Catchment Area Research Articles

Optimizing Hydrological Research: Comparative Analysis of DEMs for Enhanced Catchment Area Delineation

Optimizing Hydrological Research: Comparative Analysis of DEMs for Enhanced Catchment Area Delineation

Assessing the impact of maker services in Barcelona and Milan towards the 15-minute city model through their accessibility

Re-organizing cities with proximity-based urban planning models such as the 15-Minute City model is an emerging and promising direction of policy, practice and research for sustainable cities. The planning of new urban spaces, infrastructures and mobilities requires planning and designing services that support citizens in their proximities. Along this direction, the emergence of the Maker Movement and its maker laboratories (Fab Labs, Makerspaces, Hackerspaces, DIYbio Labs, and so on) contributes to building the infrastructure for distributed design and manufacturing services in cities. How can we adopt the impact assessment of maker services in terms of potential accessibility for designing services towards the 15-Minute City model? We explore this issue within the context of the metropolitan areas of Barcelona and Milan by analysing 1) the 15-minute walking distance catchment areas of their maker service; 2) how to adopt this method for service design and impact assessment in the 15-Minute City model.

Assessment of Siltation Impact and Mitigation Strategies for Sustaining Storage Capacity in Lwanyo Dam, Tanzania

The ongoing generation, transportation, and deposition of silt in the Lwanyo Dam has significantly reduced the storage capacity of the Lwanyo Reservoir, originally constructed to support irrigation and the surrounding ecosystem. The objective of this paper was to assess the extent of siltation in Lwanyo Dam, evaluate its impact on the dam's storage capacity, and propose measures to mitigate silt accumulation. The upstream catchment area, approximately 39.6 km², includes around 128,991 m² allocated for rain-fed crop cultivation and 5.89 km² for pastoral activities. Frequent overtopping of the reservoir has been observed, largely due to siltation reducing its live storage capacity. In the reservoir trial pits were excavated and assessed, and they indicate that average silt layers range in thickness from 0.54 m to 0.98 m per rainy season. The deposited material consists of a silt layer from 0 to 540 mm, followed by an intermediate clay layer from 540 mm to 3100 mm. The impounded silt depth was measured at 1270 mm, with an estimated siltation volume of 58,349.4644 m³. The reservoir's original storage capacity of 210,153 m³ has been reduced by 27.765% due to siltation. The reservoir’s structural design inadequately addresses silt management, lacking both silt flushing tunnels and upstream silt check dams. The analysis indicates that storage capacity decreases by 3.085% annually, and if this linear trend continues without any intervention measures, the dam will lose all storage capacity within 24 years. The study recommends urgent measures to mitigate silt accumulation.

Climate change impacts on the hydrological behaviour of watershed in northeastern Tunisia (Oued El Abid watershed)

Climate change significantly impacts watershed hydrology, altering water supplies, natural disasters, and eco-hydrologic processes. These effects vary geographically, with some regions facing severe droughts while others experience increased precipitation and flooding. Climate change influences atmospheric evaporation demand, precipitation patterns, vegetation composition, streamflow characteristics, and groundwater dynamics. The temperature increases and rainfall changes in some watersheds can lead to increased potential evapotranspiration and decreased streamflow and soil water. Flood frequency analyses indicate an overall increasing trend in the latter half of the 21st century. The Oued El Abid catchment area, as like all catchments in northern Tunisia, is likely to be subject to major climatic and hydrological variations as a result of climate change. Advanced hydrological modelling using the HBV-Light model was set up to simulate current conditions and future scenarios based on Afric-Cordex climate models. The model demonstrates robust performance, achieving Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values of 0.71 in calibration (1972-1992), and 0.66 in validation from 1993-2001. This climate change has a direct effect on the hydrological projections, which reveal significant changes, with annual flow reductions ranging from 35% to 43%, with more severe impacts under the RCP8.5 scenario for 2069-2099. Spring and summer seasons are particularly vulnerable, showing flow decreases of up to 68% and over 40%, respectively, extreme monthly variability is projected, reaching 88% reduction in July under RCP8.5. This research provides important results for water resource managers, highlighting the necessity of long-term planning and sustainable water management practices in the face of climate change.

