Asian Indians are now the second largest Asian American group in Harris

Asian Indians are now the second largest Asian American group in Harris County and yet, little is known about the health status of this rapidly growing population. The Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) in partnership with researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center will be conducting a health needs assessment of the Asian Indian community in the Greater Houston area.

The first phase of the study will be to interview key community members to get their opinions about major health issues of Asian Indians. Then individuals from the Asian Indian community will be invited to participate in focus groups at which information about their health beliefs, practices, and perceptions about health and cancer will be collected. All of this data will be used to tailor a health survey instrument that will be administered to at least 400 Asian Indians in the Greater Houston area. The findings from the health needs assessment will provide documentation about barriers that Asian Indians may be facing in accessing health and cancer screening. The results will help us in designing programs that will teach the community about how to obtain and maintain optimal health.

Who can participate?

• Asian Indian men and women, 18 years and older

• Live in Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria or Galveston counties

• Able to speak and understand English or Hindi

Participants will receive a $20 gift card for participation. Focus group sessions will last approximately 2 hours and will be held at a community facility.

For more information or to participate, contact Dr. Beverly Gor at bjgor@mdanderson.org or call 713-563-2750 or Dr. Mala Pande at mpande@mdanderson.org or call 713-745-5625.