Sociocultural differences and colorectal cancer screening among African American men and women.
OBJECTIVE
To examine sociocultural factors that influence an informed decision about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among African American men and women.


METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional.


METHODS
A medical center, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and various social organizations and barbershops in a midwestern city of the United States.


METHODS
A purposive sample of African American women (n = 65) and African American men (n = 64) aged 50 years and older.


METHODS
Participants completed a self-administered survey.


METHODS
Cultural identity, CRC beliefs, family support, and informed decision.


RESULTS
Family support was positively related to CRC beliefs among participants, and CRC beliefs were positively related to an informed decision. However, among men, family support positively related to an informed decision about CRC screening. In addition, t-test results indicated that the men and women were significantly different. Family support predicted CRC beliefs among men (p < 0.01) and women (p < 0.01). CRC beliefs predicted CRC screening informed decisions among men (p < 0.01) and women (p < 0.05). However, the accounted variance was dissimilar, suggesting a difference in the impact of the predictors among the men and women.


CONCLUSIONS
Family support has a significant impact on CRC beliefs about CRC screening among African Americans. However, how men and women relate to the variables differs.


CONCLUSIONS
To improve CRC screening rates, informed decision-making interventions for African Americans should differ for men and women and address family support, CRC beliefs, and elements of cultural identity.
College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA. kelly.brittain@hc.msu.edu
Kelly
K
Brittain
Carol
C
Loveland-Cherry
Laurel
L
Northouse
Cleopatra H
CH
Caldwell
Jacquelyn Y
JY
Taylor
D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000451:nursing; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005190:Family / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012944:Social Support