Cancer-Related Beliefs and Perceptions in Appalachia: Findings from 3 States

Robin C. Vanderpool, Bin Huang, Yangyang Deng, Todd M. Bear, Quan Chen, Meghan F. Johnson, Electra D. Paskett, Linda B. Robertson, Gregory S. Young, Ronaldo Iachan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Appalachians experience increased rates of cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Appalachians. Many factors may contribute to the elevated cancer burden, including lack of knowledge and negative beliefs about the disease. Methods: Three National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers with Appalachian counties in their respective population-based geographic service areas—Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania—surveyed their communities to better understand their health profiles, including 5 items assessing cancer beliefs. Weighted univariate and bivariate statistics were calculated for each of the 3 state's Appalachian population and for a combined Appalachian sample. Weighted multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with a cancer beliefs composite score. Data from the combined Appalachian sample were compared to NCI's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Results: Data from 1,891 Appalachian respondents were included in the analysis (Kentucky = 798, Ohio = 112, Pennsylvania = 981). Significant differences were observed across the 3 Appalachian populations related to income, education, marital status, rurality, perceptions of present income, and body mass index (BMI). Four of 5 cancer beliefs were significantly different across the 3 states. Education, BMI, perceptions of financial security, and Kentucky residence were significantly associated with a lower composite score of cancer beliefs. When comparing the combined Appalachian population to HINTS, 3 of 5 cancer belief measures were significantly different. Conclusions: Variations in cancer beliefs were observed across the 3 states’ Appalachian populations. Interventions should be tailored to specific communities to improve cancer knowledge and beliefs and, ultimately, prevention and screening behaviors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)176-188
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Rural Health
Volume35
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 National Rural Health Association

Keywords

  • Appalachia
  • cancer beliefs
  • fatalism
  • rural
  • survey research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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