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Objective To test, using a randomized controlled trial design, the impact of an educational intervention delivered by specially trained community health workers among Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese participants aged 50–75 on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and intention regarding colorectal cancer screening. Methods We collected baseline data on participants’ baseline demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs about cancer, its risk factors and intention to keep up-to-date on cancer screening in the future. Fifteen intervention sessions were held between April and June of 2011. Follow-up surveys were administered in the post-test period to both intervention and control participants. Those randomized to the control group received educational pamphlets in their native language. Results The intervention had the greatest influence on the Chinese subgroup, which had improved scores relative to the control group for Perceived Behavior Control and Intentions (pre- vs. post- change in control group −0.16; change in intervention group 0.11, p=0.004), Behavioral Beliefs on Cancer Screening (pre- vs. post- change in control group −0.06; change in intervention group 0.24, p=0.0001), and for Attitudes Toward Behavior (pre- vs. post- change in control group −0.24; change in intervention group 0.35, p=<0.0001). The intervention had no effect on Behavioral Beliefs on Cancer, Control Beliefs, and Perceived Behavioral Control (Reliance on Family). Though intention to stay up-to-date for cancer screening increased in two study groups (Chinese and Vietnamese), these were not significant. Conclusions An educational program delivered by culturally specific community health educators using culturally appropriate language influences some knowledge, attitude and behavioral beliefs but not others.

Background Asian ethnic subgroups are often treated as a single demographic group in studies looking at cancer screening and health disparities. Purpose To evaluate knowledge and health beliefs associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and CRC screening among Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese subgroups. Methods A survey assessed participants’ demographic characteristics, healthcare utilization, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes associated with CRC and CRC screening. Exploratory factor analysis identified six factors accounting >60% of the total variance in beliefs and attitudes. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients assessed internal consistency. Differences among Asian subgroups were assessed using a chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or Kruskal-Wallis test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient assessed an association among factors. Results 654 participants enrolled: 238 Chinese, 217 Korean, and 199 Vietnamese. Statistically significant differences existed in demographic and health care provider characteristics, knowledge, and attitude/belief variables regarding CRC. These included knowledge of CRC screening modalities, reluctance to discuss cancer, belief that cancer is preventable by diet and lifestyle, and intention to undergo CRC screening. Chinese subjects were more likely to use Eastern medicine (52% Chinese, 25% Korean, 27% Vietnamese; p < 0.001); Korean subjects were less likely to see herbs as a form of cancer prevention (34% Chinese, 20% Korean, 35% Vietnamese; p < 0.001). Vietnamese subjects were less likely to consider CRC screening (95% Chinese, 95% Korean, 80% Vietnamese; p < 0.0001). Conclusion Important differences exist in knowledge, attitudes, and health beliefs among Asian subgroups. Understanding these differences will enable clinicians to deliver tailored, effective health messages to improve CRC screening and other health behaviors.

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