Advancing Survivorship Through an Ethnographic Lens With Dr. Opeyemi O. Bolajoko

Opeyemi O. Bolajoko, Ph.D. is a research associate at Mayo Clinic in Florida whose work centers on community engagement in chronic diseases, with a strong focus on prostate cancer in understudied communities. Her work emphasizes translational research, ensuring that interventions are not only evidence-based but also culturally relevant.

Ethnographic approach to survivorship

Dr. Bolajoko uses an ethnographic lens to understand the diverse cultural perspectives within understudied
communities. Ethnography is a qualitative research method primarily used in social and behavioral sciences. It involves in-depth study of a culture or group through observation and participation, aiming to understand their behaviors, beliefs, and social structures within their natural environment. Dr. Bolajoko's research shows that tailored interventions, grounded in cultural understanding, are essential for effective care and support.

Insights from “Voices of Black Men: Reflecting on Prostate Cancer Survivorship Care Plans” study

In a study published in 2024, Dr. Bolajoko uncovered some valuable insights:

• Stigma and silence: Many patients avoid discussing their diagnosis, even with family, due to fears of being perceived as less masculine.
• Trust matters: Patients are more likely to open up to doctors and peers who share their background.
• Loneliness in care: Survivorship is often an isolating experience, worsened by rushed, impersonal clinical visits that lack emotional connection.

Improving digital health history

Dr. Bolajoko recently received an award for her work with the Mayo Clinic's Community Technology and Digital (CoTech) Health, a Mayo Clinic initiative in Florida aimed at closing the digital health literacy gap. The idea came directly from community feedback during a town hall meeting––the top request was digital literacy training. Many community members struggle with using technology to access healthcare services, such as scheduling appointments or finding reliable health information.

A 5-week pilot program across five community hubs, including American Legion posts, saw 100% attendance and no dropouts, demonstrating strong demand. The program taught participants how to navigate health websites like Mayo Clinic, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the American Cancer Society. The next phase aims to train community members as tech coaches, expanding the program from 5 to 15 hubs.

Empowering communities through knowledge

Dr. Bolajoko’s work bridges the gap between cultural understanding, survivorship care, and digital access. Listening to community voices, empowering them with tools and knowledge, respecting cultural differences can go a long way in building a responsive healthcare system.

Dr. Bolajoko put it simply, “When people are diagnosed with cancer, they’re scared. We want to arm them with the tools and knowledge to take control of their health.”