Perception of Cancer among a College-going/College-educated Population in the Appalachian Region

Talia Buchman*, Susanna Donaldson and Ann Morris, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505.

Field (Broad Category): Anthropology & Archeology (Oral-Human Engagement)

Student’s Major: Anthropology

West Virginians experience suboptimal health outcomes, including above average cancer rates. Previous  studies suggest that cultural factors may explain this phenomenon in low-income, uneducated populations.  Few studies, however, have examined cancer health literacy among college-going/college-educated  populations in West Virginia or the Appalachian region. In this study we explored knowledge and  perceptions of cancer by doing in-person interviews with students and employees of WVU. During these  interviews we collected free list and pile sort data. Free list data were collected by asking participants to list  any word or phrase they think of in response to four prompts related to cancer. Pile sort data were collected  by asking participants to organize words and ideas drawn from the free list data. These methods were  chosen because anthropologists have determined free listing and pile sorting provide a rapid way to elicit  cultural knowledge and perceptions. One goal of this study is to see if free listing and pile sorting are  reasonable ways to conduct this research. At the end of the research project, we will know more about the  knowledge and perceptions of cancer among college going/college educated people within North Central  Appalachia. Preliminary results suggest that pile sorting is a reasonable way to elicit perceptions of cancer  and free listing is beneficial for generating words for pile sorting. Knowledge gained as a result of this study  will inform methods to educate the public about cancer and its treatments and will contribute to efforts to  improve patient-doctor communication.

Funding:

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program  ( RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course