SAHNA Survey

The Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted a landmark health survey of Asian Indians living in the Houston Metropolitan Area. This survey was administered at several community events.

Please click on this link for a detailed report: SAHNA_Second Edition_2015August25

BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY

  • The SAHNA research survey will help us understand the health status and health needs of the rapidly growing Asian Indian community.
  • Results will inform healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers on the best ways to address Asian Indian health issues.
  • Data from the survey may be used to apply for funding for programs to improve health in our community.

The participants are Asian Indian adults, 18 years and older, living in Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, or Galveston counties, who are able to read and understand English or Hindi. Only 1 member per household was included to get the entire community’s perspective.

ABOUT THE SAHNA RESEARCH STUDY

Why is this research study important?

The SAHNA research study is important because, despite of Asian Indians being the second largest Asian group in the Houston area, little is known about their health and cancer needs. Yet, many Asian Indians are experiencing serious health conditions as a result of the lack of awareness regarding the resources available to them for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. This survey will collect data from Asian Indian community members about their health status and the barriers they face in accessing health information and health care so that programs can be developed to address those needs.

When was the survey conducted?

The SAHNA survey was administered at several community events from August 24 to October 31 2013.

Who participated in the survey?

Many Asian Indians, 18 years or older, living in Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston or Brazoria county. They had to be able to read English or Hindi and only one member of the household could participate in the survey. Participants were asked to provide their home address to verify that only 1 person from that address participated.

Why only 1 person per household?

To obtain responses from a diverse sample of people in the community, we must allow only one respondent per household. Otherwise, the results will not reflect the entire community’s perspectives.

Was the data kept confidential?

Yes. No names were asked for in the survey. The interviewers had to complete the training in the proper conduct of research. All the information was stored in secure encrypted databases.

How long does the survey take to complete? What kinds of questions are included?

Each survey took between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. The questions were about the individuals’ physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use, cancer and preventive health screening, health conditions, weight, height, and access to health care, along with questions regarding education, occupation, and income. All questions were optional.

SAHNA Research Group

Beverly J. Gor, EdD, RD, LD, bjgor@mdanderson.org, (713) 563-2750

Dr. Mala Pande, PhD, mpande@mdanderson.org, (713) 745-5625

IACAN at iacannetwork@gmail.com, (713) 370-3489