Browsing by Subject "Screening"
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Item ACCEPTABILITY OF SELF-ADMINISTERED PAP SMEARS AMONG SUBSTANCE ABUSING POPULATIONS(2014-03) Bangara, Saritha; Shuler, Monique; Qualls-Hampton, Raquel Y.; Felini, Martha J.The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of self-administered Pap tests among a high risk subset of women with substance abuse issues. Our findings have been used to develop a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive cervical cancer education program that can be integrated into substance abuse treatment centers as part of this project. Purpose (a): Prior studies have revealed high acceptability rates for using self-administered Pap smears as an alternative in populations where barriers may prevent access to conventional in-office cervical screening examinations. However, few studies to date have examined whether this self-screening tool would be an option among indigent women engaging in high-risk behaviors. The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears among women in treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders at the Nexus Recovery Center, Dallas's largest female substance abuse treatment center. Methods (b): Six focus groups (N=48 women) were conducted among women participating in treatment at the Nexus Recovery Center. A separate focus group was conducted among members of our project advisory board (medical professionals, social workers, and recovering addicts) who guided the research. A mixed methods approach was used to analyze the data and identify themes from participants' responses. Results (c): In assessing the participants' utilization of cervical cancer screenings, 30 (63%) had a Pap smear in the last two years. Preliminary analysis suggests that the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears in our study population is low. Conclusions (d): The low acceptability of self-administered Pap tests in our study population is due to a perceived lack of trust in the effectiveness of this tool. This finding will be considered when developing a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive cervical cancer education program that can be integrated into substance abuse treatment centers as part of this project.Item COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR IN RURAL TEXAS(2014-03) Desai, Krupa; Le, Carol Kim; Negem, Matt; Chiapa-Scifres, Ana; Bowling, JohnColonoscopies can be an effective screening tool for colorectal cancers. Colorectal Cancer represents a significant challenge to many healthcare providers in rural populations. In spite of having successful screening tools developed and implemented in many primary care clinics in both urban and rural communities, it still remains the third most prevalent form of cancer. The study investigated the knowledge and insurance availability as potential barriers to this test from the patient’s perspective. Purpose (a): Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent form of cancer. Colonoscopies/Sigmoidoscopies (C/S) can be an effective screening tool for CRC. The study investigated the relationship between knowledge and awareness of CRC, and the prevalence of C/S in a rural community. Methods (b): A survey was implemented and 360 individuals aged 18 to 93 years were recruited from Clifton and Cuero, Texas. Basic knowledge and awareness of CRC was divided into 3 categories: low, medium, and high. History of C/S was measured dichotomously as yes or no. Logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odd ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) between knowledge and awareness of CRC, and the prevalence of C/S after controlling for potential covariates (age, gender, race, education, insurance status, and income). Results (c): Results showed that those who had high and moderate level of knowledge and awareness of CRC were 6.38 (OR = 6.83, p = 0.004, 95% CI = 1.83-25.50) and 3.62 (OR = 3.62, p = 0.038, 95% CI = 1.073-12.209) times more likely to undergo C/S than those with low level of knowledge and awareness. As the age increased by one year, participants were 1.09 times (9 %) more likely to undergo C/S. Result were not significant for any other potential covariates. Conclusions (d): Our findings suggest that knowledge and awareness of CRC influence the prevalence of C/S. Health education programs should continue to promote C/S in rural communities to reach Healthy People 2020 goals.