Underrepresented Minority Groups Research Articles

Different power perceptions based on socially situated needs: Findings from a qualitative study among Asian Americans.

While power is often defined and operationalized as control or influence over others, alternative conceptualizations define power as the ability to meet various fundamental needs. We argue that this conceptualization may better capture how marginalized minority group members understand their group's power or powerlessness. However, there is little research examining how people themselves construe group-based power. The present study, therefore, used qualitative inquiry to examine perceived ingroup power among Asian Americans, an underrepresented racial minority group with an ambivalent power status in society. Reflexive thematic analysis of 25 interviews illustrated the relevance of Prilleltensky's (J. Community Psychol., 36, 2008, 116) psychopolitical conceptualization of power. Specifically, we identified eight themes that reflect various context-specific construals of power as oppression, wellness and liberation. Additionally, the findings suggest the need to consider intragroup heterogeneity in power and to situate how power is understood in the given sociopolitical, structural context.

Do performance goals and fixed mindset explicate the relations between stereotype threat and achievement? Examining differences between racially marginalized and White students in STEM

This study examined whether performance goal orientations and mindset beliefs explicate the negative relation of ethnic stereotype threat with achievement and whether these processes vary depending on students' membership in a historically minoritized group. Multigroup analyses of undergraduate chemistry students (N = 1376) indicated that perceived ethnic stereotype threat was associated with lower achievement regardless of whether students were from underrepresented minority groups (URM). For URM students, compared to White students, ethnic stereotype threat more strongly predicted performance-avoidance goals. Further, fixed mindset beliefs moderated the relation of ethnic stereotype threat with performance goals for White students only. The relations of stereotype threat with performance goals were stronger for White students with a greater fixed mindset. Findings imply that while ethnic stereotype threat has the potential to detrimentally impact both URM and White students, motivational beliefs may exert somewhat distinct influences within each group, shaping the outcomes of stereotype threat. Educational relevanceIn our society, there are pervasive stereotypes about who can achieve success in competitive fields. Science learning contexts are no exception. In these contexts, and particularly among racially-marginalized students, anxieties about performing poorly and confirming stereotypes are prevalent, resulting in lower achievement for this student group (i.e., stereotype threat). In this study, we examined the consequences of ethnic stereotype threat for racially-marginalized and White students separately. Results revealed that ethnic stereotype threat led to lower science grades for both racially-marginalized and White students. For racially-marginalized students, ethnic stereotype threat also steered them toward goals focused less on growth and learning and more on avoiding looking incompetent to others (i.e., performance-avoidance goals). Further, for White students, a stronger belief that intelligence is fixed and cannot be improved (i.e., fixed mindset belief) exacerbated the negative effects of stereotype threat on their goal orientations, leading them to prioritize appearing intelligent and avoiding seeming incompetent to others. This research highlights the impact of ethnic stereotype threat on marginalized and non-marginalized students' motivational beliefs and achievement.

Gender and race in radiology: An intersectional analysis of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) database from 1966 to 2021

PurposeTo describe trends in gender and racial representation within academic radiology in the United States over a 55-year period from 1966 to 2021. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the American Association of Medical Colleges database of radiology faculty members from 1966 to 2021 was conducted. Trends in academic rank and tenure status for five different ethnoracial groups (White, Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) each subdivided into two gender identities (men and women) were analyzed. The proportional change over time of each demographic group per outcome was analyzed with linear regression models. ResultsBetween 1966 and 2021, White men comprised the largest demographic in academic radiology each year. A significant decrease in both White individuals (−0.51 % per year) and men (−0.30 % per year) were observed over the study period. Additionally, the only demographic groups with meaningful changes in representation were White women (+0.20 % per year) and Asian men (+0.23 % per year), followed by Asian women in later years. Underrepresented minority groups (Black, Hispanic and Native American) collectively comprised less than 5 % of all academic radiologists. Finally, within each demographic group, the representation of women consistently lagged behind men. Despite these relative increases, in 2021, the majority of US academic radiologists were White (59.1 %) and male (70.1 %). ConclusionHistorically underrepresented minorities, especially women within these groups, continue to face discrimination and are consistently the least represented in radiology. Initiatives that incorporate the intersectionality framework are imperative to break this cycle.

