Development and pilot evaluation of a cancer-focused summer research education program for [corrected] Navajo undergraduate students

J Cancer Educ. 2010 Dec;25(4):650-8. doi: 10.1007/s13187-010-0118-6. Epub 2010 Apr 22.

Abstract

This paper describes the development and pilot testing of a 10-week cancer research education program for Navajo undergraduate students. The program was piloted at Diné College with 22 undergraduates (7 men, 15 women) in 2007 and 2008. Students completed a pre-post program survey assessing attitudes, opinions, and knowledge about research and about cancer. The program was found to be culturally acceptable and resulted in statistically significant changes in some of the attitudes and opinions about research and cancer. Combining all 13 knowledge items, there was a significant (p = 0.002) change in the mean total correct percent from baseline [70.3 (SD = 15.9)] to post-program [82.1 (SD = 13.1)]. The curriculum was adapted for a new cancer prevention and control course now offered at Diné College, enhancing sustainability. Ultimately, these efforts may serve to build capacity in communities by developing a cadre of future Native American scientists to develop and implement cancer research.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomedical Research / education*
  • Female
  • Health Education*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / education*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult