Predictors of digital rectal examination in U.S. Latinos.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about prostate and colorectal cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices among U.S. Latino men. Even less is known about the population's subgroup variations. This study assessed predictors of having obtained digital rectal examinations (DREs) among four Latino subgroups.


METHODS
Findings in this report are based on a cross-sectional telephone survey conducted between October 1993 and June 1994 as part of a multisite demonstration project for cancer prevention and control. The survey was conducted in eight U.S. cities identified via census data as having relatively high concentrations of targeted Latino subgroups. The analysis included 1499 Latino men aged > or = 40 who self-identified as Central American, Cuban American, Mexican American, or Puerto Rican.


RESULTS
Overall, 53% of the sample reported ever having had a DRE and 68% reported ever having heard of the procedure. For all subgroups, the only significant predictor for obtaining a DRE was "ever heard of DRE." "Having your doctor discuss DRE" was a significant factor for Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of a universal DRE cancer-screening model among Latino groups highlights the need to address barriers in the context of the population's diversity. Ecologic approaches and clinician communication with Latinos need to be tailored to accommodate subgroup differences in knowledge, attitude, and practices related to DRE.
Talavera
Gregory A
GA
Division of Health Promotion, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92123-4311, USA. gtalaver@mail.sdsu.edu
Ramirez
Amelie G
AG
Suarez
Lucina
L
Villarreal
Roberto
R
Marti
Jose
J
Trapido
Edward
E
Pérez-Stable
Eliseo J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control