Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
4-1-2023
Journal
Journal of Cancer Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the psychosocial factors influencing participation in colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) among Puerto Rican men and women. We conducted seven focus groups in metropolitan and rural areas of Puerto Rico (PR) with men and women (using gender specific groups) aged 50 to 80 years (n = 51) who were non-adherent to CRC guidelines. The focus group guide included questions related to colorectal cancer (CRC) and CRC screening knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. We analyzed data using a modified grounded theory approach to identify emergent themes. Focus groups revealed seven major themes that represented barriers to CRCS: (1) lack of CRC knowledge, (2) lack of knowledge about colorectal cancer screening tests as well as the required preparation, (3) embarrassment, (4) low perceived benefit of CRCS and sense of fatalism, (5) transportation (mostly among participants in rural areas), (6) lack of time, and (7) financial burden. All participants understood the benefits of CRCS once the procedure was explained. Additionally, participants reported a lack of provider recommendation for CRCS. In this group of Puerto Rican participants who were non-adherent to CRCS, there were misconceptions about CRC, screening tests available, and preparation and testing procedures. Participants' low levels of knowledge and negative attitudes concerning CRCS and low reported provider recommendation were important deterrents to screening. These findings suggest the need for educational efforts to increase knowledge and attitudes about CRCS and improved patient-provider communication to reduce missed opportunities to recommend.
Keywords
Male, Humans, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Colorectal Neoplasms, Puerto Rico, Early Detection of Cancer, Colonoscopy, Mass Screening
DOI
10.1007/s13187-022-02153-z
PMID
35359256
PMCID
PMC10102089
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
3-31-2022
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Included in
Digestive System Diseases Commons, Gastroenterology Commons, Oncology Commons, Public Health Commons