Abstract B022: Adaption of a cancer prevention wellness program for Hispanic community members

Abstract

Abstract Background. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Wisconsin with higher mortality rates observed for Black/African American (B/AA) and Hispanic/Latino (H/L) communities. However, programs tailored to the interests of communities most impacted by cancer AND made available to the general population are lacking. In this project, we adapted the Moving Forward program for African American cancer survivors which included a program workbook, in-person education/supervised exercise classes and text messaging. We targeted two adaptations to inform a cancer prevention program available to the public through a public recreation system: 1) tailoring to include non-cancer affected individuals and 2) extending to meet the needs of the H/L community. Methods. This project was facilitated through partnerships between an academic cancer center, the Milwaukee public recreation system (MKE Rec) and the WI Department of Health and Human Services. We also engaged a community advisory board (CAB). Our approach comprised focus groups, surveys collected at community events, and an After-Action Review of a 4-week program pilot (2 groups, English or Spanish language). Translation was conducted using a forward/back translation process with workbook review by individuals from different Spanish language backgrounds. Our CAB contributed to the development and review of all study procedures and materials. Results: 42 H/L community members participated through two focus groups (1 English language, [N=4]), 1 Spanish language (N=6)], 16 surveys, and 16 pilot participants (N=9 Spanish language, N=7 English language). Adaptations targeted program content and materials, as well as program implementation/sustainability within MKE Rec. Program adaptations included: 1) integrating information on basic cancer biology; 2) explaining associations between cancer, lifestyle and other risk factors; 3) adding cancer screening information; 4) including cooking demonstrations and recipes with culturally relevant tips; 5) updating workbook images and content to reflect the diversity of local communities; and 6) addressing comorbidity risk. Key adaptations related to conducting and sustaining within a public recreation system included: 1) creating a standardized instructor training and manual; 2) dividing the program into two 8-week sessions to meet the public recreation system program calendar; 3) eliminating the text message component; 4) providing the program workbook and classes in English and Spanish; and 5) integrating different exercise approaches to meet needs/interests of different age groups, genders, and different fitness levels. The adapted program, Total Wellness/Bienestar Total, is now offered as the first ever Spanish language wellness class within MKE Rec. Conclusions: Community-academic partnerships and ongoing community engagement led to meaningful adaptations to a cancer prevention and lifestyle program. These efforts leverage a public resource and can impact disparities by making widely available cancer prevention and lifestyle support. Citation Format: Jamila Kwarteng, Laura Pinsoneault, Anakaren Manriquez Prado, Sophia Aboagye, Alexis Visotcky, Erica Wasserman, Derek Donlevy, Patricia Sheenan, Margaret Tovar, Kathleen Jensik, Regina Vidaver, Melinda Stolley, Sandra Contreras. Adaption of a cancer prevention wellness program for Hispanic community members [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B022.