Support Groups Research Articles

Tinnitus prevalence and care experience among population of Almaty city

The prevalence of tinnitus is increasing worldwide along with the aging population. The absence of a gold standard for diagnosis and treatment makes it difficult to assess the health status of a patient with tinnitus.The aim was to determine the prevalence of tinnitus among older adults in Almaty city and to evaluate the healthcare experience among the respondents who received treatment for tinnitus. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among people aged 18 years and above in Almaty city. The data were collected using a questionnaire sent via a Google form and/or as a printed version. Fully completed responses were received from 851 respondents. The questionnaire consists of 31 questions. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of tinnitus. ResultsThe prevalence of tinnitus in Almaty was 23.3%. The data showed that smoking and sleep regimen were associated with tinnitus. Older respondents indicated more symptoms associated with tinnitus than younger respondents did. Additional consultation was needed as part of the treatment of tinnitus. In addition, 49.4% of the respondents indicated a need of a support group for people with tinnitus. The respondents also indicated that the access to appropriate resources for the treatment of tinnitus was poor. ConclusionSimilar to other studies, this analysis confirmed that tinnitus is prevalent in the adult population of Almaty city. Future activities should include measures for the improvement of public awareness of the risk factors of tinnitus, and multidisciplinary teamwork among healthcare specialists should be improved.

Quality of life and interpersonal support among adult patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy at an academic cancer institute.

370 Background: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines quality of life (QOL) as “overall enjoyment of life.” Increasingly, cancer treatments like chemotherapy are focused on not only increasing survival time but on maintaining and/or improving QOL. Interpersonal support has been shown to have an impact on QOL. Assessment of both can help focus efforts to improve quality of care for cancer patients. Methods: This study enrolled patients from the Lifespan Cancer Institute at The Miriam Hospital (TMH) in Rhode Island who were adults 18+ and on chemotherapy infusion treatment with an active cancer diagnosis. Patients were randomly selected for an in-person interview during scheduled chemotherapy infusion appointments from February 9 to April 26, 2024. We collected patient demographics and study staff administered the 16-item Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) and 12-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL). Results: Of 432 total eligible cancer patients at TMH, 96 (22%) completed the prospective survey. The average (SD) age was 68.4 years old (10.3). The majority of patients were male (51%), Caucasian (80%), married (65%), on Medicare (62%), diagnosed in 2023 or 2024 (59%), and the most common cancers were gastrointestinal (30%), genitourinary (24%), and breast (17%). Overall, patients demonstrate mostly high satisfaction in certain QOL and interpersonal support domains with variation across others. Over 80% of patients are “delighted” or “pleased” with their material comforts, close family and friends, entertainment, and independence. However, approximately 50% of patients report a mixed or worse level of satisfaction with their health, participation in organizations/public affairs, and active recreation and varying levels of satisfaction with other QOL domains. Over 60% of patients report the highest level of perceived interpersonal support across all domains (appraisal, belonging, tangible) with indication of stronger appraisal support compared to belonging and tangible. Conclusions: Our results indicate a strong satisfaction among patients with their close interpersonal networks rather than external affairs or activities. Satisfaction with health and active recreation among chemotherapy patients is much more variable. These findings suggest possible benefits of wellness and health maintenance programs during treatment. Lowest areas of interpersonal support indicate a need to build more comprehensive support resources for tangible tasks like moving, assisting with chores, or other physical activities and building support groups to increase belonging. Opportunities to build community among chemotherapy patients or utilize clinical social workers will likely improve satisfaction in many of the more low and variable QOL and interpersonal support domains, particularly for patients navigating a new or first-ever cancer diagnosis.

