Perceptions of knowledge, beliefs, and barriers to colorectal cancer screening.
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is an effective tool that aggressively identifies and treats preventable colorectal disease. Yet incidence and mortality disparities still exist.


METHODS
A cross-sectional sample of persons at risk of CRC residing in a Midwestern metropolitan area (n = 43) reported their knowledge, beliefs, and perceived barriers of CRC screening.


RESULTS
Minorities were significantly more likely to have inaccurate knowledge/beliefs and increased perceived internal/external barriers of CRC screening than Whites.


CONCLUSIONS
Health education programs designed to increase CRC screening efficacy have to address the predisposed knowledge, beliefs, and perceived barriers of diverse persons at risk.
Stacy
Richard
R
School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182-0216, USA. stacy@mail.unomaha.edu
Torrence
William Alvin
WA
Mitchell
Carol R
CR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires