College-aged Men’s (18-24) Knowledge and Perceptions of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer

College-aged men (18-24) can easily transmit HPV, the most common type of sexually transmitted infection in the United States, but have the lowest knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer. This study utilized the Health Belief Model to assess the knowledge and perceptions of HPV and cervical cancer among college-aged men, and their intent to reduce their numbers of future sex partners and wear condoms during their next sexual encounter. Of 100 participants, one third (33.7%) had never heard of HPV before this study, and 87.9% rated their subjective knowledge of HPV knowledge as “poor”. Participants reported high perceived severity, and susceptibility to, HPV infection. Having heard of HPV, being in a relationship with a female partner and self-efficacy to wearing condoms were associated with participants’ intent to wear condoms during their next sexual encounter. Perceived benefits were associated with participants’ intent to reduce the number of future sex partners. College-aged men should be targeted for HPV risk reduction with HPV health interventions tailored to augment male involvement in HPV and cervical cancer prevention efforts

Role of Spirituality in Coping with Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study of Samoan Breast Cancer Survivors and their Supporters

The use of spirituality for guidance and coping affects the quality of life in many cancer survivors and their supporters. Previous research has focused on coping strategies among cancer and terminally ill survivors, primarily among White and African American women. However, the length and extent to which these strategies have been researched in a cultural and communal context, such as Pacific Islanders, is not documented. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore spiritual coping among a crosssectional sample of 20 Samoan women diagnosed with breast cancer and 40 of their supporters (family and/or friends) in Southern California. In-depth interviews were conducted retrospectively with survivors and their supporters by trained bilingual/bicultural interviewers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed (and translated where applicable), and analyzed using the grounded theory approach to identify major themes for each group. Results illustrated that spirituality provided considerable emotional and logistical assistance to both survivors and their supporters, with particularly churches playing a potentially important role in the development of social support programs for both groups. This study supports the use of faith-based communities as forums to increase health education and understanding the further use of spiritual coping for cancer survivors, family, and friends

Results of a School-Based Obesity Prevention Program Targeting Early Childhood Students

The purpose of this study was to determine whether early childhood students who participated in the Healthy for Life/PE4ME program experienced significant changes in their age-adjusted body mass index (BMI) percentiles, obesity-related behaviors, and identification of healthy foods and physical activities. The school-based program included nutrition education and physical activity components implemented by the teacher and program dietitian. Participants were 356 children and their parents, in17 Southern California schools with a high percentage of ethnically diverse, low income students. Parents completed a survey assessing their children’s demographics; family medical history; and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors; at pre-test and post-test. Students completed a picture scale activity to assess their ability to identify healthy versus. unhealthy foods and active vs. less active physical activities. BMI percentiles significantly decreased among children who were overweight or obese at pre-test; they also significantly decreased their junk food consumption (e.g., soda, Cheetos©). Obese children at pre-test significantly decreased their consumption of whole milk and increased their consumption of low-fat milk. Normal weight children significantly increased their consumption of milk and their physical activity. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the Healthy for Life/PE4ME program may be effective in reducing the childhood obesity trend in Orange County preschool children

We are Family: Family History of Diabetes among African Americans and its Association to Perceived Severity, Knowledge of Risk Factors, and Physical Activity Levels

This cross-sectional study sought to describe an association between family history of type-2 diabetes and the awareness of risk factors, perceived threat and physical activity levels in African Americans. With a prevalence of 11.8%, African Americans remain disproportionately affected by the epidemic of diabetes. A risk factor that cannot be modified, but is important and closely linked with diabetes expression, family history, can be a considerable tool in promoting behavior change and reducing the risk of developing the condition in African Americans. A self-report questionnaire was administered to 133 church going African Americans, with 55 of them with a positive family history of type-2 diabetes (41.4%) and 78 (58.6%) without. None of the participants had been previously been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. The results from the study indicated that African Americans with positive family history had a greater knowledge of risk factors, were more likely to indicate that their concern about the disease influences their eating habits and physical activity, and engaged in significantly more physical activity than those with no family history

Predictors of Women’s Emergency Contraception Use and Men’s Support of Partner’s Use among College Students

