Abstract C04: Impact of a Minority Prostate Cancer (MiCaP) Research Digest in translating scientific discovery into public health and community applications
Authors: Odedina Folakemi , Walsh-Childers Kim , Young Mary Ellen , Dagne Getachew , Krieger Janice , Kaninjing Ernest , Askins Nissa 
Published: February 2019

Background and Objective: Although prostate cancer (CaP) mortality and morbidity have declined since the 1990s, Black men (BM) are still disproportionately affected by CaP. It will take a concerted and inventive effort to address the burden of CaP in BM. A unique approach that is of significant interest to our team is increased access to life-changing, scientific CaP discoveries for BM, especially those with implications for primary and secondary preventive interventions. The primary objective of this study was to develop a research dissemination program, the Minority Prostate Cancer (MiCaP) Research Digest, which will spread information about CaP scientific discoveries, evidence-based interventions, and open clinical trials instantly among BM. We hypothesized that knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, cues to action, and risk-reduction and prevention behaviors will be higher among the users of the MiCaP Research Digest compared to nonusers.

Methodology: The development of the MiCaP Research Digest was guided by valid behavioral and health communication models and based on an understanding of the scientific information needs of BM. The targeted population was BM between the ages of 35 and 70 years. The research setting was in Florida. We employed focus groups and individual interviews to plan and select the strategy, channel, and material for the digest. Subsequently, the communication strategy statement was used to develop message concepts and materials. A cross-sectional pre- post study design was employed to establish the efficacy of the Digest among 33 BM.

Results: The Digest comprised a one-page public abstract and a 7-minute video that includes: (1) Digest Minute sound bite by the author; (2) 4-minute discussion with the author taking questions from a CaP advocate and a peer scientist; (3) Digest Minute recap by the scientist and advocate; and (4) a clinical trial opportunity session. The first volume focused on “Prostate tumor gene expression in Black men.” Majority of the 33 participants who previewed the Digest were native-born BM, between 60 and 69 years, had college degrees, were married, and had full-time employment. Based on McNemar's test results of pre- and post-assessments, there was significant improvement in the knowledge and self-efficacy of participants. In rating the Digest, 100% of participants were satisfied with it, 96% rated the digest information as satisfactory, 87% rated it as better than expected, and 97% rated the quality as high. Participants' written feedback was also very positive.

Conclusion: Although many biomedical research projects are funded through public dollars, oftentimes the scientific discoveries from the projects are inaccessible for the public. This is especially disconcerting when such discoveries can have immediate impact on a disease that disproportionately affects a specific population, Black men (BM). The MiCaP Research Digest provides a vehicle for BM to access high-impact CaP scientific discoveries, thereby facilitating the immediate translation of scientific discoveries into public health applications.

Citation Format: Folakemi Odedina, Kim Walsh-Childers, Mary Ellen Young, Getachew Dagne, Janice Krieger, Ernest Kaninjing, Nissa Askins. Impact of a Minority Prostate Cancer (MiCaP) Research Digest in translating scientific discovery into public health and community applications [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr C04.