title: Adherence and barriers to colorectal cancer screening varies among Arab Americans from different countries of origin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Arab-Americans (ArA) in Michigan, USA had the lowest colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) in 2008 compared to the state's general population (45.6% vs. 60.8%). The adherence rate and barriers to CRCS have been identified in a previous study; however, these differences have been not examined among ArA from different countries of origin.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-based study through a survey filled by 130 Arab-Americans aged ⩾50years. Demographic information and information about CRC screening knowledge were obtained. Responses were compared between the two largest population groups (Lebanese and Yemenis).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of the participants (80%) were from Lebanon (52.3%) and Yemen (27.7%). Majority of the Yemenis group have never been screened for CRC (72.2% vs. 27.9%, p<0.001). Majority of the unscreened Yemenis were males (100% vs. 63.2%, p=0.002). Both unscreened groups had similar length of residence in U.S., citizenship status, education level, health insurance and access to primary care physicians. Unscreened Lebanese had a higher family history of CRCS (31.6% vs. 0%, p=0.002). The most common reported barrier for both groups was the misconception that CRCS is not necessary (62% for Yemenis & 42% for Lebanese, p=0.197). Unscreened Yemenis were more unaware about CRCS (46% vs. 11%, p=0.002).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CRC screening rates vary among Arab-Americans from different countries of origin. Physicians should consider the country of origin when recommending CRC screening to Arab-Americans.
authors.affiliation: East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA. Electronic address: nizartalaat@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nizar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Talaat
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018912:Arabs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015006:Yemen / Q000208:ethnology
keywords: Arab-Americans; Colon cancer screening; Colorectal cancer