Improving the multiple myeloma and clinical trial awareness among Los Angeles County adults.

Abstract

e23108 Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common bone marrow cancer in the United States. The prominent risk factors include Black race and male gender. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of MM and clinical trial access among a diverse community of people in the Los Angeles County, and to educate the participants. Methods: An IRB-approved Qualtrics survey was administered electronically to a group of 132 participants aged 18 years and older in Los Angeles County between May 3rd and July 15th of 2023. The survey investigated participants’ knowledge on MM risk factors and symptoms, as well as their understanding and attitudes towards resource and clinical trial access. Information on participant demographics was also collected. Statistical tests including chi-square analysis, descriptive statistics, filtering and sub-setting, and correlation analysis, were all utilized and conducted using the software, R-Studio. MiOra Health Educators provided face-to-face education on MM and clinical trials using CDC-based flyers. Results: Out of 132 respondents, 40 (30.3%) were male, 92 (69.7%) were Latinx, and 78 (59.0%) were a first-generation resident of the United States. 71 out of 92 females (77.4%) and 9 out of the 40 males (22.6%) reported attending their annual wellness visit. Prior to the educational intervention, only 6 out of the 132 participants (4.5%) reported being very knowledgeable about cancer and the way it works. Interestingly, 87 (65.9%) reported being aware of the familial risk of MM. 77 (58.1%) of the respondents reported not knowing what a clinical trial is and clinical trial awareness was found to be the main factor predicting the willingness to participate in one (p < 0.01). 108 (81.8%) of the respondents reported that hearing from past clinical trial participants may be useful, but 111 (84.1%) reported that healthcare professionals (including primary care doctors, nurses, medical practitioners, and oncologists) would be the most appropriate educators on clinical trials. Following the health education intervention, 89 (66.9%) of the respondents reported feeling more knowledgeable about clinical trials, and 93 (70.8%) reported feeling more willing to participate in one. Additionally, 87 (65.9%) reported feeling more knowledgeable about MM risk factors, symptoms, screening, and treatment. Conclusions: Although the risk for MM is higher among males, this group appears to significantly less likely than females to comply with their annual wellness visit, signalling a gender disparity in primary care resource utilization. Knowledge on clinical trials appears to influence participation and although primary care providers are the most trusted resources, community health educators and exposure to past clinical trial participants may help close these gaps in clinical trials.