The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39175

Keiko Honda, MPH¹, Vivian, P.J. Clarke, Ed, D, CHES¹, Robert Malgady, PhD², and Ethel Mitty, EdD RN³. (1) Department of Health Studies, New York University, 35 West Fourth Street, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10012-1172, 212-998-5643, kqh7457@nyu.edu, (2) Department of Teaching and Learning, New York University, 239 Green St. East Building, New York, NY 10012, (3) Division of Nursing, New York University, 246 Green St. Kimball, 5th FL, New York, NY 10012

This study identifies factors that influence Japanese-Americans�Ecolorectal cancer screening behavior and assesses the relationships among them. Its underlying data is derived from a cross-sectional random survey of 306 Japanese Americans aged 30 and older. Analytical models for factors associated with colorectal cancer screening behavior were formulated and validated by multivariate logistic regression. Age and physician recommendation were found to have consist impact on the likelihood of screening adherence for both a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. While gender, marital status, and education were significantly related to the likelihood of having a FOBT, other characteristics including the degree of acculturation, perceived susceptibility, and perceived costs were significantly related to the likelihood of having sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, reflecting different make-ups of determinants for each type of screening. The study indicates the need for innovative interventions directed at providers to improve cancer screening rates in this population. It suggests that, in order to be effective, these interventions require more inclusive perspective that incorporates factors such as culture and ethnicity given the strong relationship between provider characteristics and screening behaviors. Furthermore, it identifies acculturation status as an important parameter to assess when addressing population health disparities in cancer prevention research.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. identify theories concerning factors relevant to colorectal cancer screening;
• 2. understand structural model of colorectal cancer screening behavior;
• 3. understand levels of intervention from action by health care providers, regulatory policy, social structural changes to individual behavior changes;
• 4. recognize decisions about instrument selection, development, and evaluation;
• 5. learn “within-subject difference�Eamong Japanese Americans;
• 6. recognize applicability for other ethnic populations;
• 7. review recommendations for future research.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Special Populations

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.