Differences in Black and White Adolescents' Perceptions About Cancer

Abstract

This study determined if black and white adolescents differed significantly in cancer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Using the Health Belief Model, a 97-item questionnaire was developed by the researchers and completed by 573 black and 297 white junior and senior high school students from a large, midwest school district. Chi-square analyses yielded nine significant differences (p less than .01) between blacks and whites on cancer knowledge (etiology, warning signs, and prevention techniques). Further significant differences were found when items comprising the separate Health Belief Model subscales were analyzed. Blacks and whites differed significantly on cues to action (one item), perceived susceptibility (two items), perceived severity (one item), perceived barriers (two items), perceived benefits (three items), and interpersonal relationships (three items). Blacks and whites received cancer information from the same sources, with the exception of books, which was reported more by blacks.

Patterns and correlates of multiple risk factors for adult-onset cancer among adolescents1

“…Participants had scores reflecting relatively high cancer knowledge, prevention self-efficacy, and perceived benefits, few perceived barriers, and tended to respond honestly (Table 1). For example, participants correctly answered an average of 17 of 22 (77%) cancer prevention knowledge questions, similar to adolescents’ knowledge with respect to cancer prevention in general (Price et al, 1988) and specific cancers (e.g., skin cancer) (Gerend and Magloire, 2008; Gerhardt et al, 2000; Lowe et al, 1999; Reynolds et al, 1998). Participants’ average perceived benefits to cancer prevention nearly doubled perceived barriers, reflecting a strong decisional-balance in the direction of cancer preventive lifestyles (Prochaska et al, 1994).…”

“…Cancer knowledge. Cancer knowledge was assessed using 22 true/false items developed in prior research (Price et al, 1988). A continuous variable was computed by summing responses, with higher scores reflecting greater cancer knowledge (range ¼ 0-22, Kuder-Richardson 20 ¼ 0.71).…”

Age Differences in Understandings of Disease Causality: AIDS, Colds, and Cancer

“…Children appear to know a good deal about the risks associated with sexual contact and sharing drug needles, but hold many misconceptions about non-risk factors such as kissing and blood donation that resemble true AIDS risk factors (Brown et al, 1990;Glenister, Castiglia, Kanski, & Haughey, 1990). Similarly atheoretical surveys reveal increases in knowledge of cancer risk factors over the childhood and adolescent years (Charlton, 1977;Mabe, Riley, & Treiber, 1987;Michielutte, Diseker, & Hayes, 1979;Price, Desmond, Wallace, Smith, & Stewart, 1988;Treiber, Schramm, & Mabe, 1986).…”

Correlates of Adherence to a Telephone-Based Multiple Health Behavior Change Cancer Preventive Intervention for Teens

“…Cancer knowledge. Teens' knowledge about cancer causes and prevention was assessed using 22 true/false items (Price, Desmond, Wallace, Smith, & Stewart, 1988). A continuous variable was computed by summing participants' correct responses, with higher scores reflecting greater cancer knowledge (range = 0-22, Kuder-Richardson 20 = 0.72).…”