Gabriela M Portilla-Skerrett1, Yaritza Díaz-Algorri2, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado3, Marcia Cruz-Correa4. 1. Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, PR; San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR. 2. Master in Public Health Program, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR. 3. Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR; Department of Health Services Administration, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR. 4. UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Cancer Biology, San Juan, PR; Biochemistry and Surgery, Departments of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cause of cancer death in Puerto Rico (PR). CRC screening rates among PR Hispanics aged ≥ 50 years (57.5%) are below the Healthy People 2020 recommendations (70.5%). Low screening rates can be attributed to lack of education, and beliefs and knowledge about CRC screening procedures. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Caribe Colon inflatable colon model in two community events as an educational tool to increase CRC knowledge, awareness, and intention to undergo CRC screening. METHODS: Participants (aged ≥ 40 years and with no previous CRC history) completed a pre- and post- questionnaire, and took the tour of the Caribe Colon. RESULTS: After completing the tour, survey responses (n=154) revealed a significant increase in CRC knowledge and awareness (p<0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression models showed that fear of CRC screening procedures was the primary independent factor for not getting screened after adjusting for age, gender, education, regular visits to a primary care physician, insurance, and history of CRC screening (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Future studies should focus on understanding and reducing barriers to CRC screening including fear. Patients more knowledgeable about CRC screening procedures may have less fear for CRC screening. Furthermore, educational strategies need to be reinforced to reduce fear; this may lead to an increase in CRC screening rates among Hispanics.
OBJECTIVE:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cause of cancer death in Puerto Rico (PR). CRC screening rates among PR Hispanics aged ≥ 50 years (57.5%) are below the Healthy People 2020 recommendations (70.5%). Low screening rates can be attributed to lack of education, and beliefs and knowledge about CRC screening procedures. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Caribe Colon inflatable colon model in two community events as an educational tool to increase CRC knowledge, awareness, and intention to undergo CRC screening. METHODS:Participants (aged ≥ 40 years and with no previous CRC history) completed a pre- and post- questionnaire, and took the tour of the Caribe Colon. RESULTS: After completing the tour, survey responses (n=154) revealed a significant increase in CRC knowledge and awareness (p<0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression models showed that fear of CRC screening procedures was the primary independent factor for not getting screened after adjusting for age, gender, education, regular visits to a primary care physician, insurance, and history of CRC screening (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Future studies should focus on understanding and reducing barriers to CRC screening including fear. Patients more knowledgeable about CRC screening procedures may have less fear for CRC screening. Furthermore, educational strategies need to be reinforced to reduce fear; this may lead to an increase in CRC screening rates among Hispanics.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer prevention and control; Colorectal cancer; Hispanics; Patient education; Three-dimensional colon model
Authors: Vivian Colón-López; Ileska M Valencia-Torres; Elsa I Ríos; Josheili Llavona; Camille Vélez-Álamo; María E Fernández Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2022-03-31 Impact factor: 2.037