ASPO Abstracts
Stakeholder Beliefs about the Factors Required to Successfully Implement Cancer Prevention Programs for Vietnamese Smokers in the United States
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2023
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Among Asian populations in the United States (US), the Vietnamese rank second highest in smoking prevalence. However, factors that may facilitate or impede the successful implementation and dissemination (I/D) of smoking treatment programs for the US Vietnamese population are not well known. This qualitative study aims to identify theory-based I/D factors that key stakeholders believe may increase the likelihood of successful smoking treatments and cancer prevention programs. Methods: Fourteen in-depth interviews via video calls were conducted with 9 US Vietnamese healthcare providers and 5 community leaders across the US. The interviewees were diverse in age, sex, profession, and specialty. Data were analyzed using the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model with the aid of the MAXQDA program to identify I/D factors. Results: Healthcare professionals believed that incorporation of smoking assessment into their clinical process, establishing reciprocal trust, offering incentives for participation, and establishing a program's credibility were essential for successfully enrolling patients into programs. Meanwhile, community leaders suggested that physicians' recommendations and engagement in the programs were important for patient enrollment and enhancing the programs' credibility. Frequently informing patients about their progress and health status, and social support also emerged as critical factors for patient compliance, adherence, and completion of treatment programs. Program adoption and dissemination efforts should incorporate culturally appropriate factors (e.g., the potential effects of peer education or family pressure for not smoking in Vietnamese culture). Finally, smoking cessation programs should include smoking-related cancer prevention content (e.g., provision of cancer screening guidelines) and connect patients to relevant cancer prevention programs. Conclusions: Overall, physician engagement, social support, cultural tailoring, and coordination with relevant cancer prevention/screening programs are believed to be crucial to a successful I/D of a smoking-cessation program. These findings may be useful for the development of smoking-related cancer prevention programs designed for the US Vietnamese population.
Keywords: Smoking cessation, cancer prevention, Vietnamese population