Addressing barriers to optimal cancer care among underserved Arab Americans

Arab American cancer patients are faced with numerous barriers to optimal cancer care. This pilot is a comprehensive intervention to address socioeconomic barriers to cancer care for underserved, Arab American patients participating in the Integrated Cancer Awareness Access Network in New York City. Results are used to tailor cancer services delivery programs for this population. Our needs assessment is guided by Glasgow’s Logic Model of Role of Perceived Barriers and Related Constructs to Patient Self Management/Adherence. Bilingual Access Facilitators administered a needs assessment survey in clinic waiting rooms. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used to examine sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities profiles, and needs areas. Fifty-seven patients (47 female, 10 male) were recruited at ten hospital-based cancer clinics. 39% were below 50. All but one was born outside the U.S., with 37% from Egypt and 18% from Morocco. 37% lived in the U.S. for fewer than 10 years. 54% preferred to speak Arabic in the healthcare setting. 49% were uninsured when diagnosed. The most common cancer was breast (58%). Of the 33 patients with comorbidities data, 46% reported a physical disorder. The following areas of need were identified: financial (86%), transportation (74%), food (70%), medical interpretation (63%), and supportive services (57%).

In this study of Arab cancer patients, comorbidities are common, and a large proportion of patients need economic and logistical support. Without such support, these patients are at risk for poor outcomes. Future research should explore the impact of multi-disciplinary interventions addressing socioeconomic barriers to cancer care for this vulnerable population.