Literacy and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior About Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey explored the association between functional health literacy and knowledge of, beliefs and attitudes about, and reported usage of colorectal cancer screening tests. The results indicate that functional health literacy, as assessed by the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), is not an independent predictor of colorectal cancer screening knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, or behavior. Latino ethnicity and education, however, often predicted screening responses, suggesting that efforts to improve communication about colorectal cancer screening with Latino patients and patients with low education clearly are needed to reduce the disparities in awareness and utilization of colorectal cancer screening tests. This study also explored influences on intended screening behavior. Physician recommendation was found to be a powerful motivator of intention to undergo colorectal cancer screening regardless of literacy level, indicating that interventions aimed at increasing physician recommendation of colorectal cancer screening may be an effective way of increasing screening rates.

Barriers of and Facilitators to Physician Recommendation of Colorectal Cancer Screening

“…However, studies show that most patients report they would undergo CRCS if their physician recommended it. 10,12 This study identifies many specific barriers to and facilitators of physician recommendation of CRCS. Consistent with our conceptual framework, barriers of and facilitators to physician recommendation were identified at the patient, physician, and system levels.…”

“…6 Studies show that patients cite physician recommendation is the most important motivator of CRCS. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Approximately 75-90% of patients who have not had CRCS report that a doctor's recommendation would motivate them to undergo screening. 10,12,15 However, physicians do not consistently recommend CRCS to each eligible patient.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Approximately 75-90% of patients who have not had CRCS report that a doctor's recommendation would motivate them to undergo screening. 10,12,15 However, physicians do not consistently recommend CRCS to each eligible patient. 10,[16][17][18] Although multiple studies have investigated barriers and facilitators of CRCS, the majority have focused on the patient perspective.…”

Unit of Measurement Used and Parent Medication Dosing Errors

“…The unit or units used by the parent in reporting the dose was also recorded. Because parents were likely to have been exposed to different units as part of verbal counseling and from the prescription and bottle label, 8 [25][26][27] ). Child' s chronic disease status was assessed by using the Children With Special Health Care Needs screener (any versus none).…”

Importance of health literacy in oncology

“…[36][37][38] Previous research on health literacy and cancer has focused mainly on the correlation between the health literacy level and participation in cancer screening programs among non-cancer patients. [39][40][41][42][43][44] A recent study measured the prevalence of health literacy in head and neck cancer survivors with a total laryngectomy. 45 However, the study was conducted retrospectively and involved only eight participants.…”