Abstract A070: The influence of cultural factors on health-seeking behaviors regarding prostate cancer among African immigrant men in the United States

Abstract

Abstract Background: The increasing number of African immigrants in the United States has contributed to the diversity of the country's Black population. However, there is limited research on the impact of immigration, particularly regarding chronic diseases like cancer, within the sub-Saharan African immigrant (SSAI) community. To address this gap, this study aimed to explore cultural factors among SSAIs to better understand the drivers of health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. Methods: A qualitative approach using grounded theory was employed for this study. Participants were purposefully recruited to reflect the cultural diversity among SSAIs. Recruitment occurred at health fairs, community events and by snowball approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 participants, including prostate cancer survivors. Nine participants have lived in the US for at least 10 years. The average age of participants was 51 years. Country of birth for study participants include, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Interviews were transcribed, verified, and de-identified then imported into NVivo 12 software. Four research team members, three of them African immigrants, performed open and axial coding, with consensus on the emerging findings. Results: This study identified several key cultural factors influencing SSAI men’s health behaviors. These factors include the perception of cancer in their country of birth, the low priority given to preventative care in their country of origin, and reluctance to embrace a Westernized diet, the perception of cancer in their country of origin as a death sentence, viewing cancer as a spiritual/religious attack, and associating cancer with affluence. In addition, these cultural factors made participants hesitant to discuss cancer, relying on religion for healing instead of medical care, and seeking healthcare only for cure. Conclusion: This study illuminates key cultural factors among SSAI men that influence their health-seeking behaviors. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored behavioral interventions to address these factors and improve health outcomes within this understudied population. Citation Format: Ernest Kaninjing, Motolani Ogunsanya, Kaitlin Van Voorhis, Gladys Asiedu, Assata Kokayi, Rae Walker Brennan, Mary Ellen Young, Folake Odedina. The influence of cultural factors on health-seeking behaviors regarding prostate cancer among African immigrant men in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A070.