Community Specialist Teams: Are We Making an Impact? Insights from General Practitioners

Abstract Background Within our catchment area, General Practitioners (GPs) are the primary source of referral to community specialist teams (CSTs) for older adults and are key stakeholders in supporting the integrated care pathway. We sought to evaluate their experience to inform service development. Methods GPs across four healthcare networks were invited to complete an online questionnaire evaluating their experience of the CSTs for older adults. Results Twenty-eight GPs responded. Of these, 85.7% (24) found the referral criteria clear, and 89.3% (25) reported ease of access to the service. However, 50% (14) were uncertain about when to refer patients to primary care alone versus the CST. A significant majority, 96.5% (27), felt the service positively impacted the health and well-being of referred patients, and 92.9% (26) were satisfied with communication regarding patient care plans and progress. Identified strengths of the service included the multidisciplinary approach to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care and effective communication with both GPs and patients. Areas for improvement included enhancing access for specialist teams to community radiology and increasing staffing levels to ensure timely assessments. Regarding the impact on unscheduled and emergency care, 71.4% (20) reported a reduced need to refer to the acute medical unit, and 35.7% (10) reported a reduced need to refer to the emergency department due to the ability to refer to CSTs. Conclusion GPs value the CST service for the quality of assessment and intervention their patients receive. Targeted areas for operational and clinical improvement include provision of diagnostics and role distinction from primary care teams. This survey also suggests CSTs are providing an alternative care pathway and point of contact for older patients in crisis, resulting in a reduction in unscheduled and emergency care utilisation. The role of the CSTs should be supported and enhanced and warrants more detailed exploration.

Answering an “SOS”: A 12-Month Review of An Urban Pathfinder Service

Abstract Background The Pathfinder service is a collaboration between the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and acute hospital Physiotherapists (PT) and Occupational Therapists (OT). The service aims to safely treat over-65s who have called 999 with low-acuity problems at home. It offers safe alternative care pathways to traditional Emergency Department (ED) attendance to older adults within our hospital catchment area (Bernard et al. 2021). Methods A retrospective review of the service database for 2023 was completed. A patient experience survey was conducted over a 4-week period in Quarter 4 of 2023. The survey consisted of both Likert scale and open-ended questions. Service statistics and Likert data were analysed in Microsoft Excel, while open-ended responses were analysed thematically. Results A total of 598 calls were received by our Pathfinder service in 2023: live 999 calls (n=407), and “Special Services” (SS) calls from Dublin Fire Brigade (n=191). 55% of live 999 call referrals attended by Pathfinder were safely kept at home. Of 191 SS referrals, 35% (n=66) had a review by the Pathfinder team. Of the 66 assessed, 94% (n=62) were safely kept at home. A total of 1,392 follow-up interventions (home visits, phone calls, onward referrals) were completed by PT and OT. Service user feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% (n=20) of respondents stating they would be happy to see the Pathfinder team again if calling 999. General feedback highlighted the responsiveness, thorough assessment, and friendliness and professionalism of the team. Areas for development included increasing staffing and increasing to a 7-day service. Conclusion The Pathfinder service is effective in an urban setting. Over a 12-month period, 55% of patients assessed by Pathfinder were safely treated at home, with follow-up support from Pathfinder PT and OT. Service users report positive experiences and would be happy to see the team in the future when calling 999.

Consolidating Integrated Care: A Joint Falls Prevention Initiative between Community and Hospital Based Physiotherapy Services

Abstract Background Physiotherapists from Primary Care, Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP) and hospital-based Frailty Intervention Team services came together to establish a community working group with the aim of reducing the incidence of falls of those in their collective catchment area. The agreed objective being to pilot a 6 week falls prevention initiative between community and hospital-based services. Methods 7 Physiotherapists across 3 services formed a community working group. A 6-week physiotherapy led, multifaceted intervention program involving exercise, education and an opportunity for socializing was developed. The class was accessible to persons over the age of 65 years who had or were at risk of falling. Participants were recruited from the caseloads of the physiotherapists involved. Objective assessments of gait speed, grip strength and balance were carried out via hand grip dynamometry, Timed Up and Go (TUAG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Subjective measures of participant’s quality of life were assessed via the EQ 5D 5L, Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and Sarc-F. On completion of the intervention participants were retested. Results 10 participants were recruited to the pilot from both community and hospital based, out-patient services. Over 80% of participants attended 4 out of 6 sessions. Participants grip strength improved by 3.4kg, TUAG by 6.43% (1.03 seconds) and SPPB by 13.3%. EQ 5D 5L scores improved by 15%, FES score improved by 17.81% and SARC-F scores improved by 6%. 40% of participants went on to engage with a follow-on exercise group delivered by the local Sports Partnership. Conclusion Overall, there was a notable improvement in participant’s physical function and quality of life and self-efficacy scores post intervention. This highlights the positive impact of multimodal group interventions, which incorporate both exercise and education to promote self-efficacy within frail older population at risk of falling.

