Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109730

Clemencia M. Vargas, DDS, PhD¹, Nancy Breen, PhD², and Carrie Klabunde, PhD². (1) Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Maryland Dental School, 666 West Baltimore St. Room 3-E-11, Baltimore, MD 21201, (2) Applied Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd MSC 7344, Suite 4005, Bethesda, MD 20892-7344, 301/496-4675, nb19k@nih.gov

Objectives: To examine the use of tests to detect colorectal cancer among Hispanics residing in California and in the United States by English language ability, healthcare access, and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods: Data for Hispanics from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey and the 2000 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Module were separately analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression models and results from the two surveys were compared. Comparisons with other racial/ethnic groups are also presented. Results: Consistent in both the California and US surveys, Hispanics were less likely than non-Hispanic whites and blacks to receive colorectal cancer tests. Also, Hispanics who were proficient in English were more likely to report the test. However, in multivariate models, insurance, usual source of care and a health visit in the past year were stronger predictors of test use than English language skills for Hispanics in the United States, but not for Hispanics in California. For Hispanics in California, language skills were predictors of cancer test even after controlling for determinants of healthcare access. Conclusions: We found that having health insurance coverage and a usual source of care are key determinants of receiving colorectal cancer tests for Hispanics in both California and the US. Further in California, language skills are important.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• compare the proportions of Hispanics and other racial/ethnic groups who have received a colorectal cancer test.
• identify factors that affect Hispanics' chances of receiving a colorectal cancer test.
• discuss mechanisms to increase colorectal cancer test among Hispanics.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation