Grants and Contracts Details
Description
ABSTRACT
Appalachian and rural underserved residents, in general, experience higher rates of multiple morbidities
(MM) with fewer resources to prevent and manage disease. Some researchers have speculated that the welldocumented
cancer health disparities affecting Appalachians may be attributable to multiple morbidity
management demands which may deprioritize essential and efficacious cancer screenings. In this pilot study,
we examine whether and how multiple morbidities affect colorectal cancer screening rates. Our long-term goal
is to turn this disadvantageous situation of competing time and resource pressure into an advantage by
increasing cancer screening services during the more frequent medical interactions of those with multiple
morbidities. Addressing the nearly three-quarters of middle aged and older adults with MM is essential due to
skyrocketing rates of MM, higher rates of cancer mortality among those with MM, and competing demands of
disease prevention and management.
We aim to expand our limited understanding of the association between MM and colorectal cancer
(eRe) screening through three research activities. First, to obtain rich insights into the factors and
circumstances that affect patterns of eRe screening behavior among those with multiple morbidities, in-depth
interviews will be conducted with 5 health care providers representing diverse practices in Appalachia and with
40 patients who have two or more chronic diseases. These interviews will provide locally grounded
perspectives from the two most salient health decision makers, providers and patients. Second, to insure
generalizability, we will assess the impact of factors germane to both MM and eRe screening behavior by
conducting a stratified representative survey of Appalachians. Finally, after identifying factors, circumstances,
and patterns that prevent eRe screening in the context of multiple morbidities, we will hold focus groups to
validate our findings and discuss optimal direction for interventions. Ultimately, these findings will lead to the
development of a community-based participatory intervention R01 that will capitalize on the relatively frequent
medical care visits of those with multiple morbidities and ultimately will increase eRG screening, improve
practice coordination, and decrease cancer-associated deaths.
Project Description Page 6
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 5/21/08 → 4/30/12 |
Funding
- National Cancer Institute: $362,588.00
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