Current myositis clinical trials and tribulations

With improved understanding of disease pathogenesis and availability of outcome measures, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of therapeutic clinical trials in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (myositis) over...

The Benefits of Informal Learning Garnered Through Participation in the Curriculum and Community Environmental Restoration Science (STEM + Computer Science) Project

The Curriculum and Community Environmental Restoration Science (STEM + Computer Science) Project has several goals, with its primary focus on connecting the students of New York City with the enormous potential of restoring New York Harbor to its former self. Through the collaboration of numerous partners representing all of the facets of the city to the marginalized students living in hundreds of under-resourced communities, out-of-school experiences such as participation in the annual Science Symposium and the environmental fieldwork conducted along the shores of New York Harbor flourished. The CCERS STEM + C Project enables the merging of these entities for the good of its participants and the enormous benefit to the environment's restoration. This study consists of student surveys administered to and completed by 513 students attending schools throughout New York City's five boroughs. Of those who responded to the ethnicity section of the survey, 43.7% represent minority students. Data indicated a significant increase in STEM motivation by the CCERS STEM + C participating students, particularly those who identify as members of the under-represented minority group.

Feasibility of Improving Glycemic Control via Heat Therapy in individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (FIGHT-AD): a pilot study

Impaired glycemic control increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Mechanisms such as impaired energy metabolism, cellular bioenergetic function, reduced intracellular protein homeostasis, and inflammation are all potential contributors to AD pathology. Heat therapy, via hot water immersion, has been shown to improve blood glucose regulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Given the potential contribution of these factors to brain health, heat therapy could offer immense clinical benefit to individuals at risk for AD. We performed a pilot study to test the feasibility of utilizing heat therapy in older individuals at risk for AD due to metabolic risk. The study intervention involved two pre-visits which included a cognitive function screen, sleep, diet, and physical activity questionnaires, as well as a glucose tolerance test and MRI scan. The intervention consisted of four weeks of heat therapy (3 visits/wk) for a total of 12 visits, followed by two post-intervention study visits identical to the pre-study visits. A total of 18 individuals (9 male, 9 female), average age 71.1 ± 3.9 y completed the intervention. Participants demonstrated metabolic risk based on average HbA1c values of 6.6 ± 0.67, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 29.1 ± 5.4, and 15 of the 18 participants were on hypertensive medications. Our cohort was highly diverse, with 33% underrepresented minority group representation. We had 96% participant adherence for the study (8 missed visits out of 216 total visits), and 1 study related Adverse Event (mild dizziness/nausea) that was mild. Overall, the research participants responded to a post-intervention survey saying they enjoyed participating in the study and it was not a burden on their schedules. In addition, we obtained preliminary data demonstrating a significant effect of the heat therapy intervention on body mass index, mean arterial pressure, and cerebral perfusion (p<0.05), and a trend for improved self-reported sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; p=0.06). Future studies of longer duration are needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of heat therapy on glucose homeostasis and brain health. NIH P30 AG035982 (KU ADRC), pilot funds to PCG. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

0243 Untangling the Complexities of Sleep and Diet After Job Loss in Under-Represented Minority Groups

0243 Untangling the Complexities of Sleep and Diet After Job Loss in Under-Represented Minority Groups

Increasing Underrepresented Minority Representation in a General Surgery Residency Program Utilizing a 3-Phase Strategy.

Underrepresented minority groups (URMs) in surgery are not significantly increasing despite evidence suggesting that diversity in health care providers leads to excellent patient outcomes and care. Efforts to increase URM representation in surgical residency programs are essential for addressing disparities and improving health care delivery. This retrospective study outlines a three-phase strategy implemented at a large academic-affiliated hospital to increase URM representation in its general surgery residency program. The strategy encompassed interview selection with a holistic review and implicit bias training for interviewers, modification of the interview scoring rubric, and post-interview recruitment efforts, including a virtual second look event for URM applicants. Following the implementation of these strategies, the URM match rate improved from 0 to 33.3% in the first year and was sustained at 33.3% in the subsequent year. Consequently, the representation of URMs in the residency program rose from 6.7% before our intervention to 13.3% afterwards. This structured approach successfully increased URM representation in a surgical residency program, affirming the success of targeted recruitment strategies. By promoting a diverse and inclusive environment, the program better reflects the community it serves, with aims at improved patient care and patient satisfaction.

Validity, Reliability, and Fairness Evidence for the JD‐Next Exam

At a time when institutions of higher education are exploring alternatives to traditional admissions testing, institutions are also seeking to better support students and prepare them for academic success. Under such an engaged model, one may seek to measure not just the accumulated knowledge and skills that students would bring to a new academic program but also their ability to grow and learn through the academic program. To help prepare students for law school before they matriculate, the JD‐Next is a fully online, noncredit, 7‐ to 10‐week course to train potential juris doctor students in case reading and analysis skills. This study builds on the work presented for previous JD‐Next cohorts by introducing new scoring and reliability estimation methodologies based on a recent redesign of the assessment for the 2021 cohort, and it presents updated validity and fairness findings using first‐year grades, rather than merely first‐semester grades as in prior cohorts. Results support the claim that the JD‐Next exam is reliable and valid for predicting law school success, providing a statistically significant increase in predictive power over baseline models, including entrance exam scores and grade point averages. In terms of fairness across racial and ethnic groups, smaller score disparities are found with JD‐Next than with traditional admissions assessments, and the assessment is shown to be equally predictive for students from underrepresented minority groups and for first‐generation students. These findings, in conjunction with those from previous research, support the use of the JD‐Next exam for both preparing and admitting future law school students.

Examining the Early Academic Performance of Doctor of Physical Therapy Students After Holistic Review: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

A diverse health care workforce can help to address systemic health disparities. Holistic review and use of an expanded definition of underrepresented minority (URM) that includes factors beyond race and ethnicity are suggested methods to promote diversity in the physical therapist (PT) workforce and ultimately address societal health disparities. Evidence suggests that holistic review can promote PT student diversity; however, limited evidence exists that describes the academic outcomes of holistic review that consider social determinants of learning (SDOL) factors in the review process. The purpose of this study was to examine the early academic outcomes of students after a holistic review and to examine relationships between SDOL factors and academic performance. A convenience sample of 160 students admitted to a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program from June 2020 to June 2022 was used. A secondary analysis of students' self-reported responses from their admissions application was used to categorize response data into SDOL groups. An independent-sample t-test was used to test group differences in academic performance, and regression modeling was used to test relationships between SDOL factors and academic performance. The mean 6-month DPT program grade point average (GPA) of the sample was 3.32 ± .43. Nonstatistically significant differences appeared in early DPT GPA between URM and non-URM student groups. However, after controlling for undergraduate GPA, a history of educational disadvantage was the only SDOL factor that contributed to early DPT GPA variance (2.6%), P < .05. The similar academic performance of URM and non-URM students provides support for using an expanded URM definition in holistic review. Most of the educationally disadvantaged group were first-generation college students, which was associated with lower early GPA. These results provide emerging evidence that first-generation students in DPT programs may benefit from additional academic support.

Michele T. Pato: Nature and nurture are essential to living the fullest and most enjoyable life; it is never just about our genes but what you do with them and what you bring to the table

Michele T. Pato, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Inaugural Director of the Rutgers Center for Psychiatric Health and Genomics. Dr. Pato's research has been focused on increasing the representation of minority populations in large-scale genomic studies and through that process further contributing to the elucidation of the genomics of common and complex psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Underrepresented minority groups, particularly those in US-based communities of Latino and African descent, have traditionally not been sufficiently included in genomic studies. Yet, these populations have the most significant disparities in health care and outcomes; they also have the potential to substantially broaden our knowledge of human genetics. Dr. Pato has a lifelong history of exposing and mentoring trainees towards pathways in research. She is the author of NERVE: A Physician Turned Patient and Her Courageous Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury, published by Springer in 2023. We are delighted to present to our audience insights into Dr. Pato's life and professional journey.

A99 HIGHER HOSPITAL INPATIENT RACIAL DIVERSITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH BETTER OUTCOMES AMONG HISPANIC AND INDIGENOUS AMERICAN PATIENTS FOR FIVE COMMON GASTROINTESTINAL DIAGNOSES

Abstract Background There is evidence that gastrointestinal disease (GI) outcomes are poorer among patients from underrepresented backgrounds. However, the impact of hospital patient racial diversity on GI outcomes is understudied. Aims We aimed to investigate the impact of hospital patient racial diversity on GI outcomes Methods Using the 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), racial diversity was defined by the percentage of Hispanic or Indigenous American patients discharged from each hospital. GI discharge diagnoses were defined by diagnostic related group. We included GI bleeding, inflammatory bowel diseases, GI obstruction, cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis. Logistic regression was used to predict major complication rates or comorbidity (MCC), long length of stay (LOS), and high total charges. Control variables included age, gender, payer type, patient location, area-associated income quartile, hospital characteristics including size, urban vs. rural, teaching vs. nonteaching, region, and the interaction of the percentage of Hispanic and Indigenous Americans with patient race. Results were validated with the 2018 NIS dataset. Results Our analysis cohort of 537,830 hospitalizations included 252,225 GI bleeding discharges, 59,310 gastrointestinal obstruction discharges, 106,820 cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis discharges, and 119,475 inflammatory bowel diseases discharges. In the unadjusted analyses, MCC rates were higher among Hispanic (24.8%) and Indigenous American patients (30.4%), compared to Whites (18.3%). In adjusted analyses, compared to white patients, Hispanic patients had higher MCC rates [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.15-1.28]. The same trend was seen among Indigenous American patients [OR 1.25, (95% CI) 1.09-1.43]. However, as hospital Hispanic diversity increased, inpatient MCC outcomes for Hispanics improved [OR 0.93, (95% CI) 0.87-1.14], and were even better among Indigenous American patients as hospital inpatient Indigenous American diversity increased [OR 0.83, (95% CI) 0.73-0.94] (Table 1). A similar improvement in MCC with increasing Hispanic and Indigenous American diversity was observed in the 2018 validation cohort. Table 1 highlights impact of increasing diversity on LOS and total charges. Conclusions Increasing hospital inpatient Hispanic and Indigenous American diversity is associated with better outcomes for these underrepresented minority groups. More research is needed on the impact of cultural competence and linguistic concordance on patient outcomes. Funding Agencies None

Characterization of a Diverse Set of Conditionally Reprogrammed Head and Neck Cancer Cell Cultures.

To establish and characterize a diverse library of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) cultures using conditional reprogramming (CR). Patients enrolled on an IRB-approved protocol to generate tumor cell cultures using CR methods. Tumor and blood samples were collected and clinical information was recorded. Successful CR cultures were validated against banked reference tumors with short tandem repeat genotyping. Cell morphology was archived with photodocumentation. Clinical and demographic factors were evaluated for associations with successful establishment of CR culture. Human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping, clonogenic survival, MTT assays, spheroid growth, and whole exome sequencing were carried out in selected cultures. Forty four patients were enrolled, with 31 (70%) successful CR cultures, 32% derived from patients who identified as Black and 61% as Hispanic. All major head and neck disease sites were represented, including 15 (48%) oral cavity and 8 (26%) p16-positive oropharynx cancers. Hispanic ethnicity and first primary tumors (vs. second primary or recurrent tumors) were significantly associated with successful CR culture. HPV expression was conserved in CR cultures, including CR-024, which carried a novel HPV-69 serotype. CR cultures were used to test cisplatin responses using MTT assays. Previous work has also demonstrated these models can be used to assess response to radiation and can be engrafted in mouse models. Whole exome sequencing demonstrated that CR cultures preserved tumor mutation burden and driver mutations. CR culture is highly successful in propagating HNSCC cells. This study included a high proportion of patients from underrepresented minority groups. Not Applicable Laryngoscope, 134:2748-2756, 2024.

Advancing Diversity in Microbiology: A 55-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Background For over 50 years, affirmative action helped advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in educational institutions in the United States (U.S.). However, the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action in college admissions threatens the progress toward EDI. Objective This study aimed to assess the progress in promoting gender and racial diversity within the discipline of microbiology over a 55-year period. We sought to analyze the representation of women and minority groups in faculty ranks, tenure positions, and leadership to identify disparities and trends and determine who will likely be impacted most with the end of affirmative action. Materials and methods This longitudinal retrospective study utilized publicly available and non-identifiable Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) data on full-time microbiology faculty from 1967 to 2021. Faculty members were categorized based on academic ranks and tenure status, while gender and racial data were also considered. Results The analysis revealed a consistent dominance of white faculty, with over 60% representation across all academic ranks throughout the study period. The Asian and female faculty representation decreased in senior academic ranks. We observed a positive trend in the annual increase of women in faculty positions, academic ranks, chairs, and tenure positions. Furthermore, Asian faculty demonstrated the most robust surge in representation. However, disparities persisted for black, Hispanic, and Native American faculty members, reflecting broader challenges in their representation. Discussion Although efforts to enhance diversity within microbiology have yielded positive results, underrepresented minority groups still face obstacles in attaining leadership positions and senior academic ranks. The diminishing proportion of women at higher academic ranks raises concerns about potential attrition or lack of promotion opportunities. The end of affirmative action poses a risk of perpetuating this trend, leading to a decline in diversity among microbiology faculty.

