Annalyn Valdez - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Annalyn Valdez

Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Sep 18, 2023

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014), Nov 18, 2014

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, Nov 30, 2017

Background-A community needs assessment was conducted to explore barriers and facilitators to goo... more Background-A community needs assessment was conducted to explore barriers and facilitators to good physical and mental health among Cambodian and Latino residents in an urban community in Southern California. Methods-Thirty-six Cambodians and 29 Latinos completed the interviewer-facilitated survey administered door-to-door, and another 20 Cambodian and 18 Latino residents participated in focus groups. Results-Crime, limited knowledge of positive health behaviors, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and lack of access to safe spaces for recreational activities were identified as threats to good health. Participant recommendations to support health in the community included increasing police presence to improve safety and reduce violence, and increasing opportunities/locations for physical exercise. Discussion-While differences between Cambodian and Latino residents exist, the identified threats and suggested improvements were primarily associated with environmental factors,

Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts, Jun 1, 2020

Background: Cancer survivorship rates are increasing and the growing number of cancer survivors w... more Background: Cancer survivorship rates are increasing and the growing number of cancer survivors will present new challenges to the health care system with regards to follow-up care and long-term health care needs. More specifically, cancer survivors are dealing with the physical and mental health consequences of cancer long after treatments are completed, and many of the physical symptoms and side effects that evolved from such treatments have had long-lasting physical and psychological effects. Studies aimed at understanding how social support and quality of life impacts survivorship is limited and there is a paucity in research investigating factors that affect the health-related quality of life and the long-term health care needs of Filipino cancer survivors. Significance: Physical symptoms of cancer survivors can be detected and treated by health care providers, but any psychological distress experienced by these individuals are not easily identified or assessed. Depression and anxiety are common among individuals diagnosed with cancer and many survivors often report experiencing emotional distress and feelings of abandonment after intensive support during the treatment phase. Objective: This study aims to explore the cultural perceptions of mental health, identify the types of social support that impacts the psychological well-being of Filipino cancer survivors post-treatment, and explore the health-related quality of life and prevalence of psychological distress among Filipino cancer survivors. Methods: Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Filipino cancer survivors residing in Southern California. Thematic analysis was performed to explore and identify cultural perceptions of social support, quality of life and mental health. Results: This exploratory study found that post-treatment needs of Filipino cancer survivors vary by cancer type and treatment received. Although social support (physical and functional) is available, lack of emotional support increases psychological distress and may affect their overall quality of life. Physical health problems are easily identified and readily addressed, but the mental well-being of survivors is often overlooked and rarely discussed. Discussion/Conclusion: Further investigation of post-treatment experiences of Filipino cancer survivors is needed in order to identify the services and resources that would be most beneficial in addressing the emotional support and psychological distress needs during survivorship. Citation Format: Annalyn Valdez-Dadia. Social support, quality of life and mental health factors affecting Filipino cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D048.

International journal of healthcare, Jun 26, 2018

Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of... more Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of U.S. cancer clinical trial participants. This pilot study describes findings on barriers, promoters and recommendations related to cancer clinical trial participation from Asian Americans. The research team conducted 3 focus groups comprised of 21 community members and 4 key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Qualitative methodology was used to identify themes about cancer clinical trial participation. Barriers and promoters were categorized based on themes identified and previous study findings. Eight major themes and 5 recommendations were identified from the focus group data. Five major themes and 7 recommendations were identified from the key informant data. Asian Americans' decision to participate in cancer clinical trials is largely influenced by their cultural values and practices such as altruism and family-based decision making process. Technology platforms provide promising venues to reach Asian Americans. Family-based decision making process, altruism, and the use of technology platforms may need to be considered when outreaching to Asian Americans on cancer clinical trial participation.

