Aliche, Obianuju

Introduction Immigrants of African Descent (IAD) are a subset of the population in the United States with unique healthcare needs and experiences driving health disparities, including inadequate access to healthcare for cancer prevention and control. This study reports the impact of a Cancer advocacy program in IAD communities, using the training of trainers approach. Methods IAD from different organizations were invited to undergo cancer advocacy training organized by Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity and Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center as Master trainers on colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Participation was through in-person training and Zoom sessions. Our team communicated with participants frequently via email to provide support and updates. The Master trainers led cancer awareness programs within their communities during the second phase of the program. Results Participants included two breast cancer survivors, three prostate cancer survivors, six cancer caregivers, and 19 community advocates. There were 19 advocate-led cancer risk reduction and research participation events, reaching 2045 community members, and 875 were navigated to research. Community responses showed that 96% found the information given at the Master Trainer-led event was very useful, 46% promised to seek more cancer information, and 17% agreed to volunteer to become a cancer advocate. The insights from this study suggested that the train-the-trainers’ approach was efficient in ensuring community ownership of cancer advocacy. Conclusion IAD can be trained to effectively lead advocacy programs in immigrant communities, using the train-the-trainer approach. Future studies should establish the feasibility of sustaining community outreach and research navigation in IAD communities to improve cancer prevention and cancer care outcomes in this population.

Abstract Objectives To explore patients’ use of patient portals to access lab test results, their comprehension of lab test data, and factors associated with these. Materials and Methods An online survey was administered to 276 adults 18+ years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with patient portal use to view lab test results and lab test comprehension. Results The sample was predominantly White (72.5%), female (55.4%), with mean age 50.7 ± 15.5 years. Overall, participants had low numeracy (10.79 ± 2.71) and eHealth literacy skills (23.91 ± 5.29), and moderate lab test comprehension scores (18 ± 2.3). White participants with greater eHealth literacy were more likely to access lab test results via patient portals, whereas those with a college education were less likely to do so (χ2 [3]=31.23, P < .001). The regression showed that older age, fewer chronic conditions, and use of patient portals were significantly related to higher lab test comprehension scores (F [22, 250]=8.73, P <.001). Older adults performed better on comprehension tests but reported having difficulty understanding lab tests, expressing a preference for their doctors to explain them. Discussion The findings shed light on the experiences and needs of different user groups that must be addressed to enhance their ability to effectively use patient portals for obtaining lab test results. Conclusion More research is needed to determine patient barriers to comprehending lab test results online and to develop tailored strategies to improve patients’ self-efficacy to meaningfully use medical information in patient portals.