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Published in:

01-03-2014

Fatalism and Cancer Risk Knowledge Among a Sample of Highly Acculturated Latinas

Author: A. Susana Ramírez

Published in: Journal of Cancer Education | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Fatalistic beliefs about cancer are associated with decreased likelihood of knowing about cancer risk factors and engaging in cancer prevention and screening behaviors. Research suggests that Latinas are especially likely to hold fatalistic beliefs. However, this research has been in less-acculturated, high-poverty convenience samples. This study examined cancer knowledge, cancer fatalism, and the association between fatalism and knowledge in a national sample of highly acculturated, middle-income Latinas (N = 715). Results indicate that cancer fatalism is pervasive, and knowledge about cancer risk factors is lacking among this population. Fatalistic beliefs are paradoxically associated with cancer knowledge. Opportunities for tailored communications to improve health behaviors and additional research to understand causes/effects of these findings are discussed in the context of a growing body of research about how to communicate health information to more-acculturated Latinos.

Thanks to an anonymous reviewer for the International Communication Association meeting for this point.

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Title: Fatalism and Cancer Risk Knowledge Among a Sample of Highly Acculturated Latinas
Author: A. Susana Ramírez
Publication date: 01-03-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Cancer Education / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0885-8195
Electronic ISSN: 1543-0154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-013-0541-6

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