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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Mira L. Katz, PhD1, Aimee James, PhD, MPH1, Marci K. Campbell, PhD2, Marlyn Hudson2, Ethel Jackson2, and Veronica Oates, MS2. (1) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1700 Airport Road, CB#8140, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, (919) 966-0355, mira_katz@med.unc.edu, (2) Dept. of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Box 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Several factors may contribute to low levels of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Although provider recommendation consistently appears to be a strong predictor of CRC screening, little is known about the exact role it plays in achieving national screening goals. In a recent cross-sectional study of 397 rural African Americans age 50 years and older in North Carolina, self-reported good versus poor communication with their healthcare provider was associated with a statistically significant increase in having a history of any CRC screening (71.3% vs. 48.8%, p=0.004) and having CRC screening completed in the recommended time period (35.9% vs. 16.7%, p=0.013). There was also an interaction between communication and knowledge in terms of having had any CRC screening (p=0.007). Forty-five percent of the participants who scored in the poor communication/inadequate knowledge group had a history of CRC screening; 52% for poor communication/adequate knowledge; 63% for good communication/inadequate knowledge; and 77% for good communication/adequate knowledge. The association of patient-provider communication and CRC screening suggests that if communication could be improved in conjunction with increasing knowledge about CRC risk and the importance of the screening tests, this might have a substantial impact on increasing CRC screening rates among African Americans and other groups at increased risk for CRC. Ultimately, this could have a positive and important effect on the health of our aging population. The results of this study suggest the need for longitudinal studies and more research on the determinants of patient-provider communication.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Communication
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.