“It’s up to you and God”: understanding health behavior change in older African American survivors of colorectal cancer

Abstract

This study investigated the beliefs and attitudes of older African American colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors that may influence health behavior changes after treatment. Drawing from existing theories of health behavior change and cultural beliefs about health, a semi-structured interview guide was developed to elicit survivors' perspectives. Qualitative focus groups and interviews were conducted with 17 survivors identified through the Detroit Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registry. Using verbatim transcripts from the sessions and NVivo software, thematic analysis was conducted to analyze patterns of responses. Transcripts were coded for seven categories (health behaviors, who/what motivates change, self-efficacy, fatalism, religion/spirituality, beliefs about cancer, race/ethnicity). Five themes emerged from the data (personal responsibility, resilience, desire for information, intentions to change, beliefs in divine control). Findings support the relevance of existing theories of health behavior change to older African American CRC survivors. Cultural considerations are suggested to improve interventions seeking to maximize changes in diet and exercise among this group of survivors.

Patient Knowledge and Qualities of Treatment Decisions for Localized Prostate Cancer

“…19 Many cancer patients have reported that accurate and unbiased information about treatment options for cancer and their side effects is difficult to find. 23 This may contribute to the large deficit in prostate cancer knowledge observed in our study, among both lower socioeconomic groups and the overall study population. Increased accessibility to comprehensive and accurate, unbiased information about prostate cancer beyond health care providers may improve men's knowledge before making this important and difficult treatment decision.…”

Advances in multiple health behavior change research

“…Harper et al [10] examine variables that may influence multiple health behavior changes in older African American colorectal cancer survivors after treatment. Through the use of qualitative interviews and focus groups, five themes were identified.…”

Barriers to Cancer Screening Among Orthodox Jewish Women

“…Although a strong belief in God, religious influences, cost, fear, and lack of culturally appropriate programming are barriers not unique to the Orthodox Jewish community [17, 19, 20], the concept of hidden miracles and the specific preferences for more modest educational programs and Rabbinical endorsement are barriers that are unique to the Orthodox community.…”

“…The influence of religious or spiritual beliefs on health behaviors is not a finding exclusive to the Orthodox Jewish community [19, 20]. Holt et al found that high levels of spirituality among African American women may actually improve cancer-related health knowledge and behaviors [19].…”