Colorectal Cancer Screening Barriers in Appalachia

  • Wyatt, Stephen (PI)

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

Cancer of the rectum and colon (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States. Strong evidence supports the use of fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy as effective early screening measures for CRC. Despite this evidence, many Americans are not aware of or do not utilize CRC screening. The aims of this study are: 1) Develop and pilot test a survey instrument to measure "stages of change" as related to barriers for CRC screening. The stages of change, based on the Transtheoretical Model, are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. A convenience sample of 30 to 40 rural Central Appalachian primary care patients will be used to pilot the survey. 2) Use the survey instrument to identify psychosocial factors potentially important in influencing screening behavior in a convenience sample of 240 Central Appalachian primary care patients. Descriptive statistics and comparisons will be accomplished for all variables by the calculation of means, standard deviations, ranges, frequencies, confidence intervals and tests of statistical significance as appropriate. Logistic regression will be used to identify possible predictors of change, depending on the particular "stage of change" . This study is not randomized or population-based, however the findings can provide useful information regarding barriers to CRC screening for a defined population in rural Appalachia. It is expected that this study will provide a basis for future population-based studies and interventions.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date9/14/043/31/06

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