Abstract IA008: Weaving university and community-based partnership

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Background Including Hypothesis/Objectives: University investigators affiliated with the Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) and Navajo Nation partners worked together with a goal to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its specific subtypes and factors associated with infection. Methods: This partnership required multiple strategies to promote awareness and individual participation in this study. The team started with tribal resolutions and communication network with local Chapter House officers, Community Health Representatives (CHRs), local Navajo translators, Diné Haatalii Association (Navajo Medicine Man), social network outreach, and community healthcare providers. Results: Our population-based study weaved together various networks with local leaders, social media, and the Navajo Healthy Stomach website. Participant follow-up after testing found that local hospitals were overwhelmed with requests for appointments and immediate treatment. Participants reported side-effects of prescribed medications. The Monroy lab revealed enough biopsies to test for Helicobacter pylori infection. Conclusions: Successful studies must utilize both Navajo Nation Human Research and Review Board approvals with university Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). Local, in-person, radio, and social media-based weaving of culturally sensitive communications develops strong partnerships between university and community-based local people, programs, and hospitals. Future Directions (Opportunities and Challenges): The team continues to study the role of Helicobacter pylori on the gastrointestinal microbiome in the development of gastric disease in infected Navajo patients. Further outreach is ongoing with local community and providers. Funding Support: Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention, U54 NCI grant. Citation Format: Priscilla R. Sanderson, Fernando Monroy, Heidi Brown, Robin Harris. Weaving university and community-based partnership [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 IA008.