Identifying communication barriers to colorectal cancer screening adherence among appalachian kentuckians

Audrey Smith Bachman, Elisia L. Cohen, Tom Collins, Jennifer Hatcher, Richard Crosby, Robin C. Vanderpool

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Utilizing data from 40 in-depth interviews, this article identifies both barriers and facilitators to colorectal screening guideline adherence among Appalachian Kentucky adults recruited through a community-based research network. Key findings identify (a) varying levels of knowledge about screening guidelines, (b) reticence to engage in screening processes, and (c) nuanced communication with healthcare providers and family members regarding screening adherence. What participants knew about the screening process was often derived from personal stories or recalled stories from familymembers about their screening experiences. Reticence to engage in screening processes reflected reports of cumbersome preparation, privacy issues, embarrassment,medicalmistrust, fear of receiving a cancer diagnosis, and lack of symptoms. Participants cited many ways to enhance patient-centered communication, and the findings from this study have implications for health communication message design and communication strategies for healthcare practices in Appalachian Kentucky clinics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1284-1292
Number of pages9
JournalHealth Communication
Volume33
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 19 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Funding

This publication was supported by cooperative agreement number 1U48DP001932-01 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FundersFunder number
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Health(social science)
    • Communication

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