Feasibility Study: Colorectal Cancer Related Educational Program for Korean Americans

Abstract

Problem statement: The purpose of this study was to assess feasibility and acceptability of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) related educational program, specifically designed to promote Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) completion for Korean Americans aged 50 years and older. Approach: Focus group discussion (N = 9) guided by semi-structured questions was conducted to understand the demand for CRC education and to obtain feedback on overall content, language and delivery media for a preliminary version of the educational program. A single group pilot study (N = 85) was conducted to assess the acceptability of animated PowerPoint slides with culturally appropriate pictures, graphics and words to convey CRC and early screening practice and to review the Korean-language version questionnaire items for its clarity, understandability, readability and burden of over survey completion. Results: Focus group participants postulated several themes and expressed strong desire to learn more about CRC through the face-to-face educational program. The educational program was feasible with 100% response rate for study participation. Acceptability was established by process questions related to the educational program in terms of cultural appropriateness of the content, participants' responses to the content and intent to change health behavior. The mean acceptability score was 3.5 (SD = 0.41); range was 2.75-4, indicating that participants found the education highly acceptable. The Korean-language version questionnaire items were clearly written, easy to read and understand and it took about 25 min to complete. There were no additional comments on the questionnaire items. Conclusion: The focus group discussion enabled us to add culturally appropriate language and content to the education, underscoring the importance of formative work prior to intervention testing. The educational program is feasible and acceptable as evidenced by ease of recruitment (100%), attendance (100%) and high acceptability score of the educational contents.