Source-risk and uncertainty assessment of trace metals in surface sediments of a human-dominated seaward catchment in eastern China

Current total concentration-based methods for source attribution and risk assessment often overestimate metal risks, thereby impeding the formulation of effective risk management strategies. This study aims to develop a framework for source-specific risk assessment based on metal bioavailability in surface river sediments from a human-dominated seaward catchment in eastern China. Metal bioavailability was quantified using chemical fractionation results, and source apportionment was conducted using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Risk assessment integrated these findings using two indices: the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) and the Mean Probable Effect Concentration Quotient (mPEC-Q), with uncertainty addressed via Monte Carlo simulations. Results indicated that average total concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Hg, Cd, and As exceeded their respective background levels by 1.63 to 15.00 times. The residual fraction constituted the majority, accounting for 53.84 % to 77.79 % of total concentrations, suggesting significant natural origins. However, source apportionment revealed a predominant contribution from anthropogenic activities, including industrial smelting, agricultural practices, and atmospheric deposition. The contributions were found to vary between 5.35 % and 40.03 % when the total concentration was adjusted to bioavailable content. Total concentration-based PERI/mPEC-Q assessments indicated high/moderate risk levels, decreasing to considerable/low risk levels with bioavailability adjustment. Hg and Cd were identified as priority metals. Further incorporating source appointment parameters into the risk assessment, industrial smelting was identified as the primary contributor, accounting for 66.06 % of total risk by total concentration and 65.63 % by bioavailability. This underscores the role of bioavailability in mitigating risk overestimation. Monte Carlo simulations validated industrial smelting as a major risk contributor. This study emphasizes the importance of considering bioavailability in the source-risk assessment of sediment-metals, crucial for targeted risk management in urbanized catchment areas.

Macrozoobenthos of subarctic lakes as an indicator of climate change

Changes in the macrozoobenthos of two northern lakes differing in degree of humification of water over the 50-year period that have passed since the first studies were considered. In the lake with water uncolored by humus, the benthos biomass increased, and in the humified one, it decreased. The changes that have occurred are due to climate warming, especially pronounced in winter. It was concluded that even closely located bodies of water can respond differently to climate change. Depending on the nature of the catchment area and the morphology of the lakes, either an increase in their productivity due to the supply of nutrients or a decrease due to humification can be observed.

Pemodelan Debit Banjir Rencana Berbasis Data Hujan Satelit pada Daerah Tangkapan Air Bendungan Meninting

Rainfall stations around the Meninting Dam catchment area are very limited. Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite rainfall data can be utilized to fulfill the lack of rainfall data. This research aims to improve the quality of flood discharge in the Meninting Dam catchment area through rainfall data correction. GPM rainfall data was corrected using the probability curve method, while flood discharge analysis used HEC-HMS modeling. The results showed that the correlation coefficient of GPM rainfall data with Sesaot Rainfall Station was 0,73, the average HHMT error decreased by 2.99% after correction, and the correction factor level was 0-1,2 for each rainfall value range. The flood discharge (Q) of HEC-HMS modeling for each return period was obtained Q2th = 117,1 m3/sec, Q5th = 142,5 m3/sec, Q25th = 242,3 m3/sec, Q100th = 335,6 m3/sec, Q1000th = 529,3 m3/sec, and QPMF = 930,9 m3/sec.

Tracking Community Outreach and Engagement Activities among National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers.

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant mandates that NCI-Designated Cancer Centers establish a Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) component to help direct efforts at reducing cancer burden within their catchment areas. Despite the critical role of COE offices, little is known about how they track and evaluate outreach activities and outcomes. We gathered information on current practices from representatives of 40 out of 65 COE offices using an online survey. While nearly all responding centers (97.5%) tracked COE activities, no consensus existed on resources used and satisfaction with current solutions was mixed (51.0% not satisfied). Respondents expressed need for a centralized, standardized, and comprehensive tracking solution to capture outreach events and external partnerships, automate report generation, and ensure alignment with COE aims. This study highlights challenges COE offices face with resource limitations and a heterogeneity of activities to track, and the need for a standard evaluation framework.

