Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Screening in Vietnamese Americans

Problem: Rates of colorectal screening among Vietnamese Americans are lower than non-Hispanic whites. Knowledge of factors associated with colorectal cancer screening is needed to target interventions appropriately.

Methods: Using a listed sample of most common surnames, a random telephone survey was conducted among 867 Vietnamese American men and women from Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, California and Harris County, Texas. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with colorectal cancer screening tests (fecal occult blood testing [FOBT], sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy).

Results: Factors positively associated with ever having received screening for colorectal cancer by any modality were: older age (65 to 74 years), residing in California, having private or public insurance, having a regular place of medical care, having a personal doctor, having heard of colon polyps, worrying about colon cancer, thinking might get colon cancer, thinking need FOBT and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy even if feeling healthy, and thinking sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy preparation troublesome. Factors negatively associated included having annual household income less than $20,000, being employed, having a Vietnamese doctor, and thinking sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy painful.

Conclusions: Interventions need to target individuals in the 50-65 year age group; who have lower household income or do not have insurance, a regular place of care, or a personal doctor; who have a Vietnamese doctor; and who live in Harris County, Texas. These interventions need to increase knowledge of and attitudes toward colorectal cancer screening.