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Online Program

326349
Is Colorectal Cancer A Western Disease? Influence of Misconception on Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Mixed Methods Study


Tuesday, November 3, 2015 : 2:50 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Julia Cen Chen, MPP, CHES, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Gilyong Kim, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Jingjing Chen, MD, MPH, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Jeongeun Park, MPH, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Sunmin Lee, ScD, MPH, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
Background

Chinese and Korean Americans have lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates than other racial/ethnic groups, which may be explained by a low level of CRC knowledge and misconceptions. This study explores the role of knowledge on CRC screening among these groups. 

Methods

Chinese (N=59) and Korean Americans (N=61) older than 50 were recruited from the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. They completed a detailed survey and participated in focus groups to discuss their knowledge on CRC and CRC screening. Using a mixed methods approach, data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Participants lacked knowledge about CRC and screening. About 70% of participants thought CRC fatal. More than half did not know that CRC screening begins at age 50 and there are several tests. Focus group findings suggested understanding about CRC risk factors is limited by an inadequate source of linguistically and culturally relevant health information. For example, many participants considered CRC a western condition caused by unhealthy diet. This led to inappropriate estimations about their susceptibility to CRC. Knowledge was positively associated with screenings. Especially, those who believed ‘finding CRC early saves one’s life’ were six times more likely to get CRC screening compared to those who did not. Qualitative data indicated participants’ level of knowledge on CRC depended on their interaction with friends/families who had CRC or CRC screening.

Conclusion

Mixed-methods analysis provides multi-faceted perspectives on CRC knowledge and its influence on screening. This study will help design interventions to improve the screening outcome among Chinese and Korean Americans.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe role of knowledge on CRC screening among Chinese and Korean Americans; Discuss influence of misconception on susceptibility of CRC among Chinese and Korean Americans; and Examine the strategies for improving CRC knowledge among Chinese and Korean Americans.

Keyword(s): Asian Americans, Cancer Prevention and Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: have been the principal or co-principal of multiple federally funded grants focusing on the cancer prevention and survivorship among Asian Americans. I led, designed, and implemented the 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.

Back to: 4300.0: Cultural Considerations in Cancer Research: From Methodology to mHealth Applications