Exploring Perceptions About Cancer Among U.S.- and Foreign-born Asian Indian/Pakistani Adults: Implications for Intervention Design

Authors:

Amy Leader, Thomas Jefferson University
Salini Mohanty, Drexel University
Preethi Selvan, Thomas Jefferson University
Mahendra Dadhania, Indian Cultural Center of South Jersey
Ravi Goel, Indian Cultural Center of South Jersey
Ray Lum, Drexel University
Veda Giri (Presenter)
Thomas Jefferson University

Public Health Statement: Cancer is a leading cause of mortality among the 3 million Asian Indian/Pakistanis (AIPs) in the United States (U.S.). AIPs have traditionally been underrepresented in research, although reasons remain largely unexplored.

Purpose: We sought to understand AIP’s awareness and perceptions of cancer and elicit recommendations to improve their participation in cancer-related research. We also aimed to understand the types of messages that would be most salient to the AIP community when considering cancer prevention and risk assessment.

Methods/Approach: Four focus groups were held at an AIP cultural center in New Jersey in December 2016. Focus groups were stratified based on gender and birthplace (U.S.-born vs. foreign-born). Discussions focused on awareness of cancer, the role of AIP culture in preventing, diagnosing, or treating cancer, access to healthcare services, and barriers to participation in research. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed using NVivo^® 11 for dominant themes.

Results: 32 AIP adults participated in one of the four focus groups. Due to the stigma of cancer and a desire for privacy, health histories are less documented in AIP families, which makes knowing one’s cancer history more challenging. While many of the older, foreign-born participants felt that karma sometimes has a role in the development of cancer, many of the younger, U.S.-born participants did not agree. However, all participants felt that spirituality and prayer were meaningful for those who had cancer. Recommendations for designing successful interventions included partnering with community events and festivities, posting culturally and linguistically relevant recruitment materials, and focusing on population-based health improvement.

Conclusions/Implications: Culture plays a prominent role in AIPs’ awareness and perceptions of cancer and should be taken into consideration when designing cancer prevention and control interventions.