Published in:
01-11-2011 | Original Research
Cultural, Economic, and Psychological Predictors of Colonoscopy in a National Sample
Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Issue 11/2011
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Background
Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death among adults in the US and colonoscopy is efficacious in reducing morbidity and mortality from CRC, screening rates are sub-optimal. Understanding the socioeconomic, cultural, and health care context within which decisions about colonoscopy are made allows physicians to address patients’ most salient beliefs and values and other constraints when making screening recommendations.
Objective
To evaluate the direct and interactive effects of socioeconomics, health care variables, psychological characteristics, and cultural values on colonoscopy use.
Design, Setting, Participants
National survey completed between January-August 2009 in a random sample of African American, white, and Hispanic adults ages 50–75 without cancer (n = 582).
Main Measure
Self-reported colonoscopy use.
Key Results
Only 59% of respondents reported having a colonoscopy. The likelihood of colonoscopy increased with having health insurance (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.24, 6.43, p = 0.004), and increasing age (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.77, p = 0.001). In addition, respondents with greater self-efficacy were more likely to have a colonoscopy (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.35, 4.29, p = 0.003).
Conclusions
Programs that help patients to overcome access and psychological barriers to screening are needed.