Bolajoko, Opeyemi O.

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.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the geographic distribution of diabetes and sedentary behavior across Florida counites, identifying high-risk areas to inform targeted public health interventions. We seek to inform targeted public health interventions and address health disparities, particularly in rural areas. Methods: Data from the 2017-2019 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed, among adults aged 18 years and older. Diabetes status was determined by self-reported diagnosis, and sedentary behavior was assessed based on physical activity participation. Respondents who declined to answer or were unsure were excluded. Results: The statewide prevalence of diabetes diagnosis in Florida was 11.7% (95% CI: 10.8-12.6), with substantial geographic variation across counties. Sedentary prevalence varied significantly across the state, compared to the statewide rate of 26.5% (95% CI: 25-28). Counties with high diabetes prevalence often had elevated rates of sedentary behavior. Rural northern panhandle counties had higher concentrations of both diabetes and sedentary behavior. BRFSS design variables and weights ensured representative estimates for Florida. Conclusion: This study highlights the elevated prevalence of diabetes and sedentary lifestyles in the northern counties of Florida. The geographic patterns underscore the need for targeted, county-level interventions. Despite troubling rise in diabetes and sedentary behavior, there is a significant opportunity to mobilized community and outreach services, ensuring they are effectively deployed to these high-risk areas.