 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Keiko Honda, PhD, MPH, Epidemiology, Columbia University, 622 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, 212-305-9114, kh2086@columbia.edu
Which and how specific psychological barriers to colorectal cancer screening may act as a deterrent is largely unknown and quite complex. This study uses path analysis to describe the interplay among psychological barriers to colorectal cancer screening (fear, embarrassment, and concerns about discomfort), sociodemographic characteristics, and potentially modifiable factors, taking social networks and social support theory as the point of departure. The analysis is based on self-reported data collected from a randomly selected sample of 305 asymptomatic U.S. Japanese residents aged 30 and older. The model suggests that education, social support, and English language proficiency directly and indirectly predict psychological barriers. These three elements reduce fear and embarrassment by enhancing CRC specific knowledge acquisition; at the same time, having social support directly increases concerns about discomfort. English language proficiency directly and indirectly increased CRC specific knowledge acquisition by promoting physician recommendation. Findings support intervention that focuses on facilitating medical message acquisition in order to reduce psychological distress surrounding CRC screening.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Psychosocial Issues of Cancer, Health Education Strategies
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.