Jyotsna Changrani, MD¹, Francesca Gany, MD, MS¹, Chau Trinh-Shevrin, DrPH², and Ana Ines Grigera¹. (1) NYU School of Medicine, Center for Immigrant Health, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, 212-263-3764, ana.grigera@med.nyu.edu, (2) Institute for Urban and Global Health, NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Introduction: Immigrants face many challenges in seeking mental health and social support services, especially cancer survivors. Studies have demonstrated that the Internet, particularly online support groups, have been an important source of support for individuals with cancer. However, there is limited access for individuals with limited English proficiency and low literacy levels. Methods: To examine the feasibility of online support groups for immigrant populations, VCIC/CAVIC, Virtual Community for Immigrants with Cancer (or in Spanish Comunidad de Apoyo Virtual para Inmigrantes con Cáncer) was implemented in August 2003. VCIC/CAVIC offers interactive online Spanish-speaking support groups for Latino women diagnosed with breast cancer who have never participated in prior support services. Each support group is composed of eight women participants and one trained facilitator; sessions last for 30 weeks. All participants, including the control groups, received a computer, Internet access, and an introductory course on computer and Internet basics. Baseline and follow-up questionnaires were administered to examine changes in psychosocial status. Results: 48 women received access to the online interactive program and 24 women were control group participants. VCIC/CAVIC participants experienced positive changes in their psychosocial status and greater social support. Conclusion: The Internet has the potential for increasing social support and disseminating health education to immigrant communities. However, information and online support needs to be language appropriate and culturally relevant. In addition, we must also recognize and address the technology gaps, (such as lack of computer or Internet access) that many economically disadvantaged immigrant minority groups face.

Learning Objectives: Participants will gain a better understanding of

• the need to address the mental health needs of immigrant communities in a culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate manner; and
• how the Internet offers a valuable forum for innovative programs that address the mental health and health education needs of immigrant breast cancer patients.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Immigrant Women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.