Insights from Research Network Collaborators on How to Reach Rural Communities with Cancer Prevention and Control Programs

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines community leaders’ and researchers’ recommendations for reaching rural communities in a southeastern U.S. state with cancer prevention and control programming. Research Design: A qualitative inquiry of a grant network’s research and community councils was conducted to explore members’ opinions on how to engage rural communities and obtain input on how to recruit rural organizations for a mini-grants program. Study Sample and Data Collection: Telephone/virtual interviews were conducted with all 13 council members. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis and findings were examined within the context of system-centric and patient-centric dimensions. Results: Council members discussed limited education, lack of insurance, low socioeconomic status, health care avoidance, and transportation as barriers to cancer prevention and control. They recommended reaching rural populations by partnering with community and faith-based organizations, use of targeted multi-media, and tailored cancer education trainings. Conclusions: Findings are used for guiding outreach with rural communities and recruitment of rural organizations for a cancer-focused mini-grants initiative.