Abstract PO-031: Qualitative analysis of focus group data for liver cancer prevention program planning
Authors: Swan Jordan 
Published: January 2022

Texas currently has the highest reported age-adjusted incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the nation. Minority communities tend to have a higher incidence rate of HCC compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Individuals with a past medical history of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – all of which are potentially preventable – are known to be at greater risk for developing HCC. Early detection of HCC is known to improve survival rates; however, rates of screening for risk factors and timely detection are low. Improved efforts are, therefore, required to educate minority communities on prevention of risk factors that may lead to development of HCC. The HOPE Clinic is a community based 501(c)(3) that aims to provide culturally competent healthcare to all Greater Houston Area. The aim of this analysis is to determine characteristics of an effective and retentive intervention program that would be attractive to and serve the Greater Houston Area using focus group data from HOPE Clinic patient participants. Patients were recruited from the HOPE Clinic to participate in focus groups. A total of five focus group interviews were conducted in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish and translated for analysis to determine patient's knowledge of risk factors of liver cancer, barriers to lifestyle changes, and health management efforts. Focus group data was analyzed using qualitative methods of analysis. Atlas.ti 8 for Windows was used to assign labels (codes) to focus group data, determine frequency of codes, and aid in organization of recurring themes across all interviews. The results of this qualitative analysis found themes of health barriers, motivating factors, willingness to participate in intervention programs, program needs, knowledge of liver health, suggested protective efforts, and past program involvement. Participants often pointed out their awareness of important health behaviors such as nutrition, alcohol consumption, and physical activity while also acknowledging barriers such as time constraints due to overworking, accessibility of physical activity, and culturally specific diets. Fear of illness and aging were prominent motivational factors. Program format should include tailored scheduling with the option of virtual, in person, and asynchronous participation. Content of the program should include objectives such as healthier recipes and food preparation, recipe adaptation, time management skills, and physical activity for beginners. Overall, there was a consensus that interventions should promote positive health behaviors in both younger and older age groups.

Citation Format: Jordan Swan. Qualitative analysis of focus group data for liver cancer prevention program planning [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-031.