Empowering Low-Income Women with Breast Cancer: Promoting Acupuncture at Community Health Fairs

Author

Katrina Ramos, Dominican University of CaliforniaFollow

Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Thesis Advisor

Lynn Noyce, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Abstract

While research has explored the positive effects of acupuncture on cancer and cancer treatment symptoms, a notable gap exists in understanding its impact on lower-income populations. These individuals encounter barriers to accessing acupuncture, such as limited availability, cost, and provider knowledge. This longitudinal study aims to assess the impact of community health fairs, featuring acupuncture information for breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced symptoms, on the acceptance and utilization rates of acupuncture among low-income women with breast cancer. Collaborating with the Women’s Cancer Resource Center and a local non-profit integrative cancer care clinic in Oakland, we will conduct a three-day health fair focused on providing resources for people with cancer. Participants will receive information on acupuncture, counseling on non-profit acupuncture sites, and fill out questionnaires on their beliefs (Acupuncture Beliefs Scale) and quality of life (EORTC Quality of Life questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General) at the beginning and end of the fair. Follow-ups will be conducted at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The study aims to enroll at least 100 participants (n = 100), with primary outcome measures being acceptance and usage rates of acupuncture. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and regression analysis, will be employed to evaluate the differences in rates pre and post-tests, as well as the relationships between the demographic data and the numeric scores from the questionnaires. If successful, this research could support the use of community health fairs to enhance acupuncture acceptance and utilization rates among low-income women with breast cancer, contributing to improved health education and literacy for underserved populations. Nurses could apply this information to enhance patient education, delivering additional resources and increased support throughout the cancer treatment process.