SURVEY OF ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF ADULTS OF VARIOUS ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS REGARDING COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING IN OCHILTREE COUNTY

With barriers to health care in rural areas in mind, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the existing attitudes about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and to determine the association with screening compliance. Purpose (a): With barriers to health care in rural areas in mind, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the existing attitudes about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and to determine the correlation with screening compliance and behavior. Methods (b): A survey was used that included questions from the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS), colorectal cancer screening behaviors, and demographic information. Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 35 years, residence or employment within Ochiltree County, and ability to answer questions in English or Spanish. The GBMMS consists of three sub-scales: Suspicion, Group Disparities in Healthcare, and Lack of Support from Healthcare Providers. Results (c): A total of 74 surveys were used for analysis: respondents included 67.6% women, 78.4% Caucasian, and 21.6% Hispanic. The average age of respondents was 53.4 ± 10.5 years. Hispanics scored consistently higher on all three sub-scales measuring medical mistrust, indicating they are more suspicious and feel a lack of support from their healthcare providers. While 48.7% of Caucasians over the age of 50 have received colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, only 12.5% of Hispanics admitted to having ever been screened for CRC using these methods . Though not significant, Hispanics also had higher raw scores on the Predetermination sub-scale of Fatalism, or a greater sense that obtaining medical care does not play a significant role in one’s ability to live a healthy life. Conclusions (d): Hispanics had lower levels of CRC screening, which may be related to their higher levels of medical mistrust and feelings of ethnic disparities. This group may benefit from CRC screening and prevention education, and efforts should be focused to increase screening compliance.