title: Disparities in colorectal cancer screening behaviors: implications for African American men.
abstract: Guidelines published by the American College of Gastroenterologists suggest that African Americans (AA) begin preventive screening at the age of 45 years due to increased risk of colorectal cancer. This study examines characteristics associated with having fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy among adults aged 45-75 years. Using cross-sectional data from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey, the sample included 3,725 participants (mean age = 59.01 ± 8.41), with 59.8% female, 88.8% Caucasian, and 11.2% AA. Binary logistic regression with interactions between race, gender, and age entered in block 2 revealed that odds of having FOBT, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy were increased among older individuals with higher education. Fecal occult blood test was higher among women and those with insurance. Colonoscopy was higher among those with insurance and higher income. Having a sigmoidoscopy was more likely among those with higher income but was lower among AA men. Understanding the characteristics of individuals who participate in colorectal cancer screenings may contribute to the development of interventions geared toward those who do not, particularly AA men who are at greatest risk for colorectal morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Capstone College of Nursing and Center for Mental Health and Aging, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA. joliver@.ua.edu
authors.forename: JoAnn S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Courtney B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Worley
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeCoster
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Palardy
authors.forename: Giyeon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Adisesha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: Rebecca S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Allen
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009780:Occult Blood; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States