Potential Impact of Race and Ethnicity on Pharmacy Residency Match Rate and Match Participation

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate if a correlation exists between a student’s self-identified race or ethnicity and their rates of participating in the match or matching with a pharmacy residency. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included pharmacy graduates from 2016 through 2021 at two schools/colleges of pharmacy, a Historically Black College or University and a non-Historically Black College or University. The primary outcome was to compare the percentage of underrepresented minority (URM) students and non-URM students who successfully matched with a postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency. The secondary outcomes compared rates of participation in the match and the effects of student-related factors that influenced match success and participation rates between URM students and non-URM students. ResultsOf the 900 included students, 273 participated in the match. The match rate among students participating in the match was 53.5% (146 of 273) with 50.3% (84 of 167) in the URM group compared to 58.5% (62 of 106) in the non-URM group (P = .186) successfully matching. Rates of match participation were lower for students identified as URM (26% vs 39.3%, P < .001). When adjusting for previously published predictors of match success, URM status did not significantly affect match rates or match participation. ConclusionAt two schools of pharmacy, URM students were less likely to participate in the match but just as likely to match to an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists residency in the univariable analysis. However, when adjusting for other characteristics, there was no difference in match participation or match success in students who self-identified as URM.

Mentoring as a Form of Transformation in Academia

A considerable amount of literature has established the under-representation of Black women academics in South Africa and abroad. Several factors continue to contribute to the lack of transformation in most institutions of higher learning in the country. Despite this challenge, a number of women have managed to succeed irrespective of the institutional culture and structures of exclusion. This study explored literature on mentoring as a tool for Black African women and underrepresented minority groups within the academic space to enhance diversity, equality, and inclusion. The study has shown the impact of mentorship in giving women an opportunity to grow and advance within the academic space and the importance of representation.

Review of the Disparities in Access to Pediatric Eye Care Among Low Socioeconomic Status and Underrepresented Racial Minority Groups Exacerbated by the Economic Downturn in Pediatric Ophthalmology.

To explore the association between race and socioeconomic status on health disparities in pediatric eye care, characterize the status of diversity within the pediatric ophthalmology workforce, and propose potential solutions to improve access to vision care, particularly for children from vulnerable populations. The major studies examining the socioeconomic and racial disparities in visual outcomes and the impact of diversity in the ophthalmology workforce were reviewed. Currently, the pediatric ophthalmology workforce has limited racial diversity, and increasing the number of underrepresented in medicine providers has potential to improve access to pediatric eye care, particularly for underserved populations. Mobile eye clinics, school-based vision programs, and health literacy initiatives may engage communities to bring eye care directly to children and enhance follow-up. Families with lower socioeconomic status may represent a vulnerable population facing significant access to pediatric eye care barriers, particularly for asymptomatic pediatric eye conditions. Emphasis on strategies that directly engage communities and bring free vision care to families should be given to improve disparities in visual health outcomes. Ophthalmologists and pediatric ophthalmologists should be aware of the current racial underrepresentation within the pediatric ophthalmology workforce, and the importance of workforce diversity in accelerating physician-patient concordance and access to eye care. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(3):172-178.].

