title: The influence of gender on colorectal cancer knowledge, screening intention, perceived risk and worry among African Americans in South Florida.
abstract: The aim of this study was to examine if gender differences exist for colorectal cancer (CRC) knowledge, intention to screen, perceived risk and cancer worry among African Americans for CRC. African American males and females (N = 336) aged 45 years or older living in southeast Florida were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional survey that assessed intentions to screen as well as CRC knowledge, cancer worry, perceived risk. No significant differences were found between men and women in their intention to screen for CRC or in their worry about cancer. Results did suggest that men and women differed significantly about their understanding of CRC knowledge. Findings also showed that there were differences in perceived risk between genders, with female study participants possessing lower levels of risk than men. Study results suggest that future interventions need to ensure that females understand their risk for CRC and understand the benefits associated with CRC screening. Findings also suggest that interventions promoting CRC screening may need to be tailored if increased participation in CRC screening is to be achieved for women.
authors.affiliation: Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA, smckinne@fiu.edu.
authors.forename: Sheila Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: McKinney
authors.forename: Richard C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Palmer
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010465:Perception; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors