COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR IN RURAL TEXAS

Colonoscopies 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.