Beyond breast cancer: An exploration of the experiences of middle-aged female breast cancer survivors in Australia

ObjectivesMiddle-aged women (i.e., aged 40–65 years) who live with, through and beyond breast cancer (survivors) are an under-researched population, particularly within an Australian context. The unmet needs reported within this population include fatigue, psychological distress, body image concerns, early-onset menopause, and a lack of information on these issues. This study explores how the experiences of breast cancer survivorship impact the lives of Australian middle-aged women. Study designQualitative analysis of written comments in an open text field of a survey completed by 644 women reporting breast cancer in the middle-aged cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health gathered between 1996 and 2013. Data was collected from any participants who reported breast cancer in any survey. Researchers conducted a thematic analysis using consensus coding on data and identified key themes. Main outcome measuresAny data where participants described their experiences of breast cancer survivorship. ResultsThis cohort reported a unique experience of breast cancer survivorship due to their age group. Analysis developed the following themes: the middle-aged context of breast cancer; care and support, body changes, overcoming fears and maintaining balance; and finding a ‘new normal’. ConclusionsBreast cancer survivorship is a diverse experience. For many it involves chronic limitations and challenges. Investigation and application of survivorship care plans in Australia could benefit breast cancer survivors by including multidisciplinary health professionals in their care. Unmet needs and psychological distress were described by participants rather than biomedical concerns. Further recommendations include development of online support groups providing access to rehabilitation professionals, especially for otherwise isolated rural women.

Co-Designing Caregiver Support Groups: Rapid Review with a Non-Profit Organization

ABSTRACT This rapid review aims to synthesize literature on co-designing support groups for caregivers of older adults, focusing on how caregivers are involved in the co-design process. This synthesis is undertaken in collaboration with the Saskatoon Council on Aging to inform the development of caregiver support groups. Guided by the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group, this review follows a streamlined evidence synthesis approach. Our search strategy was run on June 5, 2023, on the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and PsycINFO databases. Three studies met the inclusion criteria, highlighting the importance of comprehensive initiatives and peer support. Key findings include the necessity of tailoring support groups to caregivers’ specific needs and preferences, the combination of online and offline support, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in service design. Methodological approaches to co-design varied across studies, with each emphasizing the importance of iterative feedback loops and engagement with diverse caregiver groups. The review underscores the value of co-designed support groups in effectively meeting caregivers’ needs. Engaging caregivers in the design process ensures that support groups are tailored to their requirements and empowers them to shape their support systems. The insights from this review can guide future co-design efforts, enhancing caregiver support initiatives.

Self-reported mental health effects of changing migration policies on immigrant health and allied care professionals in the UK

This study explores the impact of changing migration policies on the mental health of immigrant health professionals in the UK and their access to mental health services. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among ninety-six immigrant health professionals and allied health and care workers in the UK’s health and social care sector. The mental well-being of study participants was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Mood changes post-migration, use of mental health services and perceived effectiveness of these services were assessed using direct survey questions. The majority of respondents reported average levels of mental well-being. A significant portion of the study participants experienced a decline in mental health post-migration. The study found a strong association between ethnicity and mental well-being, with certain ethnic groups reporting worse outcomes (p=0.003, p<0.05). Despite reported mental health concerns, only a few sought professional help from mental health services or support groups, and even fewer found these effective. This study shows significant mental health challenges and poor service access faced by immigrant health professionals in the UK, exacerbated by changing migration policies. Addressing these challenges is vital for the affected individuals and ensuring a thriving, diverse UK healthcare workforce.

Evaluation and Future Challenges in a Self-Guided Web-Based Intervention With and Without Chat Support for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Randomized Controlled Trial.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries were largely affected by it. Mexico was one of the most affected countries. Extended periods of lockdowns, isolation, and social distancing, among other factors, highlighted the need to introduce web-based psychological interventions to the Mexican population. In this context, Mental Health COVID-19 emerged as a self-guided web-based intervention (SGWI) aimed at adults to improve mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to assess the efficacy of 2 modalities of a self-guided intervention (with and without chat support) in reducing depression symptoms, generalized anxiety, community posttraumatic stress, widespread fear, anxiety, sleep quality, physiological and affective coping, and suicide ideation. In addition, it aimed to compare the moderating role of coping strategies, acceptance, and satisfaction in participants' symptom reduction. We hypothesize that the self-guided, chat-supported modality will show higher efficacy than the modality without chat support in achieving clinical change and better performance as a moderator of depression symptoms, generalized anxiety, community posttraumatic stress, widespread fear, anxiety, sleep quality, physiological and affective coping, and suicide ideation, as well as an increase in participants' satisfaction and acceptability. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Data were collected from May 2020 to June 2022. We performed intrasubject measures at 4 evaluation periods: pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements at 3 and 6 months. Differences between intervention groups were assessed through the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. Changes due to intervention were analyzed using Wilcoxon W test. Moderated regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesized moderating role of coping strategies, usability, and opinion about treatment on clinical change. A total of 36 participants completed the intervention; of these, 5 (14%) were part of the SGWI group, and 31 (86%) were on the SGWI plus chat support (SGWI+C) group, which included a chat service with therapists. The perceived high complexity of the system for the SGWI group had a moderating effect associated with a lack of efficacy of the intervention regarding depression, but not when controlled for sociodemographic variables. A perception of lower helpfulness of the intervention was associated with poorer outcomes. Coping strategies did not show moderating effects. Enhancing the utility of web-based interventions for reducing clinical symptoms by incorporating a support chat to boost treatment adherence seemed to improve the perception of the intervention's usefulness. Web-based interventions face several challenges, such as eliminating complexities in platform use and increasing the users' perceived utility of the intervention, among other issues identified in the study. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04468893; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04468893?tab=results. RR2-10.2196/23117.

