Psychosocial influences on the colorectal cancer screening beliefs and practices of African -American women: A qualitative study
Item
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Title
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Psychosocial influences on the colorectal cancer screening beliefs and practices of African -American women: A qualitative study
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:2cfba237a62f:10004
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identifier
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10121
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Creator
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Oscar, Sweene,
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Contributor
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Elliot Jurist | Anderson J. Franklin
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Date
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2009
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Clinical psychology | Womens studies | Black studies | Barriers | Colorectal Cancer Screening | Facilitators | Resilience
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Abstract
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychosocial factors that affect the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening beliefs and practices of African-American women aged 50 years and older. This line of research is exceedingly important given the disproportionately high CRC mortality rates among African-American women compared to white women which is believed to be due in part to under use of primary prevention/early detection services (i.e., CRC screening) within this population. Therefore, gaining insight into the psychosocial factors that serve to hinder and/or promote CRC screening among African-American women is imperative in order to both improve rates of CRC screening and decrease CRC mortality rates within this demographic. Three theoretical models, the Health Belief Model, the Transtheoretical Model and resilience theory informed the conceptualization of this study and will be used to understand the CRC screening beliefs and practices of African American women.;Thirty seven African American women were interviewed in five focus groups. Group interviews were analyzed using qualitative data analysis methods. Seven barriers to CRC screening (fear, lack of knowledge, lack of symptoms, lack of money/insurance, lack of time, homeopathic Remedies and embarrassment) and five facilitators (screening as part of comprehensive care, doctor's recommendation, peace of mind, open communication with family/friends, and presence of symptoms) were identified. Findings suggest that African American women do not believe that traditional recruitment techniques for CRC screening are effective. The women in this study reported that psychosocial factors play an important role in health seeking behaviors and adherence to CRC screening. Additionally, some beliefs that are historically linked with the resilience of African Americans were associated with decreased likelihood of screening. Findings will be discussed in light of the three aforementioned theoretical models in addition to recommendations for future research.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
