phones, particularly in minority communities, it is appropriate to investigate the viability of technology as a means to reach a minority population and reduce health disparities.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Communication and informatics
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe the process for developing and evaluating a spiritually based 4-part educational series focused on informed decision-making for prostate cancer screening. Determine the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating health information technology components such as text messaging with the African American faith community.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the student investigator assigned to this four-year ACS funded research project. I am also a UMDCP doctoral student working under the guidance of Dr. Cheryl Holt (PI) supporting the CHAMP lab in the areas of cancer, health disparities, and health communication among others. I currently assist with research grants centered on community-based and culturally appropriate interventions. My research interests include CBPR centered on cancer prevention, care, and control among minority populations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.