Abstract
This pilot study evaluated a culturally specific video designed to teach Navajo women about breast cancer treatment options. Fourteen Navajo women diagnosed with breast cancer and 26 healthcare providers participated in a mixed-method evaluation that documented their perceptions immediately and 6 months after viewing the video. After initial viewing, women reported reduced anxiety about treatment and interest in support groups. Six months later, women said the video prompted them to seek more information from printed sources and their provider. Younger Navajo women who were 44 to 51 years old were more likely to attend support groups than women who were 55–67 years. Providers corroborated the positive effects of the video. The providers believed the video encouraged patients to seek information about breast cancer and to ask questions about treatment plans and side effects. A culturally relevant video for Navajo women can be an effective teaching tool and can enhance patient–provider communication.
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Acknowledgements
To request the video, “Breast Cancer: It Can Be Healed”, please send an e-mail message to Ms. Fran Robinson at frobinson@sjrmc.net.
The authors would like to acknowledge Drs. Louise Canfield, Diane Stearns, and Paul Brynteson, for their support and guidance of this pilot project. This study would not have been possible without the following partners' dedication: Margaret Lee, Rosemarie Mestas, Cathy James, Harriett Hosetosavit, Priscilla Nez, Cheryl Arviso, and Frederick Sherman. The Navajo Nation Human Research and Review Board, Shiprock Chapter House, Shiprock Service Unit Health Advisory Board, San Juan Regional Cancer Center, San Juan Oncology Associates, San Juan Surgical Associates, San Juan Regional Medical Center, San Juan Foundation, and the Navajo Nation Cultural Resources. Our gratitude goes to the providers who participated in the study. We are very grateful to the Navajo women who participated in the evaluation of the video during one of the toughest ordeals of their lives.
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Supported by grant from the National Cancer Institute's Minority Institute Cancer Center Program (3U54CA09632005S1; U54) from 6/2002 to 5/2004, Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona Cancer Center, Native American Cancer Research Partnership. The contents of the manuscript are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the funding agency.
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Sanderson, P.R., Teufel-Shone, N.I., Baldwin, J.A. et al. Breast Cancer Education for Navajo Women: a Pilot Study Evaluating a Culturally Relevant Video. J Canc Educ 25, 217–223 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-009-0036-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-009-0036-7