Korean Americans' Beliefs about Colorectal Cancer Screening

Practice of colorectal cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates and factors associated - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite the implementation of CRC screening guidelines, the uptake of screening among adults in the UAE remains low. This study aimed to assess the practice, factors associated, barriers, and knowledge gaps among adults in the UAE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2100 residents of the UAE, aged > = 40 years, participated in the study. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was collected through online platforms and face-to-face interviews in healthcare settings. Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The study revealed a low CRC screening rate of 9.1%. Factors analyzed included age groups, health insurance coverage, regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, awareness of CRC, and knowledge levels about CRC and its signs and symptoms. Participants in the 50-59 age group showed a slightly higher likelihood of CRC screening, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, individuals in the 60-69 and > = 70 age groups were more likely to undergo screening. Regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, prior knowledge of CRC, and knowledge about the disease and its signs and symptoms were associated with a higher likelihood of screening, with statistically significant OR.

CONCLUSION

A low CRC screening rate of 9.1% among adults. Barriers to screening included not being offered a test by physicians, fear of positive results, discomfort with the screening process, perception of pain, and lack of knowledge. Identifying particulate barriers and developing targeted measures requires larger-scale research.

The relationship between cancer fatalism and education

PURPOSE

Fatalism is defined by feelings of pessimism, hopelessness, and powerlessness regarding cancer outcomes. Early researchers reported associations between race and cancer fatalism. Yet current evidence suggests that social determinants of health are better predictors of cancer fatalism than race. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between age, race, education, and cancer fatalism.

METHODS

Three hundred ninety (n = 390) women who attended a screening mammogram at the Joanne Knight Breast Health Center at Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO) completed the Powe Fatalism Inventory (PFI), a 15-item self-report instrument used to operationalize cancer fatalism. We used Pearson's correlation, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA with post hoc tests, and linear regression to analyze the relationships between PFI total scores and age, race, and education.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the mean PFI scores for Non-Hispanic Whites (1.89, SD 0.55) and African Americans (2.02, SD 0.76, p = 0.092, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.02). We found significant differences between the mean PFI scores across levels of education. Women who attained a high school degree or less (n = 72) reported higher PFI scores (2.24, SD 0.77) than women who attended some college or post-high school vocational training (n = 111; 1.95, SD 0.61) and women with a college or postgraduate degree (n = 206; 1.83, SD 0.57). When PFI score was regressed onto age, race, and education, only education significantly explained fatalism (B = -0.19, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, cancer fatalism did not differ between Non-Hispanic White and African American women attending a screening mammogram. However, lower educational levels were associated with higher cancer fatalism. The previously observed associations between race and cancer fatalism may be explained by racial disparities in social determinants of health, such as education. Importantly, study findings indicate that the people with the greatest need for cancer fatalism interventions are those with lower educational levels.

Interventions to Reduce Healthcare Disparities in Cancer Screening Among Minority Adults: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Racial minority populations face an increased burden relative to cancer interventions. Compared with Caucasians, the cancer screening rate is substantially lower among African American, Asian American, Latinx American, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Barriers such as low health literacy, lack of health insurance, and miscommunication between patients and providers have been identified as important factors that result in low screening rates among minority adults. This study was designed to identify interventions targeting racial minority adults 40 years of age or older that were effective in increasing cancer screening uptake rates.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles published in and after January 2009 was conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Twenty-six published studies of cancer screening intervention tested with minority adults were identified through the searches of CINAHL, Global Health, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases.

RESULTS

Thirteen (50%) of the studies utilized lay community health workers to increase cancer awareness and knowledge and to encourage screening. These methods took place over the telephone, at community education sessions, or within the context of personalized patient navigation support. The intervention programs utilized culturally relevant materials as well as spoken and written information in the targeted population's native language. Various intervention designs resulted in statistically significant increases in cancer screening adherence. However, we found no intervention that consistently elevated cancer screening rates across all racial/ethnic minority adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding suggests that highly segmented interventions are needed in order to improve cancer screening among various racial/ethnic minority adults.

Barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer screening among older Korean Americans: A focus group study

A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among older Korean Americans (KAs). Four focus groups with 25 male and female KA participants and one focus group comprising five KA health professionals were conducted in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Interpretive analyses of the interview data revealed barriers regarding CRC screening for KAs included a lack of CRC knowledge, embarrassment during the screening tests, CRC-related fatalism, and modesty, no perceived need for the screening, poor English proficiency, and mistrust of the American healthcare system. The results also indicated that doctors' screening recommendations and access to Korean doctors positively influence KAs' decision to participate in CRC screening. Public health social workers should consider integrating age- and gender-specific cultural contexts when developing interventions and programs for CRC screening targeted to older KAs.