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014), Nov 17, 2014

Journal of Public Health, Nov 22, 2017

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative h... more Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. However, the association between ACEs and access and utilization of health care have been largely ignored. Methods This study examined data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 101 527). We conducted logistic regression analyses, with nine ACEs as independent variables, in relation to the odds of being insured, having a personal health care provider and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable models were estimated. Results After accounting for potential confounders, all ACEs were associated with lower odds of being currently insured and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Physical abuse, emotional abuse and several measures of household dysfunction were associated with lower odds of having a personal provider. Conclusions Our findings suggest potential pathways by which ACEs may impact health. Provision of health insurance and providing care in a trauma-informed manner should be considered for individuals with a history of ACEs.

International Journal of Healthcare, 2018

Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of... more Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of U.S. cancer clinical trial participants. This pilot study describes findings on barriers, promoters and recommendations related to cancer clinical trial participation from Asian Americans. The research team conducted 3 focus groups comprised of 21 community members and 4 key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Qualitative methodology was used to identify themes about cancer clinical trial participation. Barriers and promoters were categorized based on themes identified and previous study findings. Eight major themes and 5 recommendations were identified from the focus group data. Five major themes and 7 recommendations were identified from the key informant data. Asian Americans’ decision to participate in cancer clinical trials is largely influenced by their cultural values and practices such as altruism and family-based decision making process. Technology platforms provide...

Culture is the core, dynamic, responsive, adaptive, and organizing system of life that (1) ensure... more Culture is the core, dynamic, responsive, adaptive, and organizing system of life that (1) ensures the survival and well-being of its members, (2) provides a shared way to find meaning and purpose throughout one’s life, (3) creates culturally identifiable ways to communicate caring, and (4) defines characteristics that identify a “good” person. Thus, a cultural system is composed of a shared set of beliefs, values, and lifestyles that enables its members to successfully adapt within a biotic and abiotic geographic niche, using available technology and economic resources, that ensures the survival of its members and provides meaning in and for life within this worldview. Culture also provides its members a purpose for living, especially in times of trial, such as the receipt of a cancer diagnosis. This chapter provides a more comprehensive and integrating concept of culture to guide clinicians to better understand how culture defines a “good person” and desired modes of emotional, ph...

Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts

Journal of public health (Oxford, England), Jan 22, 2017

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative health outco... more Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. However, the association between ACEs and access and utilization of health care have been largely ignored. This study examined data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 101 527). We conducted logistic regression analyses, with nine ACEs as independent variables, in relation to the odds of being insured, having a personal health care provider and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable models were estimated. After accounting for potential confounders, all ACEs were associated with lower odds of being currently insured and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Physical abuse, emotional abuse and several measures of household dysfunction were associated with lower odds of having a personal provider. Our findings suggest potential pathways by which ACEs may impact health. Provision of health insurance and p...

Background: Immigrants with limited English capabilities and limited knowledge about the U.S. hea... more Background: Immigrants with limited English capabilities and limited knowledge about the U.S. health care system may experience challenges in accessing and utilizing cancer care services. Patient navigation programs (PNPs) are emerging as a viable strategy to improve health care at the financial, organizational, social and cultural level. The Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act (NOA) has the potential to increase the availability of PNPs and to improve timeliness to treatment. Practitioner perceptions of PNPs are missing from the literature, and could provide evidence needed to generate support for the integration and adoption of PNPs at the system level. This dissertation is comprised of two studies that iii investigate the availability and quality of PNPs in Los Angeles (LA) and Orange County (OC) facilities, and the perceptions of practitioners and navigators serving Southeast Asians. Methods: Study 1 involved facility-level data collected through two surveys (Short Telephone Questionnaire and Facility Survey) and tumor registry data from the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program. Study 2 used secondary data of transcripts of interviews with practitioners (n=14) and patient navigators (n=9). Results: Study 1-Survey responses revealed that legislation was not associated with the development and availability of PNPs in LA or OC facilities, but compliance with hospital certification requirements did. The proportion of patients who received surgery within 30 days was higher at pre-NOA period at facilities with PNPs. Unexpectedly, post-NOA median time to surgery after diagnosis increased regardless of the availability of PNPs, Study 2-Practitioner perceptions of PNPs highlighted the benefit of PNPs and the need to inform cancer care clinicians and institutions about the value of navigation services to improve patient-physician communication. Navigators were instrumental in helping patients understand the disease and treatment process better, and enabled patients to be more engaged in dialogue with their physicians. Conclusion: PNPs have evolved into a mechanism for assisting under-resourced communities. Legislation alone needs to be bolstered with institutional program commitment and requirements. Practitioner perceptions of PNPs expressed in this study confirm the need to inform cancer care clinicians and cancer care institutions about the value of patient navigation services.