디지털 약자 지원 사업 현황과 지원 방안 : 서울시 사례를 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to provide implications for effective interventions of the digital underprivileged in Seoul through the analysis of the current status of the underprivileged in the era of digital transformation. To this end, a survey analysis was conducted on the satisfaction and needs of 244 stakeholders of the non-face-to-face digital support project in Seoul through actual participation, and a survey analysis was conducted on the participation experience of 109 participants in the three pilot operations for the support service developed based on the participation survey analysis content. The results of this study are as follows. First, learners participated to resolve the inconvenience of daily life, and the intention to re-engage and the degree of help in daily life were high. In addition, they preferred 1:1 face-to-face classes, and the elderly were considered as the top priority of the inclusion policy. Second, instructors of the support group everywhere participated in the virtuous cycle of sharing and learning life experiences, and the degree of program necessity and help in daily life was high, and they preferred 1:1 face-to-face classes in the form of special lectures. Third, in terms of the support service advancement program, participants' ability to use, re-engagement intention, and program satisfaction were high in all regions, and there was a difference in preference for device by region. The implications of this study are as follows. First, a digital inclusion integrated model and a digital education support system for the digital weak. Second, a proposal for the establishment of a self-sustaining digital win-win learning system linked to generations.

"It's just getting the word out there": Self-disclosure by people with young-onset dementia.

Sharing a dementia diagnosis with others is a prerequisite to accessing important support for social, cognitive, and physical activity. However, due to the stigma associated with dementia, individuals may be hesitant to disclose their diagnosis. Despite the importance of this issue, there is limited research on personal experiences with sharing one's diagnosis. This study explored how people with young-onset dementia disclose their diagnosis to other people, also known as self-disclosure, and how time affects self-disclosure. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with nine people with young-onset dementia living in the United Kingdom (UK). A narrative approach to analysis was applied, focusing on understanding the core narratives, themes, tone, and imagery of each participant's narratives as well as providing a cross-case analysis to identify patterns across narratives. Participants openly disclosed their diagnosis, accepting it as an illness that did not define their identity. Several were met with stigmatizing reactions, which affected their levels of openness, and a lack of understanding, which caused shrinking social networks for some. Peer support groups, advocacy activities, and strategic concealment were used to support self-disclosure. This study provides a holistic understanding of people with young-onset dementia's experiences with self-disclosure and how these evolved. Policies should prioritize the creation of dementia-friendly communities, while recommendations for practice include integrating empowerment interventions and peer support into post-diagnostic support. These efforts will support individuals in their self-disclosure journey, promote social engagement and reduce stigma.

SOCIAL NETWORKS OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS IN SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES

This paper examines the social networks of children and parents of single-parent households, focusing on the special challenges and resources that characterize these families. Single-parent households face a specific set of challenges like financial stress and social isolation that can powerfully influence the well-being of both children and parents. We explore these questions using a mixed-methods approach that combines in-depth qualitative interviews and surveys to understand the structure and functioning of these networks in terms of emotional, social, and practical support. The great majority of children in single-parent families rely on relationships within peer groups, which are essential for children both as sources of emotional resilience and as reflecting their growing sense of social development. On the other hand, other networks for parents exist, such as extended family, friends, and community organizations, that are significant in reducing their levels of stress and sense of belonging. The study outlines how social support through community resources—the availability of local support groups, educational programs, and the like—can help fortify these social connections and family relationships. Ultimately, the study is looking to inform policymakers and practitioners about specific services single-parent families need, so that these can be leveraged in developing targeted interventions to strengthen familial and community relationships. Because we recognize and foster the social networks that are accessible to these families, we can be contributing to better outcomes for children and their parents.

