A pilot study using traditional chinese medicine providers to promote colorectal cancer screening in the Chinese American community

Purpose: There is limited research on the use of traditional healers in community-based public health promotion in the United States. Given the high use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among Chinese Americans a pilot study was conducted to explore the feasibility of a novel approach- incorporating TCM providers to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the Chinese American community. Methods: A CRC education program was developed for TCM providers using formative qualitative research, including community stakeholder input. The program consisted of a 38-page educational flipchart, which presented an integrative TCM and biomedical model of cancer prevention, and a 4-hour training curriculum. 4 TCM providers (two acupuncturists and two herbalists) were recruited and trained. Each TCM provider then recruited 15 participants and conducted a single education session for each participant in small groups on CRC prevention. Eligible participants were Chinese Americans aged 50-75. Survey data on demographics, CRC knowledge, and behaviors, was collected at pre- and three-months post-intervention. McNemar's tests were used to evaluate pre-post changes. Results: Study participants (N = 60) included 62% females, mean age of 62.4 years, and 97% born in China. Nearly half (41.7%) had received an herbal prescription from a TCM provider and 23.3% at least one acupuncture treatment in the past year. At 3-months, participants' knowledge of CRC screening recommendations increased significantly. Rates of having heard of a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy increased from 82% to 93% (p = 0.008). Ever receipt of any one of those tests increased from 70% to 83% (p = 0.01). The rate of being up-to-date with CRC screening increased from 68% to 79% (p = 0.03). Conclusion: It is feasible to use TCM providers in communitybased CRC prevention outreach and education. This pilot study shows that the integrated approach may be effective in increasing CRC screening among Chinese Americans.