Community engagement of underrepresented college students: Ultra-orthodox students in Israel as social change agents

This article aims to contribute to the emerging body of research on community engagement of college students from minority and underserved groups. It examines community engagement programs involving students from the Jewish ultra-Orthodox society in Israel, a minority group that is clearly underrepresented in the higher education system in Israel. Using qualitative methods, this article analyzes how ultra-Orthodox students experience their community engagement and perceive its effects on themselves and on their communities. The findings illuminate how the students' social interactions during their volunteer work enhance meaningful learning despite considerable challenges and dilemmas. Ultra-orthodox students constantly cross social and cultural boundaries, and their choice to enroll in higher education is often delegitimized in their communities. Their ability to contribute to their communities through collegiate community engagement programs helps justify their decision to pursue an academic education. This ability also empowers them in the challenging liminal state between the ultra-Orthodox society and academia. Hence, community engagement helps reinforce the academization of the ultra-Orthodox society. This case study proposes that student volunteers from underrepresented minority groups can bridge the gap between academic institutions and their minority communities, serving as agents of societal change.

Engaging Underrepresented Youth: Remote Transition of the Health Career Collaborative Program

IntroductionPipeline programs can help increase diversity in health care by engaging underrepresented minority groups to pursue higher education and training in medical fields. Here we describe the implementation of Health Career Collaborative, a pipeline program designed to connect high school students with health care professionals, and the transition to remote delivery of the curriculum. MethodsThis study is a retrospective, descriptive observational study where the baseline characteristics of participating students were evaluated via preparticipation surveys. This study took place in a community with an area deprivation index of 6 at a high school in southern California in conjunction with an academic medical center and level I trauma center. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the program transitioned to a virtual setting in the second half of the academic year. ResultsA total of 37 high school student participants enrolled in the 2019-2020 Health Career Collaborative program, with over 97% identifying as Hispanic, 89% female, and 92% between the ages of 15 and 17. Ninety-five percent of students indicated plans to graduate from high school and attend college, and 89% agreed with having a mentor to help plan for their future. While high school students had exposure to several health topics prior to the program, students reported a preference to learn about health topics from doctors compared to other sources. ConclusionsAn online platform helped facilitate more interaction with health care professionals and could improve feasibility of implementing pipeline programs because physical space and transportation are not required.

Abstract C007: Disparities in occurrence and outcome of male reproductive cancers in the United States Pacific Islander community

Abstract Data from the National Cancer Database indicates prostate cancer (CPa) prevalence in the Pacific Islander (PI) community to be nearly 1.6 times higher than the national standard. Recent data suggests that prostate cancer rates seen in United States PI men are comparable to that of African American men, the community with the longstanding recognition as having the highest rates of the disease in the US. PIs are defined as those originating from or being indigenous to the islands of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia including the US governed Hawaiian islands, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, and American Samoa. PIs make up a grossly underrepresented minority group, often being overshadowed by their mainland Asian counterparts when aggregated together as a group defined as “AANHPI” in sociological and epidemiological data sets and studies. In addition, Pacific Islanders, at least in the mainland US, are considered a “new” minority population, and with the exception of those indigenous to US territories, the vast majority of the population are post 1970 first or second generation immigrants. Research into health disparities in the PI community is thus unsurprisingly sparse, and there is great work to be done to explore these alarming trends. The purposes of this study are threefold: further explore the data pertaining to prostate cancer prevalence in the pacific islander community; disaggregate the data between ethnic lines; and provide a foundation for future research that can further elucidate the causes and outcomes of this disease in the Pacific Islander community. Data was taken from the 2014 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey (NHPI NHIS). The NHPI NHIS is a national survey administered by the CDC-NCHS to collect disease data including health condition and characteristics, health care access and service utilization but specific to the national NHPI population. Among 2588 participants, 4% indicated ever having been diagnosed with cancer among which prostate cancer was the second most commonly diagnosed. This study relies heavily on large-scale national questionnaires, thus future research should incorporate additional qualitative exploratory research, including targeted and ethnicity-specific canvassing and interviews in order to better understand the real life manifestations of the disease. The preliminary findings highlight an ever growing concern for the health outcomes of this community, and provide compelling evidence in support for both disaggregation of the community from Asian Americans, as well as interethnic disaggregation in data sets. A common thread of distancing between PI communities and the healthcare system was particularly evident, raising the concern that PIs are not being screened early enough and are not seeking life saving medical attention until advanced disease progression. A hopeful outcome of this study is a recognition that more outreach and community work must be done to bridge the gap between PIs and the Western healthcare system in order to mitigate the observed disparities. Citation Format: Nicholas A. Sowizral. Disparities in occurrence and outcome of male reproductive cancers in the United States Pacific Islander community [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C007.