Abstract A27: Addressing linguistic needs for non-native English speakers: Assessing video technology as a means for increasing cancer screening.
Authors: Murray Kate E. , Pan Amy , Mills Alice , Reyes Maria Lourdes F. , Abdi Sahra , Velarde Hope , Clark Pat , Bennett Rachel , Villarreal Veronica , Olsen Alison 
Published: August 2014

Non-native English speakers face exceptional challenges when navigating the U.S. health care system. Despite research highlighting limited knowledge of cancer, low rates of participation in cancer screening programs, and cancer disparities for underserved populations, there are few culturally adapted prevention programs to enhance cancer screening among non-native English speakers. One of the major concerns for some recent immigrant and refugee communities includes limited literacy in English and/or their native language. Therefore, there is a need for interventions that employ novel formats to address the linguistic and literacy barriers to health education. The use of video technology provides a cost-effective method for reaching widespread audiences; however, there is limited information on the effectiveness of such methodologies as an intervention tool. The current research includes a systematic review of the literature to identify existing health education and cancer screening promoting programs for non-native English speakers using a video format. Literature searches were carried out via academic databases and public platforms in order to identify academic, corporate, and non-profit video materials developed targeting non-English speakers. Videos were reviewed to assess: (1) the target communities and languages available; (2) whether the videos contain up-to-date cancer screening recommendations; (3) availability and dissemination of materials to the public; (4) the presence, quality, and results from evaluation of the materials. The review of existing videos identified significant gaps in all aspects of evaluation of the videos, including information on the breadth of dissemination, cost-effectiveness, viewer satisfaction and understanding of the videos, and the ability of the videos to increase participation in cancer screening programs. The majority of video programs was developed by public sector organizations and either no evaluation information was readily accessible or, if available, the review found that limited to no evaluation had been conducted. There is significant need to develop theory-based video health education programs that track the dissemination and effectiveness of the videos to increase cancer screening participation for non-native English speakers. While video technology may provide a useful methodology for reducing cancer disparities, further research is needed.

Citation Format: Kate E. Murray, Amy Pan, Alice Mills, Maria Lourdes F. Reyes, Sahra Abdi, Hope Velarde, Pat Clark, Rachel Bennett, Veronica Villarreal, Alison Olsen. Addressing linguistic needs for non-native English speakers: Assessing video technology as a means for increasing cancer screening. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A27.