Abstract LB-179: The feasibility of delivering a cancer education program in correctional facilities

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. Cancer 101, a cancer education program, is a critical resource to increase cancer knowledge, awareness, and cancer prevention activities to improve cancer health and survival rates. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of delivering the Cancer 101 curriculum to incarcerated adult males to improve cancer knowledge and increase cancer prevention activities. Methods. Cancer 101 curriculum was pilot tested for adaptation with representatives from the target audience in a New York and Pennsylvania prison facilities and based on their feedback modifications were implemented. Three prison facilities participated in adapting Cancer 101 for this study; participation in the Cancer 101 educational intervention was limited to individuals who were current smokers or former smokers. Pre-test and post-test surveys were used to assess knowledge of, perceived attitudes regarding and benefits of cancer prevention activities at baseline and immediately after completing the Cancer 101 educational intervention. To determine whether cancer knowledge improved after participating in the Cancer 101 program, a paired t-test procedure was conducted; since improvement was expected, a one-tailed alpha of .05 was specified. Results. The mean cancer knowledge scores differed prior to and after completing the Cancer 101 intervention, t(165) = -14.65, p < .000. Mean cancer knowledge scores prior to the Cancer 101 intervention (M = 28.42, SD = 4.21) were significantly lower than after the intervention (M = 32.68, SD = 3.36). Therefore, the intervention had a positive effect on cancer knowledge. Participants also reported that the primary reasons for participating in the Cancer 101 intervention were to develop knowledge about cancer and the skills to participate in cancer prevention activities and to educate other inmates and family members about cancer. Participants demonstrated significant increases in cancer knowledge and interest in partaking in cancer prevention activities. Discussion. A prison-based Cancer 101 educational intervention provides opportunities for inmates to increase cancer knowledge, as well as promote action for cancer control during incarceration. Citation Format: Pamela Valera, Daniel Mackey, Zi Lian, William McLaughlin. The feasibility of delivering a cancer education program in correctional facilities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-179.