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Understanding the Barriers and Facilitators of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Low Income Immigrant Hispanics

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low among Hispanics; thus understanding screening barriers and facilitators is essential. A survey, based on blended health promotion theories, was conducted with low income, mostly immigrant, Hispanics at community based organizations and health clinics in New York City. Correlates of undergoing colonoscopy screening were examined. Four hundred men (28%) and women were interviewed. Older age, longer US residence, having a regular health care provider and provider recommendation predicted colonoscopy receipt (P values <0.01). Greater fear and worry concerning colonoscopy and fewer perceived screening benefits were associated with reduced screening likelihood (P values <0.05). In a multivariate model, colonoscopy receipt was negatively associated with Medicaid and positively associated with English preference, physician recommendation for and encouragement of screening and less fear. Interventions that educate physicians and patients regarding colonoscopy screening guidelines, increase physicians’ screening referrals, and reduce patients’ fear are needed.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend thanks to the study participants, and the study sites, the East Harlem community, and the East Harlem Partnership for Cancer Awareness’ Community Advisory Board for their insight and support. The authors would also like to thank Simay Gokbayrak for her assistance throughout the writing of this paper. This manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under submission elsewhere. There are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1130, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    Lina Jandorf, Jennie Ellison, Cristina Villagra, Gary Winkel, Alejandro Varela, Zeida Quintero-Canetti, Anabella Castillo, Linda Thélémaque, Sheba King & Katherine DuHamel

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA

    Katherine DuHamel

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  1. Lina Jandorf
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  2. Jennie Ellison
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  3. Cristina Villagra
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  4. Gary Winkel
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  10. Katherine DuHamel
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Correspondence to Lina Jandorf.

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Jandorf, L., Ellison, J., Villagra, C. et al. Understanding the Barriers and Facilitators of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Low Income Immigrant Hispanics. J Immigrant Minority Health 12, 462–469 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-009-9274-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-009-9274-3

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