Financial analysis of a locomotor exercise trial for post-stroke recovery: insights from the HIT Stroke Trial

BackgroundNavigating the complexities of post-stroke recovery trials requires addressing challenges in participant recruitment and retention and effective resource management to ensure trial success. The aim of this study was to examine the financial requirements associated with conducting the Moderate-Intensity Exercise vs. High-Intensity Interval Training to Recover Walking Post-Stroke (HIT Stroke Trial) at a single site encompassing a wide catchment area, recognizing the intricate challenges of participant recruitment and retention inherent in post-stroke recovery trials.MethodsTo determine cost, study expense reports were gathered and divided into seven categories: recruitment, screening assessments, baseline assessments, intervention, outcome assessments, retention, and oversight. Categories were then further divided into chronological order for initial contact and prescreening, consenting, initial screening, and baseline testing. The 12-week intervention was divided into 4-week blocks: intervention block 1, post 4-week outcome testing, intervention block 2, post 8-week outcome testing, intervention block 3, and post 12-week outcome testing.ResultsTotal direct cost for site execution was $539,768 with cost per participant approximated as $35,984. Oversight costs accounted for 65.8% of the budget at $355,661. To achieve goals related to inclusive participant recruitment ($21,923) and retention ($28,009), our site costs totaled $49,932. Direct study-related costs included screening assessments ($5,905), baseline assessments ($15,028), intervention ($76,952), and outcome assessments ($36,288).DiscussionClinical trials focusing on walking rehabilitation and exercise, particularly those requiring multiple assessment visits, demand rigorous oversight. This cost analysis provides important and critical insight into the expenses required to successfully execute an exercise-based walking rehabilitation trial in the United States.

Abstract C181: Toward breast health equity: Insights into mammography access across Virginia’s social and structural landscape

Abstract Background: Breast cancer (BC) disparities across race, socioeconomic status, and location, stress the need for equitable access to screening. In Virginia (VA), BC is a major concern, with Petersburg City having the highest mortality rate nationwide. Understanding social and structural factors’ impact on mammography accessibility may provide insights on effectively serving screening-eligible women in VA, particularly those facing greater BC burden. Also, analyzing data at the census tract level is vital for accurate accessibility assessment, mitigating county-level data skewing and disparity concealment. Objective: Examine how social and structural factors (e.g., demographics, transportation, area deprivation) influence mammography facility and unit distribution in VA. Methods: We utilized a comprehensive approach to compile and analyze data at the census tract level. We employed Poisson regression models to predict the number of mammography facilities and units within each tract. The predictor variables included the number of bus stops (VA Transit Routes & Stops GTFS), percentage of Black residents (American Community Survey), area deprivation index (ADI) scores (Neighborhood Atlas®), and vehicle ownership rates (American Community Survey), with the logarithm of the population of females aged 40-74 used as an offset to account for population size. Separate models were built for VA, our catchment area, urban areas within our catchment, and rural areas within our catchment. We exponentiated the model coefficients to obtain relative risks, indicating the multiplicative effect of each predictor on the outcome variable. Results: Study findings highlighted statistically significant disparities in the distribution of mammography facilities and units within VA. Higher ADI scores, indicating greater socioeconomic deprivation, were linked to fewer mammography units. This association was notable in our rural catchment areas (RR = 0.5492), indicating a 45.08% reduction in mammography units, in our catchment area overall (RR = 0.8653), a 13.47% decrease, and in urban catchment areas (RR = 0.8800), a 12.00% decline. Similarly, an increase in the percentage of Black residents was consistently associated with a decrease in the number of mammography units, with a relative risk of 0.8828 within our catchment area, indicating a 11.72% decrease, 0.8793 in urban areas within our catchment, signifying a 12.07% decrease, and 0.9391 statewide, showing a 6.09% decrease. Conclusions: These findings stress the need for targeted resource allocation to enhance mammography access. For instance, findings suggest a specific need for increased mammography units in rural areas and areas with higher percentages of Black women, like Petersburg (67.5% to 94.9% Black population depending on the tract), specifically within our catchment. Implications from these findings provide a unique opportunity to leverage the expertise of residents, community leaders and local representatives to identify where additional resources can be allocated. Citation Format: Bianca D. Owens, Jinlei Zhao, Katherine Y. Tossas. Toward breast health equity: Insights into mammography access across Virginia’s social and structural landscape [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C181.

