Mapping the Lay of the Land: Using Interactive Network Analytic Tools for Collaboration in Rural Cancer Prevention and Control

Bobbi J. Carothers*, Peg Allen, Callie Walsh-Bailey, Dixie Duncan, Rebeca Vanderburg Pacheco, Karen R. White, Debra Jeckstadt, Edward Tsai, Ross C. Brownson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Cancer mortality rates in the United States are higher in rural than urban areas, especially for colorectal cancer. Modifiable cancer risks (e.g., tobacco use, obesity) are more prevalent among U.S. rural than urban residents. Social network analyses are common, yet rural informal collaborative networks for cancer prevention and control and practitioner uses of network findings are less well understood. Methods: In five service areas in rural Missouri and Illinois, we conducted a network survey of informal multisector networks among agencies that address cancer risk (N ¼ 152 individuals). The survey asked about contact, collaborative activities, and referrals. We calculated descriptive network statistics and disseminated network visualizations with rural agencies through infographics and interactive Network Navigator platforms. We also collected feedback on uses of network findings from agency staff (N ¼ 14). Results: Service areas had more connections (average degree) for exchanging information than for more time-intensive collaborative activities of co-developing and sustaining ongoing services and programs, and co-developing and sharing resources. On average, collaborative activities were not dependent on just a few agencies to bridge gaps to hold networks together. Users found the network images and information useful for identifying gaps, planning which relationships to establish or enhance to strengthen certain collaborative activities and cross-referrals, and showing network strengths to current and potential funders. Conclusions: Rural informal cancer prevention and control networks in this study are highly connected and largely decentralized. Impact: Disseminating network findings help ensure usefulness to rural health and social service practitioners who address cancer risks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1159-1167
Number of pages9
JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention
Volume31
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2022

Funding

This study was funded by the Implementation Science Center in Cancer Control at Washington University in St. Louis, which is supported by funding through the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative. This Center is funded by NCI (grant nos. P50 CA244431, to B.J. Carothers, P. Allen, C. Walsh-Bailey, D. Duncan, E. Tsai, R.C. Brownson; T32CA190194, to E. Tsai; RO1CA211323; to D. Duncan; and P30CA091842, to R.C. Brownson), and the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital (B.J. Carothers, P. Allen, C. Walsh-Bailey, D. Duncan, R.C. Brownson). This study was also supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the NIH (grant no. R01DK109913, to R.C. Brownson, P. Allen), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the NIH (grant no. T37MD014218, to C. Walsh-Bailey), the Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (grant no. 5UL1TR002345) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) of the NIH (to B. Carothers), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant no. U48DP006395, to R.C. Brownson, P. Allen). The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official positions of the NIH or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We appreciate the interview participants' time and energy to provide their perspectives. We also thank Ross Hammond, Jean Hunleth, Jean Wang, Margaret Padek, Mary Adams, and Linda Dix at Washington University in St. Louis, and Laura Kliethermes, former Comprehensive Cancer Program Manager with the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services. This study was funded by the Implementation Science Center in Cancer Control at Washington University in St. Louis, which is supported by funding through the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative. This Center is funded by NCI (grant nos. P50 CA244431, to B.J. Carothers, P. Allen, C. Walsh-Bailey, D. Duncan, E. Tsai, R.C. Brownson; T32CA190194, to E. Tsai; RO1CA211323; to D. Duncan; and P30CA091842, to R.C. Brownson), and the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital (B.J. Carothers, P. Allen, C. Walsh-Bailey, D. Duncan, R.C. Brownson). This study was also supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the NIH (grant no. R01DK109913, to R.C. Brownson, P. Allen), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the NIH (grant no. T37MD014218, to C. Walsh-Bailey), the Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (grant no. 5UL1TR002345) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) of the NIH (to B. Carothers), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant no. U48DP006395, to R.C. Brownson, P. Allen). The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official positions of the NIH or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We appreciate the interview participants\u2019 time and energy to provide their perspectives. We also thank Ross Hammond, Jean Hunleth, Jean Wang, Margaret Padek, Mary Adams, and Linda Dix at Washington University in St. Louis, and Laura Kliethermes, former Comprehensive Cancer Program Manager with the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Oncology

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