Adaptation and validation of the health belief model scale for colorectal cancer screening

Korea has the second highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the world. Instruments that are culturally and contextually sensitive, as well as valid and reliable, for determining health beliefs regarding colorectal cancer screening are essential for obtaining accurate information. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the health belief model scale for Koreans regarding colorectal cancer and fecal occult blood test utilization. Individual and cognitive interviews (also known as cognitive debriefing) with 33 Koreans, expert reviews with seven nursing practitioners and professors, and a pilot test with 18 Koreans were conducted to make the existing health belief model scale culturally and contextually sensitive. Subsequently, a cross-sectional survey with 728 Koreans aged >50 years was conducted. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the construct validity and internal consistency reliability supported the adapted health belief model scale. The adapted and validated health belief model scale in this study could contribute to the assessment of health beliefs regarding the fecal occult blood test among Koreans with a greater degree of accuracy with respect to Korean culture and context.

Analyzing paths from online health information seeking to colorectal cancer screening using health literacy skills frame and cognitive mediation model

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesized paths for Online Health Information Seeking (OHIS) behaviors in developing health literacy, leading to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Korean Americans (KAs) using Health Literacy Skills Frameworks (HLSF) and Cognitive Mediation Model (CMM).

METHODS

A total of 433 KAs aged 50 through 75 in a metropolitan area in the Southeastern U.S. completed a cross-sectional survey regarding sociodemographics, OHIS behaviors, information overload, health literacy, decisional balance, and CRC screening history. Path analyses were implemented to assess the hypothesized causal models by examining the relationships among these variables.

RESULTS

OHIS was positively associated with information overload and health literacy; information overload was negatively associated with health literacy. Health literacy was positively associated with decisional balance; decisional balance was positively associated with uptake of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

CONCLUSION

The findings supported both theoretical frameworks, HLSF and CMM, for OHIS to develop health literacy, leading to CRC screening. These findings highlight the significant roles of information overload and attitudes and beliefs about screening in enhancing health literacy and CRC screening among KAs.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Practice efforts for facilitating CRC screening among medically underserved older KAs should target improving access to and use of OHIS and culturally-tailored health information delivery.

Factor structure and internal reliability of cultural belief scales about colorectal cancer screening among Koreans in the Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND

Culturally sensitive, reliable and valid cultural belief scales for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Koreans in the Republic of Korea are not available in the literature. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate existing cultural belief scales for CRC screening in Koreans.

METHODS

Individual interviews, expert reviews, and a pilot test were conducted for instrument adaptation, and a cross-sectional survey with 884 Koreans was conducted for instrument validation. Construct validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability of the Korean version of the instruments were examined.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis using c four factors that accounted for 48.12% of the variance. The validity and reliability of the cultural belief scales were supported by confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study showed that the four-factor cultural belief scales were culturally sensitive, reliable and valid in Koreans. The final cultural belief scales could be used to identify cultural beliefs more accurately and specifically, as well as to develop effective interventions to increase CRC screening in Koreans in the Republic of Korea.

Analyzing Factors Associated With Decisional Stage of Adoption for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Older Korean Americans Using Precaution Adoption Process Model

Introduction: For Korean Americans (KAs), colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates remain lower than the national target. This study aimed to examine factors predicting decisional stage of CRC screening adoption among older KAs using the precaution adoption process model. Method: Convenience sampling was employed to recruit KAs aged 50 to 75 years from the Atlanta metropolitan area in the United States. A total of 433 KAs completed a cross-sectional survey that collects information on sociodemographics, CRC screening history, a physician's recommendation, knowledge, self-efficacy, and decisional balance pertaining CRC screening, and precaution adoption process model stage. Results: Higher scores of decisional balance (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34), having a physician's recommendation (OR = 8.61), and having regular annual medical checkups (OR = 4.44) were significantly associated with higher decisional stage compared with lower stage, controlling for other variables. Discussion: Intervention research should incorporate consideration of individuals' decisional stage to move KAs forward from not engaging the screening to maintaining regular participation in CRC screening.

Koreans’ Awareness and Preventive Behaviors Regarding Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background:

Koreans in the Republic of Korea had high incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC), late stage of CRC diagnosis, and low CRC screening. The purpose of this study was to gain a more thorough understanding of CRC awareness, preventive behaviors, and preferred strategies to improve CRC screening behaviors among Koreans.

Methods:

Individual interviews with 33 Koreans aged 50 and older were conducted using semi-structured, open-ended questions. All interview data were recorded and analyzed using direct content analysis.