Children’s routes to participation in support groups: motives, barriers, and benefits from children’s and parent’s perspectives

ABSTRACT In Sweden, preventive support groups for children exposed to domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental illness in the home are provided by local child welfare services. The stigma associated with parental problems and the involvement of child welfare services are barriers to children’s participation in support groups. This article examines the motives, barriers, and benefits according to children and parents by exploring children’s routes into such support groups. The analysis uses individual interviews with children with recent experience of support groups and their parents, guided by health belief and help-seeking models. The results show that children’s routes into child welfare services’ support groups depend on their parent’s motives and help-seeking actions and are linked to access to the broader support system. There are perceived barriers to participation such as stigma and the unwanted involvement from child welfare services, but there are also perceived benefits to be gained from talking to others and sharing experiences. The need to reframe our understanding of people’s engagement in preventive interventions in the context of child and family social work is examined.

“Is There Something Wrong with What I Asked”? Digital Strategies for Achieving and Safeguarding Social Capital and Identity in a Facebook Support Group for Israeli Parents

This study aimed to investigate how a Facebook support group for parents of young children (ages 0–6) defines its boundaries and evaluates the acceptability of its members and content to safeguard the group’s social capital and identity. Adopting a qualitative critical content analysis approach, this research examined the discourse within the Sane and Rational (S&R) Parents group. This group, which had more than 12,000 members, describes itself as an alternative to groups that address parenting problems through “homeopathy, talismans, energies, and communicating with past incarnations”. Common subjects addressed by the group included medical issues, sleeping problems, potty training, child behavior, and nutrition. For the purpose of this study, a representative sample of 10 discourses (out of 118) that appeared during the research period was selected. The analysis considered group discourse, including both verbal and non-verbal elements such as emojis. Three central themes were revealed: (1) exclusion of participants through rules and emojis; (2) filtering posts as a mechanism for defining in-group and out-group boundaries; and (3) division of roles as a tool for distinguishing between those who do and do not belong. This study identifies power-based digital strategies used by a Facebook parent group to maintain its social capital and identity. It also highlights how verbal and non-verbal communication shapes, and is shaped by, group relationships. Practically, the findings offer tools for professionals to better understand how parental support needs are met in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interventions for those who feel excluded from dominant social identities.

Effects of a Wearable-Based Intervention on the Hemiparetic Upper Limb in Persons With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Wearables have emerged as a transformative rehabilitation tool to provide self-directed training in the home. Objective. In this study, we examined the efficacy of a novel wearable device, "Smart Reminder" (SR), to provide home-based telerehabilitation for hemiparetic upper limb (UL) training in persons with stroke. Forty stroke survivors from community support groups were randomized (stratified by the period after stroke onset and impairment severity) to either the SR group or the sham device group. Participants received either 20 hours of telerehabilitation using the SR device or training with pictorial handouts and a sham device over 4 weeks. In addition, all participants wore a standard accelerometer for 3 hours each day, 5 times a week, outside the prescribed training. Participants were assessed by a masked assessor at baseline, post-intervention (week 4), and follow-up (week 8). The outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test, Motor Activity Log, muscle strength, active range of motion and amount of movement of the UL, and compliance rate of training. The SR group improved substantially in their FMA-UE scores after treatment (mean difference = 2.05, P = .036) compared to the sham group. Also, adherence to the training using the SR device was significantly higher, 97%, than the sham group, 82.3% (P = .038). The 4-week telerehabilitation program using a "SR" device demonstrated potential efficacy in improving FMA-UE scores of the hemiparetic upper limb. However, it did not significantly enhance the performance of the affected limb in daily activities. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov (URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) with the identifier NCT05877183.

Harnessing Hope in Digital Spaces for Health Equity: How Group Comparison Information and Supportive Comments Influence Bone Marrow Donor Intentions for African Americans.