Abstract C181: Toward breast health equity: Insights into mammography access across Virginia’s social and structural landscape

Abstract Background: Breast cancer (BC) disparities across race, socioeconomic status, and location, stress the need for equitable access to screening. In Virginia (VA), BC is a major concern, with Petersburg City having the highest mortality rate nationwide. Understanding social and structural factors’ impact on mammography accessibility may provide insights on effectively serving screening-eligible women in VA, particularly those facing greater BC burden. Also, analyzing data at the census tract level is vital for accurate accessibility assessment, mitigating county-level data skewing and disparity concealment. Objective: Examine how social and structural factors (e.g., demographics, transportation, area deprivation) influence mammography facility and unit distribution in VA. Methods: We utilized a comprehensive approach to compile and analyze data at the census tract level. We employed Poisson regression models to predict the number of mammography facilities and units within each tract. The predictor variables included the number of bus stops (VA Transit Routes & Stops GTFS), percentage of Black residents (American Community Survey), area deprivation index (ADI) scores (Neighborhood Atlas®), and vehicle ownership rates (American Community Survey), with the logarithm of the population of females aged 40-74 used as an offset to account for population size. Separate models were built for VA, our catchment area, urban areas within our catchment, and rural areas within our catchment. We exponentiated the model coefficients to obtain relative risks, indicating the multiplicative effect of each predictor on the outcome variable. Results: Study findings highlighted statistically significant disparities in the distribution of mammography facilities and units within VA. Higher ADI scores, indicating greater socioeconomic deprivation, were linked to fewer mammography units. This association was notable in our rural catchment areas (RR = 0.5492), indicating a 45.08% reduction in mammography units, in our catchment area overall (RR = 0.8653), a 13.47% decrease, and in urban catchment areas (RR = 0.8800), a 12.00% decline. Similarly, an increase in the percentage of Black residents was consistently associated with a decrease in the number of mammography units, with a relative risk of 0.8828 within our catchment area, indicating a 11.72% decrease, 0.8793 in urban areas within our catchment, signifying a 12.07% decrease, and 0.9391 statewide, showing a 6.09% decrease. Conclusions: These findings stress the need for targeted resource allocation to enhance mammography access. For instance, findings suggest a specific need for increased mammography units in rural areas and areas with higher percentages of Black women, like Petersburg (67.5% to 94.9% Black population depending on the tract), specifically within our catchment. Implications from these findings provide a unique opportunity to leverage the expertise of residents, community leaders and local representatives to identify where additional resources can be allocated. Citation Format: Bianca D. Owens, Jinlei Zhao, Katherine Y. Tossas. Toward breast health equity: Insights into mammography access across Virginia’s social and structural landscape [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C181.

Abstract B080: UC Davis Center for Advancing Cancer Health Equity: A framework for community-led cancer health interventions

Abstract Many racial/ethnic groups in the US experience cancer health disparities, contributing to higher cancer incidence and cancer-related deaths compared to other groups. These are driven by a combination of biological and social determinants of health that affect cancer development and care response across the cancer health continuum. Underserved communities in California, many of which are communities of color, experience combinations of these factors that result in a unique landscape of barriers to cancer care. Because of this, interventions to remove these barriers cannot follow a one-fits-all approach. There is a critical need for community-directed interventions that reflect the cultural and social values of the members of a specific community to effectively identify and eliminate barriers to care. Through the UC Davis Center for Advancing Cancer Health Equity (CACHE), we have developed an infrastructure to design and implement community-directed interventions as a partnership between community members and the cancer research community at UC Davis. CACHE was launched in 2022 with the purpose of conducting community-engaged research to implement multi-level interventions for cancer health equity. CACHE is focused on placing underserved communities located in UC Davis’ catchment area at its center through community member ownership and leadership of the center’s research decision-making process. In this initial phase, the center recruited health professionals and community members throughout Northern California to participate in focus groups that inform the development of the center’s mission and vision, and name. Through these focus groups, our center identified community values and terminology that helped to guide and set expectations for its goals, actions and trust-building with underserved communities. The center establishes lasting community relationships through the development of task forces, whose goal is to identify community cancer health priorities to address through research. Given the significant cancer health disparities for American Indian and Alaska Natives in California, the first task force CACHE established is focused on Native and Indigenous cancer health. It consists of both academic researchers and community and Tribal leaders. Our task force began a cancer health needs assessment in partnership with multiple Tribal Nations and non-profit health center Northern Valley Indian Health. Native and Indigenous community conversations have uncovered cancer health and prevention education, transportation, and medical and research communities’ trustworthiness as barriers. We are now working to expand our understanding of these barriers for research interventions leading to improve Native and Indigenous cancer health. Ultimately, the goal of CACHE and its task forces is to develop community-led interventions to eliminate cancer care barriers in partnership with communities, and move towards cancer health equity for all. Citation Format: Nicole B. Halmai, Sophie Barbu, Angelica Rolon, Inigo Verduzco Gallo, Nanci Chavarria Villa, Guadalupe Carvajal, Luis G. Carvajal- Carmona. UC Davis Center for Advancing Cancer Health Equity: A framework for community-led cancer health interventions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B080.