Results:

To prevent CRC, all participants focused on primary prevention including healthy lifestyle more than secondary prevention such as screening. Motivators of CRC screening were (a) symptoms, (b) being scared by acquaintances with CRC, (c) being healthy for the family, (d) others’ recommendations, and (f) annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the National Cancer Screening Program. Barriers to CRC screening were (a) no symptom, (b) discomfort on test procedure, (c) lack of knowledge, (d) low perceived risk of developing CRC, (e) mistrust in CRC screening tests or health care providers, (f) fear of CRC diagnosis, (g) embarrassment, and (h) colonoscopy was a follow-up test in the National Cancer Screening Program. Participants suggested preferred strategies using various information delivery methods.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that we should provide accurate knowledge, emphasize importance of secondary prevention, enhance motivators and decrease barriers, and use multilevel approach incorporating preferred strategies to improve CRC screening behaviors among Koreans.

Access to Health Care, Beliefs, and Behaviors about Colorectal Cancer Screening among Korean Americans

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers among Korean Americans (KAs) and their CRC screening rates are low. To raise the rates of CRC screening among KAs, it is necessary to improve our understanding of factors that influence their CRC screening behaviors. This study examined socio-demographics, access to health care, health and cultural beliefs, and behaviors about the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for CRC screening among KAs aged 50 and older. Methods: Based on the health belief model, the cultural assessment model for health, and the Powe fatalism model, this study measured socio-demographics (age, gender, years in the U.S., marital status, education, employment, income, and acculturation), health care access (health insurance, having a regular doctor, physician recommendation, and trust in doctor), health beliefs (susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy), and cultural beliefs (physical space, health temporal orientation, personal control, and fatalism) and FOBT. A cross-sectional survey (n=202) was conducted. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: This study found that physician recommendation was the strongest factor in lifetime FOBT utilization in KAs. The results also revealed a positive association among health temporal orientation, health fatalism, and lifetime FOBT among KAs, while previous research found a negative association between fatalism and cancer screening. Years in the U.S., employment, and having a regular doctor were significantly associated with having had a FOBT in the previous year. Conclusion: Study results suggested the need for public education programs to increase physician recommendation among KAs. Furthermore, the positive relationships among health temporal orientation, health fatalism, and FOBT utilization in KAs suggests that KAs have a desire to maintain health and find cancer early despite their fatalistic view on health.

Colorectal cancer beliefs, knowledge, and screening among Filipino, Hmong, and Korean Americans

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, there are few studies to date regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) beliefs, knowledge, and screening among multiple Asian American populations, who are reported to have lower CRC screening rates compared with white individuals. The current study was performed to assess knowledge and beliefs regarding the causes of CRC, its prevention, and factors associated with CRC screening among 3 Asian American groups.

METHODS

The authors conducted an in-language survey with Filipino (Honolulu, Hawaii), Hmong (Sacramento, California), and Korean (Los Angeles, California) Americans aged 50 to 75 years who were sampled through social networks. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess factors associated with CRC screening.

RESULTS

The sample of 981 participants was 78.3% female and 73.8% reported limited proficiency in English. Few of the participants were aware that age (17.7%) or family history (36.3%) were risk factors for CRC; 6.2% believed fate caused CRC. Only 46.4% of participants knew that screening prevented CRC (74.3% of Filipino, 10.6% of Hmong, and 55.8% of Korean participants; P<.001). Approximately two-thirds of participants reported ever having undergone CRC screening (76.0% of Filipino, 72.0% of Hmong, and 51.4% of Korean participants; P<.001) and 48.6% were up to date for screening (62.2% of Filipino, 43.8% of Hmong, and 41.4% of Korean participants; P<.001). Factors found to be significantly associated with ever screening were being Korean (compared with Filipino), having a family history of CRC, having health insurance or a regular source of health care, and knowing that a fatty diet caused CRC. Believing that fate caused CRC and that praying prevented it were found to be negatively associated with ever screening. Factors associated with being up to date for CRC screening included being born in the United States, having a family history of CRC, and having access to health care.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge regarding the causes of CRC and its prevention among Filipino, Hmong, and Korean individuals is low. However, health care access, not knowledge or beliefs, was found to be a key determinant of CRC screening. Cancer 2018;124:1552-9. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Cancer screening in Koreans: a focus group approach

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the greatest disease burden in Korea. Cancer screening can reduce the burden of cancer but cancer screening rates among Koreans remain low. The purposes of this study were to a) understand Koreans' beliefs and knowledge about cancer screening, and b) explore preferred strategies for increasing cancer screening utilization.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive, qualitative study using eight face-to-face focus groups with a total of 64 Koreans aged 40 and over. Participants answered semi-structured, open-ended questions assessing their experiences with, and beliefs, knowledge, and opinions about, cancer screening. All interview data were recorded and analyzed in the context of the health belief model (HBM).