Pursuing health equity necessitates recognizing health disparities that disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups and eliminating their barriers to essential health resources. Interactive digital technologies-specifically, popular social media platforms such as blogs and social networks-can be leveraged to engage underserved minority populations in collective social action aimed at addressing key determinants of health disparities and promoting equitable health outcomes. The present research focuses on the plight of African Americans-a minority group facing significant health disparities. Particularly in the domain of bone marrow donation, African Americans remain the group least likely to find a matching donor. Guided by the social comparison framing literature, we conducted an online experiment to investigate how group comparison information (GCI) emphasizing group-based disparities and supportive user comments on social media platforms influence African Americans' intentions to join a bone marrow registry. In doing so, we considered hope as a mediator and group identification as a moderator. Results based on a conditional process analysis showed that GCI led to greater bone marrow donor intentions in the presence of supportive comments through elicitation of hope, particularly among those low in group identification. The current findings demonstrate that it is important to consider the role of supportive message environments and group identification when addressing health disparities with GCI. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Experiences and Perceptions of Social Connection Among Minoritized Older Adults With HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Older people with HIV (OPWH; aged ≥50 years) have unique vulnerabilities to intersecting risks for marginalization and isolation. The current qualitative study explored perceptions of social connection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from two local community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Greater Boston area. Recruitment occurred through dissemination of flyers by staff of the CBOs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2021 and March 2022. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Of 22 participants, most were women (63.6%) and Hispanic/Latinx or African American/Black (86.4%). Participants viewed social connection as an important aspect of well-being, but acknowledged that COVID-19 induced social isolation. There were gender differences in social connection. Technology was adopted by all participants that allowed connection to others. Pre-existing relationships with support groups and CBOs facilitated improved social connection and well-being. Focused attention should be on individuals not linked to CBOs or social services and those who lack access or have barriers to technology use, as they may be at the most significant risk for isolation. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

The role of supervisor support in the association between night work and depressive symptoms: a gender-stratified analysis of 22,422 full-time wage workers in South Korea.

This study investigated the relationship between night work, supervisor support, and depressive symptoms among full-time wage workers, with a focus on gender differences. A nationwide sample of 22,422 full-time wage workers from the Sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey (2020-2021) was analyzed. Experiences of night work were categorized into 5 groups based on the number of night work days per month: 0, 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, and 16-31. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index. Supervisor support was assessed with 5 items. Workers who engaged in 1-5 days (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12-1.36) and 6-10 days (PR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.30) of night work per month exhibited a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than those without night work. After stratifying by supervisor support levels, workers with 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 days of night work per month were more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those without night work in the low supervisor support group. In contrast, no association was found between night work (≥ 6 days) and depressive symptoms in the high supervisor support group. Furthermore, gender differences were notable: female workers with 6-10 days (PR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23-1.70), and 11-15 days (PR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.08-1.90) of night work per month exhibited a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, whereas their male counterparts did not. This pattern of gender difference was also found among those with low supervisor support. Supervisor support may mitigate the adverse effects of night work on depressive symptoms among full-time wage workers, with differences manifested across genders.

Characterizing the description of pelvic congestion syndrome pain: A latent class analysis.

Chronic pelvic pain from pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition disproportionately affecting women. PCS pain has been described as dull and achy, but emerging research indicates variances in the historical pain depictions. We aimed to identify the groups of pain characteristics experienced by women living with PCS using a latent class analysis and examine their predictive validity on quality of life, pain intensity, and pain management indicators. A secondary data analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from 160 participants on a Facebook PCS support group was conducted. After evaluating the original 86 unique pain descriptors endorsed on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, descriptors endorsed by more than 30 participants were retained for analysis (n = 34). Results from the latent class analysis identified two latent classes: mild but consistent (44.4%) and intense and debilitating (55.6%). Between the two latent classes, there were clear patterns of pain endorsement to indicate that women in the two groups experience PCS pain differently. Compared to the second latent class (intense and debilitating), women in the first latent class (mild but consistent) experienced milder PCS associated pain and reported a significantly higher quality of life, satisfaction with their health, and less interference with sleep quality and sexual desire. Unfortunately, everyday activities (i.e., exercising, urinating, moving, standing, and working) were more likely to increase pain for women in the second latent class. Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic venous disorders are hindered by outdated evidence on the expected pain depictions. A comprehensive pain profile of PCS is needed to establish the effect on women's lifestyles, quality of life, and mental health.

