Karim Thomas Sadak

Dr. Karim Thomas Sadak


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

14Years (2013-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
HLHee Yun Lee
Hee Yun Lee
MLMi Hwa Lee
Mi Hwa Lee
Zan GaoZan Gao
Zan Gao
KSKarim Thomas Sadak
Karim Thomas Sadak
Background: While a significant breast cancer burden exists for Korean American immigrant women, their cancer screening behavior is strikingly poor, and few interventions have focused on this population. To promote breast cancer screening behavior in Korean American immigrant women, a mobile phone multimedia messaging intervention (mMammogram) was developed. Objective: The current study explores the impact of mMammogram on changes to study participants’ screening behavior and proposes suggestions for how the intervention can be improved for wide dissemination and implementation in the Korean American community. Material and Methods: Data were collected through qualitative research methods. Three focus groups were conducted with 14 Korean immigrant women who completed the mMammogram. Findings: Three themes emerged: (1) better understanding of breast cancer and screening through mMammogram (e.g., increased knowledge on breast cancer and screening methods, increased understanding of the importance of regular mammography, and reduced anxiety about mammography); (2) health navigators as a trigger to promote mammography (e.g., providing resources for free or low-cost mammograms and scheduling mammogram appointments); and (3) suggestions for mMammogram (e.g., technical issues and program period). Conclusions: Mobile app intervention that is culturally tailored, along with health navigation services, can be a feasible, effective, and acceptable tool to promote breast cancer screening behaviors in underserved immigrant women. A mobile app can cover a broad range of breast cancer health topics and the health navigator can further help women overcome barriers to screening. A health navigation service is critical in overcoming language, transportation, and health accessibility barriers and triggering a positive change in their health screening behavior, especially for newly arrived immigrant populations.

21 September 2020 in BMC Cancer
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KSKarim Thomas Sadak
Karim Thomas Sadak
MGMilki T. Gemeda
Milki T. Gemeda
MGMichelle Grafelman
Michelle Grafelman
JNJoseph P. Neglia
Joseph P. Neglia
DFDavid R. Freyer
David R. Freyer
JMJude Mikal
Jude Mikal
Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (CCS) should be empowered to continue their survivor-focused care as they transition into adult medicine. However, the majority of AYA-aged survivors become lost to follow up around the age of typical transition to adulthood. The purpose of this study was to identify, from the patient’s perspective, key factors that facilitate successful transitions to adult-centered survivorship care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with AYA CCS (n = 29) from the survivorship clinic of a single institution as key informants. Data were collected through a series of structured phone interviews and subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: Four major themes with multiple subthemes were identified: (1) transition practices need to be flexible and individually tailored; (2) effective communication is critical to a successful transition; (3) continuity in providers is needed during the transition; and (4) comprehensive care means care that also addresses psycho-social well-being. Conclusions: From the perspective of AYA CCS, the ideal model of transitional survivorship care could include a patient navigator who promotes provider flexibility, consistent communication, and pro-active comprehensive care that encompasses both medical and psycho-social well-being. Models of care for CCS should be built to provide, or seamlessly facilitate, continuous survivor-focused care across the age continuum. A longitudinal relationship with a survivor-focused provider can help promote the values that CCS’ report as important in transitioning care from pediatric- to adult-centered care.

16 May 2019 in Pediatric Blood & Cancer
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Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
KSKarim Thomas Sadak
Karim Thomas Sadak
DSDava Szalda
Dava Szalda
BLBruce R. Lindgren
Bruce R. Lindgren
KKKaren E. Kinahan
Karen E. Kinahan
DEDebra Eshelman‐Kent
Debra Eshelman‐Kent
DFDavid Freyer
David Freyer

30 May 2017 in Pediatric Blood & Cancer
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
KSKarim Thomas Sadak
Karim Thomas Sadak
JNJoseph P. Neglia
Joseph P. Neglia
DFDavid R. Freyer
David R. Freyer
EHEileen Harwood
Eileen Harwood

25 February 2013 in Pediatric Blood & Cancer
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
KSKarim Thomas Sadak
Karim Thomas Sadak
ADAmanda DiNofia
Amanda DiNofia
GRGregory Reaman
Gregory Reaman

6 August 2021 in Cancer Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
KSKarim Thomas Sadak
Karim Thomas Sadak
MGMilki Gemeda
Milki Gemeda
MGMichelle C. Grafelman
Michelle C. Grafelman
TATaiwo Opeyemi Aremu
Taiwo Opeyemi Aremu
JNJoseph P. Neglia
Joseph P. Neglia
JMJude Mikal
Jude Mikal
Background: Survivor‐focused care for adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (CCS) often involves their parents. Recognizing the importance of parents in the ongoing care of CCS, our study sought to identify key aspects of a successful transition for CCS from pediatric‐ to adult‐centered care from the parent perspective.Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 26 parents of CCS who were receiving care in the long‐term follow‐up (LTFU) clinic at a single institution. We used a semi‐structured interview protocol with the parents and conducted a thematic content analysis.Results: Using a constant comparison approach, data revealed three primary themes regarding parents’ perspectives toward ensuring a seamless transition from pediatric‐ to adult‐centered follow‐up care: (1) the transition needs to include seamless communication between all involved parties, (2) survivors need to demonstrate sufficient health care self‐efficacy in order to achieve a successful transition, and (3) the survivor‐focused care should include support for survivors’ overall well‐being, including financial and health insurance literacy.Conclusions: For parents of AYA CCS, the optimal pediatric to adult care transition model should include mechanisms that facilitate communication between parents, CCS, and survivor‐focused providers while also supporting self‐efficacy and financial literacy as it relates to health insurance.