RESULTS

The most important themes that emerged from the focus group data were (a) perceived susceptibility (most of the participants believed they were not susceptible to cancer; those who perceived themselves susceptible to cancer were reluctant to express it); (b) perceived benefits (early detection and feelings of relief after cancer screening were benefits; participants had screening because they wanted to take advantage of the Korean government's Medical Payment Support program for cancer patients who have participated in the National Cancer Screening program); (c) perceived barriers (no symptoms; self-care when having symptoms; widespread distrust of tests, doctors, and hospitals; unkind health care providers; the financial burdens of advanced cancer screening tests; and the discomfort during cancer screening); and (d) knowledge of the causes of cancer (incorrect knowledge including beliefs that stress, personality, and body overuse cause cancer). Almost all of the participants were very knowledgeable about the seriousness of cancer and were confident that they were able to have cancer screening. Participants preferred strategies of cancer screening using group interventions with family or friends; various information delivery methods; information emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention; convenient, free, or inexpensive services; and kind health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

This HBM-based research suggests that beliefs in low susceptibility to cancer, many barriers to cancer screening, and incorrect knowledge should be the foci for increasing cancer screening rates in Koreans. Interventions could change individual cultural beliefs and increase knowledge as well as the quality of health care for Koreans.

Cultural Factors relevant to Korean Americans in Health Research: A Systematic Review

To eliminate health disparities in the United States, identifying cultural contexts salient to the target populations in an intervention study is critical; however, little research has been conducted on the identification of cultural contexts among Korean Americans who have significant risk factors for chronic diseases. This systematic review identifies critical cultural contexts central to the literature discussed in health research on Korean Americans. We examined 14 research reports of 801 potentially eligible articles published between 2000 and 2016 and analyzed their contribution to cultural contexts among Korean Americans based on the PEN-3 model. This review highlights how cultural contexts impact health and health behaviors of Korean Americans, and may contribute to health disparities in the United States. The key cultural contexts highlighted in this review include social support/social network, family, gender role expectations, and a holistic view of health and illness. These cultural contexts should be incorporated in designing culturally relevant, effective, and sustainable health interventions for Korean Americans, which will contribute to eliminating health disparities for this ethnic group who experience great obstacles to healthcare access and healthy behaviors.

Demographic Predictors and Cancer Screening Among Asian Americans in Michigan: Role of Refugee Status

Although the Asian American population has steadily increased since 1980s, there remains a paucity of literature on cancer screening utilization on this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate preventive health and screening practices by examining demographic predictors of health and screening behaviors among 217 Asian Americans living in state of Michigan. Several demographic and acculturation-related factors were found to be associated with "ever screened" status in the bivariate analyses. This included the examination of the relationships among refugee status and cancer screening practices among Asian Americans. After adjusting for other demographic correlates, Asian Americans in the refugee group had lower screening rates in colorectal and breast cancer. Our findings emphasize the need for effective interventions to increase cancer screening rates in this vulnerable population.

Cultural Factors Associated with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Korean American Women in the US: An Integrative Literature Review

PURPOSE

This study examined current research theories and methods, cultural factors, and culturally relevant interventions associated with breast and cervical cancer screening in Korean American (KA) women.

METHODS

Based on Ganong's guidelines, the literature on cultural factors associated with breast and cervical cancer screening in KA women was searched using MEDLINE and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases. Sixty-eight articles on breast cancer screening and 66 articles on cervical cancer screening were retrieved from both databases, and a total of 22 articles were included in the literature review based on the selection criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 22 studies reviewed, 14 (63.6%) were descriptive and 8 (36.4%) were interventional. Many studies have used individual focused cognitive theories such as health belief model and different types of operationalization for measures of cultural beliefs. Cultural factors associated with breast and cervical cancer screening in KA women that were identified in descriptive quantitative and qualitative studies included family, embarrassment, preventive health orientation, fatalism, and acculturation. Most culturally relevant interventional studies used education programs, and all education was conducted by bilingual and bicultural health educators at sociocultural sites for KA women.

CONCLUSIONS

Theories focusing on interpersonal relationships and standardized, reliable, and valid instruments to measure cultural concepts are needed to breast and cervical cancer screening research in KA women. Traditional cultural factors associated with cancer screening should be considered for practical implications and future research with KA women.