203109 Correlates of Cancer Screening Recommendation Occurence by Primary Care Physicians Serving Asians

Monday, November 9, 2009

Harry T. Kwon, PhD, MPH, CHES , Macro International Inc., Rockville, MD
Grace X. Ma, PhD , Department of Public Health, Center for Asian Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Robert S. Gold, Dean, PhD, DrPH , School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD
Min Qi Wang, PhD , Department of Public and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Nancy L. Atkinson, PhD , School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD
Yin Tan, MD, MPH , Center for Asian Health, Department of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Primary care physicians play a critical role in increasing the cancer screening behavior of their patients. Asians, one of the fastest growing minority groups in the United States, experience disproportionate incidence and mortality rates of certain cancers, compared to other racial/ethnic groups. This study examined the correlates of screening recommendation occurrence by cancer type among physicians serving Asians. Specific variables were assessed from the physician perspective in the following conceptual areas as it relates to cancer screening recommendations: physician relevance, personal responsibility, relevance to patient, physician barriers, patient barriers, and source (physician) credibility. A total of 100 primary care physicians practicing in densely populated Asian communities in New Jersey and New York City completed a 30-item survey on medical practice characteristics, Asian patient communication on screenings, screening guidelines, Asian cancer risk, and demographics. Statistical models indicated the following significant relationships (p<.05) for occurrence of cancer screening recommendations (by cancer type): following organizational screening guidelines (colorectal and prostate cancer), suggesting ways to help the patient with getting screening (cervical cancer), and physician perceived ability to deal with barriers (stomach and colorectal cancer). These results provide additional insight into factors affecting the occurrence of cancer screening recommendations and present future intervention research opportunities to increase cancer screening recommendations made by physicians. Additional findings will be presented on screening recommendation occurrence by other cancer types, physician perceived cancer screening barriers, and physician perceived cancer risk among Asians.

Learning Objectives:
Describe cancer health disparities among Asians. List the factors associated with cancer screening recommendation occurrence. Discuss potential areas for educational interventions and future research directions as suggested by these findings.

Keywords: Asian Americans, Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My educational background is in public health (doctorate) and I have extensive experience in public health, health disparities, and Asian American health. I was the principal investigator of this study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.