Abstract B042: Gender-affirming cessation support for LGBTQ+ tobacco users: Establishing TheQuitAlliance

Abstract Background. The LGBTQ+ community faces various stressors, including stigma, discrimination, and harassment, which are linked to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, they are targeted by tobacco companies through marketing, which increases tobacco use and other health problems. LGB adults use commercial tobacco products at a higher rate than the general population (25.1% versus 18.8%), and tobacco use is even higher among transgender adults according to the CDC. Without peer support, counseling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and community resources to address barriers to quitting, tobacco users are less likely to succeed in quitting. Research has shown that gender-affirming tobacco cessation interventions can be highly effective in helping LGBTQ+ individuals quit tobacco; however, little is known about its effectiveness in Latinx communities and other groups with intersectional identities. Methods. To improve access to culturally tailored and gender-affirming cessation resources that acknowledge the unique experiences and stressors faced by our community, Cedars-Sinai Cancer COE developed TheQuitAlliance, a LGBTQ+ focused tobacco cessation program. This multi-level approach involved web-based resources, information and presentation to the community. A series of gender affirming support groups facilitated by trained Spanish speaking tobacco cessation specialists who are members of the LGBTQ+ community was offered to tobacco users. The first steps involved improving their knowledge on how tobacco affects specific populations, such as transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming individuals, people living with HIV, youth, and the types of nicotine replacement therapies available. RESULTS: In 2023, our partners The Wall Las Memorias and Latino Equality Alliance implemented a screening tool using the Ask, Advise, and Refer model, expanded outreach efforts, and successfully identified N=242 LGBTQ+ tobacco users who were referred to our virtual gender affirming support group. Among current smokers who participated in a series of three support groups, 85% (17 of 20) indicated positive attitudes towards the importance of changing their smoking behaviors, readiness to change, and having control over their ability to make positive change right now, while 90% are committed to taking steps towards change right now (18 of 20). In 2024, The Wall Las Memorias reached 500 LGBTQ+ community members and linked 70 tobacco users to cessation support groups. Conclusion. Our survey indicated that participating in a gender affirming cessation intervention can increase self-efficacy to take steps towards quitting tobacco. Through safe spaces created by The Quit Alliance, we found that LGBTQ+ tobacco users are also able to make connections with others to be supported in their journey to becoming tobacco free. Citation Format: Victor Crisanto, Alexandra Caro, Reener Balingit, Zul Surani. Gender-affirming cessation support for LGBTQ+ tobacco users: Establishing TheQuitAlliance [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 B042.

Abstract A115: Utilizing digital storytelling to improve the recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients for a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer screening trial

Abstract Introduction: Clinical genomics leads to more effective cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Prostate cancer (PC) significantly impacts Black and Hispanic men, but participation in clinical trials and PC risk management methods like genetic testing and screening remains low. Barriers to diversity and inclusion in clinical trials include cultural and socioeconomic factors. Digital storytelling is an effective tool for building trust and increasing community engagement. We aim to develop and assess the use of digital storytelling to improve recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients in a trial for men at high genetic risk for developing PC (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03805919) and raise awareness of genetic testing and enrollment in clinical trials within these communities. Methods: Guided by the Assessing Community Engagement Conceptual Model, we will establish a community advisory panel (CAP) comprised of patient advocates, community, and clinical partners with a strong interest in increasing clinical trial representation of Black and Hispanic patients at high genetic risk for developing PC. CAP participants will be identified from existing partners and through snowballing techniques, which involve asking partners to recommend other CAP participants. The CAP will co-design storytelling interview questions, baseline, and outcome assessments and collectively determine effective methods for digital story dissemination. To evaluate the impact of storytelling on awareness, interest, and participation in genetic testing, medical management, and clinical trial recruitment among Black and Hispanic men, outcome assessments co-designed with the CAP will be administered pre and post-video viewing and include viewer qualitative interviews. Results: Filmed interviews with Black and Hispanic participants will be conducted. Interviews will focus on participant experiences with clinical trials, genetic testing, and cancer risk management. Interview transcripts will be in English and Spanish with forward and back translation to ensure accuracy using National Institutes of Health resources. Local and national partners, community organizations, faith-based institutions, healthcare facilities, and advocacy groups identified by the CAP will facilitate dissemination. Digital stories will be distributed across various multimedia platforms to maximize outreach and accessibility, including community web platforms, social media channels, podcasts, local radio stations, educational workshops, health fairs, cultural events, churches, and support groups. Conclusion: Building strategies for improving patient-centered care delivery and community engagement within culturally diverse populations will enhance clinical trial diversity and inclusion. Using digital storytelling as a recruitment strategy for clinical trials can foster trust, engagement, and participation within Black and Hispanic communities. Study findings will contribute to future clinical trial design and recruitment to enhance underrepresented minority participation in clinical research. Citation Format: Yi Liu, Brenda Adjei, Anna Couvillon, Kathleen Calzone, Fatima Karzai. Utilizing digital storytelling to improve the recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients for a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer screening trial [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 A115.

