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Development of a theory-based framework and measures of acculturation for African immigrants.

Award Number: R15MD017012
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CENTER ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/12/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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Development of a theory-based framework and measures of acculturation for African immigrants. - Project Summary/Abstract Men of African ancestry are disproportionately burdened by prostate cancer (CaP) compared to other racial/ethnic groups, yet the main drivers of disparate outcomes are poorly understood. Research studies often categorize men of African ancestry in the United States (US) as a homogenous group (Blacks) which hinders understanding about the unique health practices, behaviors and culture of subpopulations that contribute to or exacerbate disparities. For example, a recent study found that sub-Saharan African immigrants (SSAI) compared to US-born Blacks have a 1.5 times higher incidence rate for prostate cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the unique health practices and behaviors that may contribute to disparities in health outcomes. Acculturation or the nature and extent to which SSAI modify their, beliefs, values, diet and other lifestyle patterns may impact early detection of prostate cancer. For the purposes of this study, we define SSAI as individuals immigrating from the region of the African continent located south of the Saharan desert. To date, three measures exist to assess acculturation among African-descent populations. However, none of these measures incorporate lifestyle factors despite research that suggest a change in environment and diet is associated with prostate cancer risk. Moreover, existing scales on acculturation do not capture the contextual features of acculturation, such as events and circumstances preceding immigration and the political and social climate of the US upon arrival. The specific aims of this study are: 1) develop conceptual frameworks illuminating acculturation, CaP screening and lifestyle factors among first-generation SSAI men in the US diagnosed with CaP and healthy first- generation SSAI men; 2) Create measures to assess acculturation, CaP screening and early detection among SSAI men in the US; and 3) train a cadre of student-researchers in behavioral research aimed at reducing health disparities. To address Aim 1, we will conduct in-depth interviews with 32 SSAI men aged 40-70 years to identify and illuminate specific components of acculturation and how they affect health behaviors. We will identify acculturation constructs missing in current scales. To achieve Aim 2, we will generate content and items for a scale informed by the categories that we develop in Aim 1. We will seek input from an advisory board of content experts and refine the scale before field testing and pilot testing of the measures. To achieve Aim 3, we will involve students in data collection, data analysis, field and pilot testing of the instrument. We will employ mixed- methods combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that underlie links between acculturation and health behavior among SSAI men in the US. The short-term goal of this study is a contribution to the literature of theory-guided measures to assess acculturation, CaP screening and behavioral factors among SSAI men in the US. The long-term goal is that knowledge gained from this research will translate to the development of new, innovative, and culturally-based interventions aimed at reducing prostate cancer disparities.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2025	2022	GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY	231 W HANCOCK ST	MILLEDGEVILLE	GA	31061	BALDWIN	USA	Minority Health and Health Disparities Research	000	1	2/24/2025	NEW	$0
2025	2022	GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY	231 W HANCOCK ST	MILLEDGEVILLE	GA	31061	BALDWIN	USA	Minority Health and Health Disparities Research	001	1	8/25/2025	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $426,025 )
2022	2022	GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY	231 W HANCOCK ST	MILLEDGEVILLE	GA	31061	BALDWIN	USA	Minority Health and Health Disparities Research	001	1	8/22/2022	NEW	$21,615
2022	2022	GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY	231 W HANCOCK ST	MILLEDGEVILLE	GA	31061	BALDWIN	USA	Minority Health and Health Disparities Research	000	1	8/12/2022	NEW	$404,410
														Subtotal = $426,025

Grand Total All Awards = $426,025

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Development of a theory-based framework and measures of acculturation for African immigrants.

Award Number: R15MD017012

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CENTER ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/12/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2026

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