Abstract A19: Development and pilot testing of a culturally appropriate intervention on biospecimen research among Chinese Americans
Authors: Gao Wanzhen , Ma Grace X. , Tan Yin , Fang Carolyn Y. , Zhang Zi Ai , Lai Philip 
Published: June 2012

Background: There is a paucity of information on recruitment of Asian Americans for biospecimen research. Although studies show that Chinese Americans are at high risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, there are neither published studies focused on examining the impact of psychosocial and cultural factors on HBV biospecimen research among this population, nor educational interventions undertaken to increase the knowledge of and changes in attitudes toward greater participation in biobanking research among this large subset of the Asian populations.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and test the feasibility and effectiveness of a culturally and linguistically appropriate education on HBV-related biospecimen research participation among Chinese American population in Philadelphia.

Methods: Guided by the theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Community-Based participatory Research (CBPR) principles, mixed research methods of qualitative and quantitative studies were used. Two focus groups with Chinese community lay members (n=20) and 8 in-depth interviews with Chinese community leaders who represent four Chinese CBOs were conducted to have a better understanding of Chinese American cultural beliefs, attitudes, perceived barriers and intentions to participate in hepB biospecimen research, as well as receive recommendations for developing and implementing a culturally appropriate education intervention from the perspectives of both Chinese community leaders and lay members. For the pilot study, 2-arm quasi-experimental design with pre- and post education intervention assessments was used. Eight study sites will be recruited: four will be assigned to intervention group and four to control group. Approximately a total of 320 participants will be enrolled into the study.

Results: The qualitative results showed that 40% of the participants indicated that blood donation may be harmful to one's health. Participants expressed that if the research impact has direct benefit relevant to them or their community, they would be more willing to participate. About one-third of the participants expressed willingness to donate blood for future HBV biospecimen research for the reason of advancing science. All participants stated that culturally appropriate education is important and suggested that the education program should be carried out in collaboration with community leaders in order to achieve its success. The pilot testing of the education program is planned to complete in November 2011. A multidisciplinary team was established. The preliminary data showed potential success in increasing knowledge of, changing attitudes toward and intention to participation in future HBV biospecimen research among Chinese Americans.

Implications: Findings from the focus groups and in-depth interviews with community leaders and members provided us with profound insights for developing culturally appropriate intervention to increase biospecimen research participation among Chinese Americans. This pilot study is expected to yield new data on the intervention effects, which leads to a solid foundation for future large-scale controlled intervention trials in the Chinese American and other Asian populations.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A19.