Journal of Cancer …, 2010

© The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com ... Abstract... more © The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com ... Abstract We examined whether the impact of medical interpretation services was associated with the receipt of a mammogram, clinical breast exam, and Pap smear. We conducted a large ...

Ca-a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2010

Little progress has been made over the last 40 years to eliminate the racial/ethnic differences i... more Little progress has been made over the last 40 years to eliminate the racial/ethnic differences in incidence, morbidity, avoidable suffering, and mortality from cancer that result from factors beyond genetic differences. More effective strategies to promote equity in access and quality care are urgently needed because the changing demographics of the United States portend that this disparity will not only persist but significantly increase. Such suffering is avoidable. The authors posit that culture is a prime factor in the persistence of health disparities. However, this concept of culture is still poorly understood, inconsistently defined, and ineffectively used in practice and research. The role of culture in the causal pathway of disparities and the potential impact of culturally competent cancer care on improving cancer outcomes in ethnic minorities has, thus, been underestimated. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive definition of culture and demonstrate how it can be used at each stage of the cancer care continuum to help reduce the unequal burden of cancer. The authors conclude with suggestions for clinical practice to eliminate the disconnection between evidence-based, quality, cancer care and its delivery to diverse population groups.

Journal of Cancer Education, 2006

Journal of Cancer Education, 2007

Health Education & Behavior, 2006

American Journal of Public Health, 2009

Journal of Cancer Education, 2007

Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Sep 18, 2023

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014), Nov 18, 2014

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, Nov 30, 2017

Background-A community needs assessment was conducted to explore barriers and facilitators to goo... more Background-A community needs assessment was conducted to explore barriers and facilitators to good physical and mental health among Cambodian and Latino residents in an urban community in Southern California. Methods-Thirty-six Cambodians and 29 Latinos completed the interviewer-facilitated survey administered door-to-door, and another 20 Cambodian and 18 Latino residents participated in focus groups. Results-Crime, limited knowledge of positive health behaviors, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and lack of access to safe spaces for recreational activities were identified as threats to good health. Participant recommendations to support health in the community included increasing police presence to improve safety and reduce violence, and increasing opportunities/locations for physical exercise. Discussion-While differences between Cambodian and Latino residents exist, the identified threats and suggested improvements were primarily associated with environmental factors,

Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts, Jun 1, 2020

Background: Cancer survivorship rates are increasing and the growing number of cancer survivors w... more Background: Cancer survivorship rates are increasing and the growing number of cancer survivors will present new challenges to the health care system with regards to follow-up care and long-term health care needs. More specifically, cancer survivors are dealing with the physical and mental health consequences of cancer long after treatments are completed, and many of the physical symptoms and side effects that evolved from such treatments have had long-lasting physical and psychological effects. Studies aimed at understanding how social support and quality of life impacts survivorship is limited and there is a paucity in research investigating factors that affect the health-related quality of life and the long-term health care needs of Filipino cancer survivors. Significance: Physical symptoms of cancer survivors can be detected and treated by health care providers, but any psychological distress experienced by these individuals are not easily identified or assessed. Depression and anxiety are common among individuals diagnosed with cancer and many survivors often report experiencing emotional distress and feelings of abandonment after intensive support during the treatment phase. Objective: This study aims to explore the cultural perceptions of mental health, identify the types of social support that impacts the psychological well-being of Filipino cancer survivors post-treatment, and explore the health-related quality of life and prevalence of psychological distress among Filipino cancer survivors. Methods: Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Filipino cancer survivors residing in Southern California. Thematic analysis was performed to explore and identify cultural perceptions of social support, quality of life and mental health. Results: This exploratory study found that post-treatment needs of Filipino cancer survivors vary by cancer type and treatment received. Although social support (physical and functional) is available, lack of emotional support increases psychological distress and may affect their overall quality of life. Physical health problems are easily identified and readily addressed, but the mental well-being of survivors is often overlooked and rarely discussed. Discussion/Conclusion: Further investigation of post-treatment experiences of Filipino cancer survivors is needed in order to identify the services and resources that would be most beneficial in addressing the emotional support and psychological distress needs during survivorship. Citation Format: Annalyn Valdez-Dadia. Social support, quality of life and mental health factors affecting Filipino cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D048.

International journal of healthcare, Jun 26, 2018

Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of... more Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of U.S. cancer clinical trial participants. This pilot study describes findings on barriers, promoters and recommendations related to cancer clinical trial participation from Asian Americans. The research team conducted 3 focus groups comprised of 21 community members and 4 key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Qualitative methodology was used to identify themes about cancer clinical trial participation. Barriers and promoters were categorized based on themes identified and previous study findings. Eight major themes and 5 recommendations were identified from the focus group data. Five major themes and 7 recommendations were identified from the key informant data. Asian Americans' decision to participate in cancer clinical trials is largely influenced by their cultural values and practices such as altruism and family-based decision making process. Technology platforms provide promising venues to reach Asian Americans. Family-based decision making process, altruism, and the use of technology platforms may need to be considered when outreaching to Asian Americans on cancer clinical trial participation.

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014), Nov 17, 2014

Journal of Public Health, Nov 22, 2017

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative h... more Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. However, the association between ACEs and access and utilization of health care have been largely ignored. Methods This study examined data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 101 527). We conducted logistic regression analyses, with nine ACEs as independent variables, in relation to the odds of being insured, having a personal health care provider and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable models were estimated. Results After accounting for potential confounders, all ACEs were associated with lower odds of being currently insured and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Physical abuse, emotional abuse and several measures of household dysfunction were associated with lower odds of having a personal provider. Conclusions Our findings suggest potential pathways by which ACEs may impact health. Provision of health insurance and providing care in a trauma-informed manner should be considered for individuals with a history of ACEs.

International Journal of Healthcare, 2018

Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of... more Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of U.S. cancer clinical trial participants. This pilot study describes findings on barriers, promoters and recommendations related to cancer clinical trial participation from Asian Americans. The research team conducted 3 focus groups comprised of 21 community members and 4 key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Qualitative methodology was used to identify themes about cancer clinical trial participation. Barriers and promoters were categorized based on themes identified and previous study findings. Eight major themes and 5 recommendations were identified from the focus group data. Five major themes and 7 recommendations were identified from the key informant data. Asian Americans’ decision to participate in cancer clinical trials is largely influenced by their cultural values and practices such as altruism and family-based decision making process. Technology platforms provide...

Culture is the core, dynamic, responsive, adaptive, and organizing system of life that (1) ensure... more Culture is the core, dynamic, responsive, adaptive, and organizing system of life that (1) ensures the survival and well-being of its members, (2) provides a shared way to find meaning and purpose throughout one’s life, (3) creates culturally identifiable ways to communicate caring, and (4) defines characteristics that identify a “good” person. Thus, a cultural system is composed of a shared set of beliefs, values, and lifestyles that enables its members to successfully adapt within a biotic and abiotic geographic niche, using available technology and economic resources, that ensures the survival of its members and provides meaning in and for life within this worldview. Culture also provides its members a purpose for living, especially in times of trial, such as the receipt of a cancer diagnosis. This chapter provides a more comprehensive and integrating concept of culture to guide clinicians to better understand how culture defines a “good person” and desired modes of emotional, ph...

Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts

Journal of public health (Oxford, England), Jan 22, 2017

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative health outco... more Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. However, the association between ACEs and access and utilization of health care have been largely ignored. This study examined data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 101 527). We conducted logistic regression analyses, with nine ACEs as independent variables, in relation to the odds of being insured, having a personal health care provider and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable models were estimated. After accounting for potential confounders, all ACEs were associated with lower odds of being currently insured and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Physical abuse, emotional abuse and several measures of household dysfunction were associated with lower odds of having a personal provider. Our findings suggest potential pathways by which ACEs may impact health. Provision of health insurance and p...

Background: Immigrants with limited English capabilities and limited knowledge about the U.S. hea... more Background: Immigrants with limited English capabilities and limited knowledge about the U.S. health care system may experience challenges in accessing and utilizing cancer care services. Patient navigation programs (PNPs) are emerging as a viable strategy to improve health care at the financial, organizational, social and cultural level. The Patient Navigator Outreach and Chronic Disease Prevention Act (NOA) has the potential to increase the availability of PNPs and to improve timeliness to treatment. Practitioner perceptions of PNPs are missing from the literature, and could provide evidence needed to generate support for the integration and adoption of PNPs at the system level. This dissertation is comprised of two studies that iii investigate the availability and quality of PNPs in Los Angeles (LA) and Orange County (OC) facilities, and the perceptions of practitioners and navigators serving Southeast Asians. Methods: Study 1 involved facility-level data collected through two surveys (Short Telephone Questionnaire and Facility Survey) and tumor registry data from the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program. Study 2 used secondary data of transcripts of interviews with practitioners (n=14) and patient navigators (n=9). Results: Study 1-Survey responses revealed that legislation was not associated with the development and availability of PNPs in LA or OC facilities, but compliance with hospital certification requirements did. The proportion of patients who received surgery within 30 days was higher at pre-NOA period at facilities with PNPs. Unexpectedly, post-NOA median time to surgery after diagnosis increased regardless of the availability of PNPs, Study 2-Practitioner perceptions of PNPs highlighted the benefit of PNPs and the need to inform cancer care clinicians and institutions about the value of navigation services to improve patient-physician communication. Navigators were instrumental in helping patients understand the disease and treatment process better, and enabled patients to be more engaged in dialogue with their physicians. Conclusion: PNPs have evolved into a mechanism for assisting under-resourced communities. Legislation alone needs to be bolstered with institutional program commitment and requirements. Practitioner perceptions of PNPs expressed in this study confirm the need to inform cancer care clinicians and cancer care institutions about the value of patient navigation services.

Journal of Cancer …, 2010

© The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com ... Abstract... more © The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com ... Abstract We examined whether the impact of medical interpretation services was associated with the receipt of a mammogram, clinical breast exam, and Pap smear. We conducted a large ...

Ca-a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2010

Little progress has been made over the last 40 years to eliminate the racial/ethnic differences i... more Little progress has been made over the last 40 years to eliminate the racial/ethnic differences in incidence, morbidity, avoidable suffering, and mortality from cancer that result from factors beyond genetic differences. More effective strategies to promote equity in access and quality care are urgently needed because the changing demographics of the United States portend that this disparity will not only persist but significantly increase. Such suffering is avoidable. The authors posit that culture is a prime factor in the persistence of health disparities. However, this concept of culture is still poorly understood, inconsistently defined, and ineffectively used in practice and research. The role of culture in the causal pathway of disparities and the potential impact of culturally competent cancer care on improving cancer outcomes in ethnic minorities has, thus, been underestimated. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive definition of culture and demonstrate how it can be used at each stage of the cancer care continuum to help reduce the unequal burden of cancer. The authors conclude with suggestions for clinical practice to eliminate the disconnection between evidence-based, quality, cancer care and its delivery to diverse population groups.

Journal of Cancer Education, 2006

Journal of Cancer Education, 2007

Health Education & Behavior, 2006

American Journal of Public Health, 2009

Journal of Cancer Education, 2007