Background: The unintended pregnancy rate in the United States is high, and emergency contraception (EC) is a birth control method that prevents unintended pregnancies. Despite the fact that many college campuses provide access to EC, undergraduate college students have relatively high rates of unintended pregnancies. Purpose: This study examined whether perceptions and knowledge regarding EC use were associated with women’s intentions to use EC, and men’s intentions to support their partner’s EC use. Methods: This study utilized a convenience sample of 96 female and 118 male southern California community college undergraduate students. Results: Women had stronger intentions to use EC if they thought they could successfully obtain it at a pharmacy, while men reported they were more likely to support a partner’s use if they thought that EC use is morally acceptable. Conclusions: The findings suggest that increasing women’s knowledge about the accessibility of EC may lead to increased use of EC if needed. Men’s moral stance regarding EC use may impact the degree to which they will support their female partners using EC. Further implications are discussed

Qualitative Interviews of Romanian Key Informants Guiding a Preliminary Health Needs Assessment of Romanian Immigrants in Southern California

Background: Current literature suggests that immigrant populations face greater challenges in regards to health and healthcare which are caused by a variety of factors, including language, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and health beliefs. The scope of this research was to conduct a preliminary health needs assessment of the Romanian-American population as a first step towards creating culturally tailored health programs to meet their needs. Methods and Results: Qualitative data was acquired through semistructured interviews with key stakeholders (n= 5) in the Romanian health care system, in Romania, revealing a total of 5 themes. The data was compiled and analyzed to discover the main health beliefs that contribute to the health behaviors present in this population. Conclusion: These data begin to identify important health beliefs and risk factors unique to this population and clarify priorities for future research in the U.S

Pacific Islander Organization’s Approach towards Increasing Community Colorectal Cancer Knowledge and Beliefs

Purpose: Evaluate the educational intervention and determine if changes in knowledge and beliefs are associated with positive intentions to screen among Pacific Islanders (PIs). Design: Pre- and post-test surveys were utilized to evaluate the intervention. Educational materials included an in-language presentation, educational videos, and bookmarks with screening re-enforcement messages for communitybased PI groups. Methods: One hundred and ninety-six PIs aged 50 years and older residing in Orange County completed the educational workshop. The dependent variable is intention and the independent variables are demographic, enabling, and predisposing characteristics. Statistical analyses included paired samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and two logistic regression models. Results: Knowledge and belief scores increased pre- to post-test. A majority intended to (1) talk to a doctor about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening (74.5%), and (2) participate in CRC screening (73.5%). Positive change in knowledge score was a significant predictor for intending to talk to a doctor about CRC screening; female gender and positive change in knowledge score were significant predictors for intending to participate in screening. Conclusion: The study highlighted the effectiveness of tailored education in addressing cultural and linguistic needs of the community. Moreover, it demonstrated the education’s potential for moving participants with limited CRC screening knowledge to intend to screen

The Role of Medical Interpretation on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Asian American and Pacific Islander Women

We examined whether the impact of medical interpretation services was associated with the receipt of a mammogram, clinical breast exam, and Pap smear. We conducted a large cross-sectional study involving four Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities with high proportions of individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Participants were recruited from community clinics, churches and temples, supermarkets, and other community gathering sites in Northern and Southern California. Among those that responded, 98% completed the survey rendering a total of 1,708 AAPI women. In a series of multivariate logistic regression models, it was found that women who typically used a medical interpreter had a greater odds of having received a mammogram (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21, 2.83), clinical breast exam (OR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.82, 5.03), and a Pap smear (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.38, 3.97) than those who did not usually use an interpreter. The study provides support for increasing language access in healthcare settings. In particular, medical interpreters may help increase the utilization of breast and cervical cancer screening among LEP AAPI women

Increased AID results in mutations at the CRLF2 locus implicated in Latin American ALL health disparities

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a B cell-specific mutator required for antibody diversification. However, it is also implicated in the etiology of several B cell malignancies. Evaluating the AID-induced mutation load in patients at-risk for certain blood cancers is critical in assessing disease severity and treatment options. We have developed a digital PCR (dPCR) assay that allows us to quantify mutations resulting from AID modification or DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and repair at sites known to be prone to DSBs. Implementation of this assay shows that increased AID levels in immature B cells increase genome instability at loci linked to chromosomal translocation formation. This includes the CRLF2 locus that is often involved in translocations associated with a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that disproportionately affects Hispanics, particularly those with Latin American ancestry. Using dPCR, we characterize the CRLF2 locus in B cell-derived genomic DNA from both Hispanic ALL patients and healthy Hispanic donors and found increased mutations in both, suggesting that vulnerability to DNA damage at CRLF2 may be driving this health disparity. Our ability to detect and quantify these mutations will potentiate future risk identification, early detection of cancers, and reduction of associated cancer health disparities