Abstract B023: Incorporating the Patient Voice: An Evaluation of NCI-Designated Cancer Centers and Patient Reported Experiences with Genomic Medicine

Abstract Since the National Cancer Act established the Cancer Centers Program in 1971, NCI-designated cancer centers (NCI-CCs) throughout the country have been mandated to translate state-of-the-art cancer research to communities and enhance clinical care for patients within their catchment areas, including minority and underrepresented populations. Precision oncology, which leverages genetics to optimize personalized treatment plans for patients, has promising potential to address cancer health disparities. In this era of targeted personalized care, though genetics has been incorporated into cancer centers, it is unknown how these innovations are being communicated to the public and communities served. There is particularly limited knowledge surrounding how cancer centers may integrate patient reported experiences with genomics into fulfilling their overall mission and reducing cancer health disparities. The objective of this study was to evaluate how cancer centers are publicly sharing information related to their work in understanding and assessing patient experiences with the use of genetics to guide cancer care. For all NCI-CCs involved in clinical care (n=65), we conducted a review of publicly available and published information, using each cancer center website as a point of origin. While almost all the NCI-CCs discuss providing personalized care and perform genetic testing, we found that the majority (51%) indicate that they assess patient-reported outcomes with genomic medicine, such as symptom monitoring during clinical trials. Fewer (38%) indicated having at least one study or that they assess patient experiences and perspectives with genomic medicine that extended to broader measures, like hereditary testing or pharmacogenomic testing to guide treatment. Forty-five percent of NCI-CCs indicate that any pharmacogenomic testing is performed through standard care, research studies, or otherwise. Finally, about 1 in 3 (35%) indicate that they have departmental resources dedicated to monitoring patient experience at their institutions. Some centers described having an established infrastructure dedicated to measuring and incorporating patient reported experiences into programmatic activities, such as offices and annual events dedicated to patient experience. These centers reflecting a built-in infrastructure were 8 to 12% more likely to publicly communicate and describe targeted activities to assess patient reported outcomes and experiences with genomic medicine and/or provide genetic testing. The use of genomics in research and clinical care continues to expand, yet its impact on the minority and underrepresented communities that cancer centers serve remains uncharacterized. Comprehensive understanding of patient reported experience with genomic medicine is lagging and serves as a key opportunity to potentially address cancer health disparities. As leaders in cancer care, NCI-CCs have the opportunity to enhance communication with communities surrounding genomics and improve the patient-centered care they provide. Citation Format: Amanda S. Andriessen, Loren Saulsberry. Incorporating the Patient Voice: An Evaluation of NCI-Designated Cancer Centers and Patient Reported Experiences with Genomic Medicine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B023.

Abstract A160: Navigating underserved populations across the cancer continuum: Establishing cancer support and navigation project

