Sociocultural Differences and Colorectal Cancer Screening Among African American Men and Women

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives To examine sociocultural factors that influence an informed decision about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among African American men and women. Design Descriptive, cross-sectional. Setting A medical center, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and various social organizations and barbershops in a midwestern city of the United States. Sample A purposive sample of African American women (n = 65) and African American men (n = 64) aged 50 years and older. Methods Participants completed a self-administered survey. Main Research Variables Cultural identity, CRC beliefs, family support, and informed decision. Findings Family support was positively related to CRC beliefs among participants, and CRC beliefs were positively related to an informed decision. However, among men, family support positively related to an informed decision about CRC screening. In addition, t-test results indicated that the men and women were significantly different. Family support predicted CRC beliefs among men (p < 0.01) and women (p < 0.01). CRC beliefs predicted CRC screening informed decisions among men (p < 0.01) and women (p < 0.05). However, the accounted variance was dissimilar, suggesting a difference in the impact of the predictors among the men and women. Conclusions Family support has a significant impact on CRC beliefs about CRC screening among African Americans. However, how men and women relate to the variables differs. Implications for Nursing To improve CRC screening rates, informed decision-making interventions for African Americans should differ for men and women and address family support, CRC beliefs, and elements of cultural identity.

Sociocultural and Health Correlates Related to Colorectal Cancer Screening Adherence Among Urban African Americans

“…12 Previous research found that social support was predictive of positive beliefs about CRC screening. 12 However, the impact of social support on CRC screening adherence is mixed. 13 …”

“…12 The relationship between cultural identity and cancer screening behaviors among African Americans is not yet firmly established. The study reported here addresses these gaps in the literature regarding the relationship between cultural identity and the sociocultural factors that impact CRC screening among African Americans.…”

“…), physical support, and other types of resources provided by an individual’s friends/family. 12 Social support has been found to be important to an informed decision about CRC screening. 12 Previous research found that social support was predictive of positive beliefs about CRC screening.…”

“…12 Social support has been found to be important to an informed decision about CRC screening. 12 Previous research found that social support was predictive of positive beliefs about CRC screening. 12 However, the impact of social support on CRC screening adherence is mixed.…”

“…12, 16, 17 A study examining decision making related to CRC screening compared four focus groups (African American men, African American women, White men, and White women) found that African American women did not understand the details of CRC screenings (FOBT, Colonoscopy). 18 Understanding the details of CRC screening is essential to making an informed decision about CRC screening.…”