Saath and UCLA to Conduct
Needs Assessment Study on S. Asian Women
Los
Angeles, CA: The thought of establishing Saath came about
when a few like-minded people working in the community envisioned
their collective action making a difference. In the beginning
the founding members and volunteers wanted to help cancer
patients by offering hope, support, and guidance. Soon it
was clear that proper understanding about their needs was
essential to offer assistance that makes a difference in
the lives of people diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Saath approached nationally renowned researchers at UCLA
to lend their expertise in conducting a study to determine
how culture affects the cancer experience which could help
in the development of a program to meet the needs of those
affected by the disease. South Asian Women with Breast Cancer:
What Are Their Needs? is funded by the California Department
of Health Services, Breast Cancer Research Program and is
headed by Dr. Roshan Bastani, Dr. Beth Glenn and Zul Surani
of Saath. The purpose of the present study is to conduct
a needs assessment by interviewing South Asian women with
breast cancer. The data collected during this pilot project
will help answer questions such as what are the needs of
South Asian women with regard to breast cancer. What are
the effective and culturally appropriate means of reaching
South Asian women with breast cancer and assisting them
at the time of diagnosis through survivorship? How can women
avail of the latest in treatment so they can have excellent
outcomes and recovery?
Saath will reach four of the largest South Asian groups
(Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan) in Los Angels
to participate in the individual interview. Participants
will be recruited through established contacts in the South
Asian communities and the interviews will be conducted by
trained bilingual interviewers. Saath and UCLA will function
as equal partners in conducting the proposed project.
This is the first time a study is being conducted to understand
and assess the needs of South Asian women diagnosed with
breast cancer. Thus few culturally appropriate services
are being offered to this growing population. South Asians
are the third largest Asian group in the US and California
has the largest population of any state. Previous studies
have indicated that one size does not fit all when it comes
to ethnic minorities. Given the uniqueness of this population,
their needs are distinct and they would benefit from the
findings of the study. The study will provide the necessary
information to create a program that would address the needs
of the South Asian community.
Saath is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated
to assisting South Asians with cancer from diagnosis through
survivorship. Saath hopes to be more targeted and responsive
in offering services. In the long run Saath hopes to not
only assist cancer survivors but also bring the latest information
to them by being a valuable resource in prevention and early
detection of the disease. Saath depends on support from
community leaders and organizations.
For more information on Saath, please contact: 1-866-4598474
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