Abstract Background. Cancer disproportionately affects underserved communities, including those who face economic, racial, ethnic, and social barriers. These barriers contribute to delays in diagnosis and treatment, resulting in poorer outcomes. Methods. To address this gap, Cedars Sinai Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) has developed the Cancer Support and Navigation Project to improve cancer-related outcomes for underserved cancer patients by providing navigation that eliminates barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The project focuses on reducing barriers for underrepresented sexual, gender, financial, racial, and ethnic minority community members, who are either at risk of being diagnosed with cancer or those have already been diagnosed with cancer, and their loved ones, by offering tailored science-based cancer information, education, navigation, support resources, access to care and cancer support. Our project is targeting geographic areas and groups within the Los Angeles County (Catchment Area) that experience higher incidence of late-stage diagnosis such Latinx, LGBTQ+, Korean, Filipino, Black and immigrant communities. Our COE team has 3 dedicated navigators who are multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and representative of populations with intersectional identities to provide direct services to community members. Additionally, our COE team has recruited, trained and engaged over 42 community health workers/promotoras/navigators from the community to disseminate cancer health information and navigate people through the cancer continuum. Results. We have disseminated over 1000 flyers and participated in over 100 tabling events throughout Los Angeles County. Additionally, we have developed partnership with various Federally Qualified Health Clinics, including Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital, Central Neighborhood Christian Health Center, Comprehensive Community Health Centers, Saban Community Clinic, Koryo Health Foundation. To date, COE has navigated n=733, who predominantly identify as Hispanic/Latino/a/e/x, Koreans, and LGBTQ+. Most have identified the following areas for navigation: assistance with medial-related care such as cancer screening, diagnosis, or treatment, financial, language barrier, food security and nutrition, insurance coverage, emotional/relationship, social support/isolation, mental health, behavioral, or stress, transportation, housing, and many others. Conclusion. The project's efforts have highlighted the critical importance of providing targeted navigation services to reduce cancer disparities and improve health outcomes for underserved communities. By addressing the unique needs of these populations and eliminating barriers to care, the Cancer Support and Navigation Project at Cedars Sinai Cancer Center COE has made a substantial and positive impact on the lives of many individuals and their families, paving the way for more equitable cancer care and support. Citation Format: Janeth Zelada, Emma Ngula, Min Jung Sung, Ghecemy Lopez, Reener Balingit, Zul Surani. Navigating underserved populations across the cancer continuum: Establishing cancer support and navigation project [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A160.

Abstract C179: Train the trainer series in Southern California a call to action for cancer prevention and screening

Abstract Background: Alarmed by low rates of cancer screening in disenfranchised communities and medical deserts in Southern California, City of Hope launched a cancer prevention and control training program to broadly disseminate cancer screening and healthy living educational resources to Health Educators who serve the most vulnerable within our Catchment areas. Methods: The project was IRB approved as exempt came internally from City of Hope. To increase cancer prevention and uptake of cancer screening, we focused on training of Community Health Workers (CHW) from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s), community hospitals, faith-based organizations. This community co-designed training included Cancer 101 , on best practice for Breast, Cervical, Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate screening, and Clinical and Biospecimen Studies and SB 987. Complete and online redcap enrollment survey, along with 2 brief pre and post surveys per series topic. The presentations and surveys will be facilitated by COE staff. Trainees completed surveys via RedCap. Surveys will be conducted via Redcap. Results: TTT series trained 101 trainees on 8 topics. Trainees included: Asian (14.9%), Black/African-American (6.9%), Latino/Hispanic (73.3%), Pacific Islander (2.0%), White/European American (5, 5.0%), Mix (3.0%). The gender identities trained were Male (10.9%), Female (87.1%), Transgender: Female to Male (2.0%). Facilitators of screening included Someone to talk about worries/fears about cancer (73.0%), Someone to go with and help at the appointment (53.0%), Paid time off from work (63.0%), Clinical provider recommendation/encouragement (57.0%), Free/ Low cost exams (81.0%), Insurance to pay for exams (68.0%), Free transportation (64.0%), Child care services (53.0%), In-language educational materials (62.0%), Language Interpretation services (51.0%), Community education programs (66.0%), Gift Cards or Incentives (4.0%).The participants' education level was mostly college educated (64.0%), high school (33.0%), and less than high school (3.0%). The top 3 cancers affect our community the most are breast, colon, and lung. Conclusion: The conclusion is community partners are ready to be engaged and trained in cancer prevention and screening. Cancer centers, leveraging their COE, can respond to this call to action. Citation Format: Kimlin Ashing, Lauren D'Souza, Brenda Gascon, James Morrison, Veronica Tejada, Alexis Garden, Jose Gomez, Sophia Yeung. Train the trainer series in Southern California a call to action for cancer prevention and screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C179.

Abstract A124: An examination of trust in biomedical research among the Witness Project’s community health workers

Abstract The Witness Project® (NWP) was established in 1991 and has maintained its status as one of NCI’s Evidence Based Cancer Control Program (EBCCP) for decades. NWP is a self-sustaining, culturally competent, grass roots level community-based intervention program that uses breast and cervical cancer survivors known as Witness Role Models and Community Health Workers (CHW). With many locations in unserved communities throughout the United States, NWP provides relevant cancer related education and navigates minority residents through successful completions of cancer related screenings. Health disparities are a longstanding problem due in part to underrepresentations of historically underserved populations in research. Increasing minority and underserved individuals’ participation in research has great disparity mitigating potential. A team of newly trained Black and Hispanic NWP CHW (n=25) will be created as part of a larger multiphase preliminary pilot study designed to increase diverse individuals’ participations in research within Roswell Park’s catchment area. Design, Measures, Setting, and Participants. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to assess Black and Hispanic CHW’s trust in biomedical research. Secondary objectives are to explore the feasibility and acceptability of 1) NWP CHW training, and 2) an informal educational intervention about the importance of minority representations in research and it potential to mitigate health disparities. CMWs will complete the Perceptions of Research Trustworthiness (PoRT) scale to evaluate their trust and distrust in biomedical research before and after viewing the informal educational intervention. Preliminary Results and Planned Analyses At the time of abstract submission nineteen CMWs have completed their NWP and CITI training and PoRT assessments. Fifteen CHWs were Black (78.9%) and four Hispanic (21.1%). When all 25 CMWs are trained we will calculate overall and individual item Trust and Distrust subscale scores. Regarding feasibility and acceptability of the CHW training and the informal education intervention, semi structured interviews will provide qualitative feedback and independent samples t-test will be used to compare pre-and post-informal education intervention PoRT scores. Citation Format: Julia Devonish, Martin Mahoney, Elizabeth Bouchard, Cassy Dauphin, Abshiro Ali, Veronica Meadows, Jomary Colon, Dee Johnson. An examination of trust in biomedical research among the Witness Project’s community health workers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A124.

Abstract B092: ‘We’ve got to go to the doctor and we’re scared to death’: Community members perspectives on sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in healthcare settings

Abstract Purpose: Much research is needed to advance our knowledge of LGBTQ cancer disparities, but research is hindered by inconsistency in collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) across clinical and research settings. Nationally, there have been increased efforts to standardize SOGI data collection. The purpose of this study was to identify potential patient-level barriers and facilitators to SOGI data collection within the catchment area of a midwestern cancer center. Methods: Investigators conducted 4 focus groups in partnership with community-based organizations and stakeholder groups that reflected the catchment area’s diverse populations. Using a semi-structured approach, participants were asked about their experiences with SOGI data collection, barriers and facilitators to this collection, and how they viewed the practice of collecting SOGI data. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Data was coded and interpreted using applied thematic analysis. Results: Four focus groups were conducted with 32 participants in total. There were 2 LGBTQ groups (one mixed race/ethnicity, one African American), and 2 predominantly non-LGBTQ groups (one African American and one Middle Eastern/North African or MENA). Across all participants, 53% were African American (n=17), 25% identified as MENA (n=8), 28% were White (n=9), 44% of the participants identified as women (n=19), one individual identified as a transgender woman & 2 individuals as non-binary, and 53% reported their sexual orientation as gay/lesbian/same-loving. In all groups, participants emphasized a need to educate both patients and providers about the importance of SOGI data collection, why it is collected, and its relevance to improving medical care. Participants further discussed the quality and depth of the patient-provider relationship as a critical factor in a patient’s comfort and willingness to share SOGI data. Participants also underscored the importance of privacy ownership (i.e., the ownership of one’s own private information) and control in relation to SOGI status, and the desire to minimize potential privacy turbulence of an unexpected and unwelcome disclosure breach. All groups discussed how the potential for harm resulting from SOGI disclosure could deter patients from sharing SOGI information. Those who identified as LGBTQ, recounted both personal experiences and the experiences of others in which disclosure of SOGI information directly led to poor treatment by a healthcare professional. It is this potential for harm and discrimination that led many participants to stress the need for privacy control until a safe environment is established. Conclusions: Findings highlight a number of potential patient barriers to SOGI data collection from community members’ perspectives, including the need for widespread education on this topic and clinical environments in which patients are safe disclosing SOGI status. Future research and practice should consider specific methods to normalize the practice of SOGI data collection in the cancer care context. Citation Format: Ariel Washington, Ali Fakih, Lindsey Toman, Riham Ayoub, Emma Noble, Susan Musto, Brittany Dowe, Scott Ellis, Andrea Sakleh, Hayley S. Thompson, Latonya Riddle-Jones. ‘We’ve got to go to the doctor and we’re scared to death’: Community members perspectives on sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in healthcare settings [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B092.