The cancer good news project

Abstract presented at the International Social Marketing Conference 2014, 17-18 July 2014, Melbourne, Australi

The incorporation of Transformative Consumer Research principles within the \u27Cancer Good News\u27 social marketing project: A Case Study

Abstract presented at the World Social Marketing Conference, 19-21 April 2015, Sydney, Australi

Factors contributing to low readiness and capacity of culturally diverse participants to use the Australian national bowel screening kit

Objectives: Bowel screening is an effective way to promote early detection of bowel cancer. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people face considerable barriers to screening. This qualitative study explored perceptions towards, and usability of, Australia\u27s national bowel screening kit with members of two migrant communities. Methods: Thirty-three people (aged 50-79 years) from Serbian and Macedonian communities in the Illawarra region in New South Wales, Australia, participated in one of five interactive focus group sessions. Sessions used innovative \u27customer journey\u27 techniques to understand participants\u27 experience of each step of the faecal occult blood test process. Participants discussed knowledge of bowel cancer and attitudes to screening, and participated in a collective mock use of a test kit. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed by two researchers in collaboration with bicultural health workers. Results: Multiple factors contributed to low readiness and capacity to use the kit, including limited promotion of the program in community languages, complicated and poorly sequenced kit instructions, and confusion around the order and labelling of kit components. Participants suggested several ways to improve kits to improve uptake by CALD communities. Conclusion: Simplified and targeted promotion of bowel screening programs in community languages, and improved kit design, may support participation of CALD populations in screening programs

The Coniston Men\u27s Shed: more than just a place to play with wood!

Men\u27s sheds and health outcomes - They are seen as a positive approach to men\u27s health and social needs - They are relevant to contemporary health promotion practices as they focus on individual empowerment: + + self-esteem -\u3e + + personal control -\u3e + + health outcome

Project Good News - Engaging priority CALD communities to reduce the stigma associated with cancer

Abstract presented at the Innovations in Cancer Services and Care NSW Conference 201

Improving cancer outcomes among culturally and linguistically diverse communities: a rapid review of the literature

This Evidence Check review examined the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic speaking communities in Australia in relation to cancer, its causes, screening, treatments, perceptions of susceptibility, and perceived outcomes. The review explores fear, stigma, taboos, and the role of family, as well as the evidence of effectiveness of cancer prevention, detection and treatment interventions. There are significant gaps in the evidence base

Knowledge of, beliefs about, and perceived barriers to organ and tissue donation in Serbian, Macedonian, and Greek Orthodox communities in Australia

Context-Despite the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation, a worldwide shortage of suitable and registered donors exists. Although the reasons for this shortage are multifactorial, it has been recognized that distinct barriers to registration, family discussion, and consent that require targeted intervention and action are present among minority cultural, religious, and immigrant communities. Objective-To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of 3 orthodox religious communities in Australia (Macedonian, Greek, and Serbian Orthodox) and determine the implications for engaging with these communities to improve knowledge, attitudes, family discussion, and the ability to make an informed decision about donation. Design-Qualitative approach using focus groups moderated by researchers and bicultural health workers with the assistance of accredited interpreters. Participants-98 adult members of the Greek, Macedonian, and Serbian Orthodox communities in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. Results-Clear barriers to discussing and making an informed decision about organ and tissue donation were identified. Knowledge of processes and procedures was low and discussion about death (and organ and tissue donation) with family members and loved ones was considered taboo. Despite these barriers, all 3 communities expressed a desire for more information and engagement. Of particular interest were the perspectives of 3 types of experts : medical, religious, and other community members (who had experience with the organ and tissue donation system). Future programs designed for orthodox religious communities should consider the need for active strategies that facilitate information sharing and engagement between community members and these 3 types of experts

Factors contributing to low readiness and capacity of culturally diverse participants to use the Australian national bowel screening kit

