ASPO Abstracts
Helicobacter pylori and Stomach Cancer: Assessing knowledge, attitudes, practices among Navajo people in Northern Arizona
Category: Cancer Health Disparities, Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Purpose of the study: Stomach cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death globally. As one of the most common bacterial infections in the world, Helicobacter pylori plays a role in the healthy human gut, but it is also associated with multiple chronic diseases, including stomach cancer. Though H. pylori prevalence is declining in particular parts of the world, it remains high among certain populations. In the U.S, increased infection with H. pylori is associated with age, living conditions, and lower socioeconomic status. In Arizona, rates of stomach cancer are 3-4 times higher among the Navajo Nation population as compared to the non-Hispanic white population. This pilot project component aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding H. pylori among Navajo community members to better understand the prevalence of infection. Methods: Focus groups (n=3) were held in 3 Navajo communities among 31 participants. Data were analyzed thematically using a multi-investigator approach mindful of Indigenous research considerations. Results: Participants had very limited knowledge of H. pylori and stomach cancer, and perceived local medical providers as also having limited knowledge in the subject area. Participants identified examples of socioeconomic inequalities, environmental injustices, and ill-responsive health care delivery in the local region, and associated these with H. pylori infection and stomach cancer. Conclusions: This research highlights the essential need for increased community-driven and culturally-relevant education among Navajo citizens and leadership on H. pylori infection and its relation to stomach cancer.
Keywords: Stomach cancer, Helicobacter pylori, education