Computational modeling of three-dimensional slope reinforcement by anchor cable micropile group considering coordinated deformation

The application of anchor cable micropile group (ACMPG) in small and medium-sized slope support is gradually widespread. However, the coordination deformation of the structure and the resistance of the soil in front of the piles are less considered in the existing calculation models. Therefore, based on the load transfer approach and according to the structural characteristics of the ACMPG, the calculation method was provided for the resistance of the soil in front of the pile and the tension of the anchor after deformation. And the equations for calculating the resistance of the ACMPG were established. Based on the method of upper bound limit analysis, the display equation had been established for the safety factor of reinforcing the 3D slope of the structure. And finite element models were developed to validate the theoretical model. Finally, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the influence of slope angle, soil friction angles, location, 3D effects, on the slope safety factor and the support effect of piles and anchor cables supporting the structure. The results showed that the theory proposed in this paper can accurately calculate the safety factor of slopes, which is helpful for the design and construction of slope reinforcement.

Abstract B004: Reaching the Community: Collaborating with Black/African American Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients and Advocates

Abstract Background: In America, Black metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients are disproportionately underrepresented in clinical research, of which the majority of participants are white - leaving research less representative of Black patients. Interventions: To increase the sustainable participation of Black MBC patients in clinical research, Count Me In (CMI)—a cancer research initiative based at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard—partnered with the Tigerlily Foundation (TLF), a patient advocacy organization, to develop an equitable, collaborative approach connecting CMI researchers with Black MBC patients to create culturally relevant educational materials for the Black MBC community. Findings: Participating Black MBC patients developed the following materials: a tri-fold brochure, two types of informational postcards, and a social media digital toolbox. The patients co-developed and approved the materials' content and design elements. Materials were also translated into Spanish. Three iterations were drafted until materials were submitted to CMI’s IRB at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) for approval. The distribution strategy for materials to the larger Black MBC community was designed collaboratively with patients. This included sharing information and resources with their local oncology nurse navigators, placing printed materials in community practices, enclosing materials in folders distributed at initial diagnosis, and further connecting with other community-based breast cancer support groups and organizations. During the pilot distribution period - from August 2023 to February 2024 - CMI sent informational packages with materials to 8 different community contacts across the United States. Participating patients had shared contact information of those in their own social network. By the end of the pilot period, 38 new patients registered in CMI identified as having MBC, with 18% self-identifying as Black/African American and 24% self-identifying as Hispanic/Latino - both of which are overrepresentative when compared to the general population of those who self-identify as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino. Conclusion: CMI and TLF utilized an equitable approach that included patients at the initial planning of a project to the final production and distribution of the materials. Two recommendations could be provided to researchers and organizations from this successful collaborative partnership and pilot. First, patient advocates desire to be involved in creating and sharing resources with their communities. Organizations can honor their commitment with financial and non-financial opportunities. Second, partnering appropriately with patient advocates will increase clinical study representation. The success of this pilot demonstrates how researchers and patients can collectively close the inequities gap and pave the path forward for more equitable cancer research. Citation Format: Colleen M. Nguyen, Eboney D. Thompson, Juanita Miller, Shanette Caywood, Tiana Russell, Sue Steele, Virginia Leach, Lizzie Wittig, Taisha Hendrickson, Kolbe Phelps, Priyanka Bhakhri. Reaching the Community: Collaborating with Black/African American Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients and Advocates [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 B004.