Objectives: Bowel screening is an effective way to promote early detection of bowel cancer. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people face considerable barriers to screening. This qualitative study explored perceptions towards, and usability of, Australia’s national bowel screening kit with members of two migrant communities. Methods: Thirty-three people (aged 50–79 years) from Serbian and Macedonian communities in the Illawarra region in New South Wales, Australia, participated in one of five interactive focus group sessions. Sessions used innovative ‘customer journey’ techniques to understand participants’ experience of each step of the faecal occult blood test process. Participants discussed knowledge of bowel cancer and attitudes to screening, and participated in a collective mock use of a test kit. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed by two researchers in collaboration with bicultural health workers. Results: Multiple factors contributed to low readiness and capacity to use the kit, including limited promotion of the program in community languages, complicated and poorly sequenced kit instructions, and confusion around the order and labelling of kit components. Participants suggested several ways to improve kits to improve uptake by CALD communities. Conclusion: Simplified and targeted promotion of bowel screening programs in community languages, and improved kit design, may support participation of CALD populations in screening programs

Using World Cafés to engage an Australian culturally and linguistically diverse community around human papillomavirus vaccination

Abstract Introduction Internationally, cultural factors are associated with vaccine uptake and completion in ethnic minority communities. Whilst Australia has achieved high human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, little is known about how culture or ethnicity influences HPV vaccination engagement. To address these gaps, we partnered with our Local Health District to explore how one culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community engages with school and HPV vaccination. Methods We adapted a participatory research method (the World Café) to engage one local CALD community—the Macedonian community (Our bi‐cultural researcher and participants preferred the term ‘Macedonia’ rather than The Republic of North Macedonia as outlined in the 2018 Prespa agreement) in New South Wales (Australia)—to discuss HPV and school vaccination. Our qualitative analysis combined deductive codes taken from the Tailoring Immunization Programme framework, inductive codes guided by narrative inquiry (temporality, sociality and place) and previously known vaccination ‘trust’ frameworks. Results In late 2019, 31 local Macedonian community members were purposely recruited for two World Cafés (n = 15 mothers/grandmothers and n = 16 young adults). Our themes reveal a community narrative grounded in historical vaccine experiences, family views on vaccination and a general trust in schools. Participants collectively discussed how ‘increasing knowledge’ and ‘tailoring health communications’ could strengthen community vaccine decision‐making. Conclusion This study demonstrates how research partnerships and participatory methods can be applied in CALD community settings to research engagement with school and HPV vaccination. Our World Café dialogues highlight a positive narrative about vaccines, where community vaccination behaviours were built on multilayer trust relationships despite low vaccine knowledge. Our findings further knowledge around ‘public trust’ in school vaccination, highlighting the importance of existing (or missing) trust relationships when tailoring vaccine communication to local CALD communities. Patient or Public Contribution Participants who took part in the World Cafes were all local Macedonian community parents or young adults who have been or will be exposed to the health services offered by school‐based HPV vaccination. Thus, all the data collected came from their personal experiences with the school vaccination programme, or how they expect to participate in the programme. To ensure our study design was culturally appropriate and tailored to the Macedonian community, we engaged with the relevant local health stakeholders (the bi‐cultural Multicultural Health Officer and Multicultural Health Service Manager Programme Director) to adapt and refine the World Café method for this context and setting. Our local health stakeholders also reviewed our preliminary findings, assisted with data interpretation and participated in manuscript editing

A qualitative evaluation of an ethnic mental health and living skills support program

Individuals with mental illness from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have poorer health outcomes than their non-CALD peers. Support groups have been found to be an effective component of the treatment for both affective and psychotic disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate participants\u27 perceptions of a Macedonian Mental Health and Living Skills Program, a support group program for Macedonian individuals with a serious mental illness. Two focus groups were conducted with 22 CALD participants, with 11 participants in each group. The discussion centered on their perceptions and experiences of the group. The results indicated the following key themes that emerged from the focus group data: improved social opportunities; a sense of comfort and belonging; improved mood; increased motivation; better access to health information; and reductions in hospital admissions. In summary, the CALD participants perceived the support program to be highly beneficial and advantageous to their health and wellbeing