Cancer 101: An impact evaluation of a community education curriculum on biospecimen research adapted for six population groups

The session will describe the CDRN’s efforts to translate, adapt and pilot test an evidence-based biospecimen education curriculum for six target population groups: African American, Hispanic, Appalachian, Chinese, South Asian, and Native American. The CDRN, Region Five of the National Cancer Institute's national Geographic Management Program (GMaP), comprises 25 institutions in 15 states and brings together community-engaged researchers and biomedical scientists to address challenges in cancer health disparities and diverse engagement in biospecimen research. The CDRN conducted a rigorous adaptation process and piloted the culturally tailored educational program with eleven institutions (two per population group except for Native Americans) and 6 populations.  The evaluation included a pre and post-program survey to assess impact on knowledge, and intention to participate in biospecimen related research. Each of the 11 sites will complete the pilot by March 2014 with an expected accrual of 550 participants across 6 populations.  Preliminary review of the completed surveys (n=252) from five of the eleven sites indicate that 80% had been impacted by “someone close to them having cancer”.  In regards to participation in research, only 18% had ever taken part in a research study and only 10% had every donated a biospecimen.  Also, only 12% indicated someone in their family had participated.  Ranked reasons to participate are: helping others in the future, improving my own health, and to contribute to new discoveries.   We will present on the final results of the pilot, including differences among the 6 populations in knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions.