Adherence and barriers to colorectal cancer screening varies among Arab Americans from different countries of origin.

Arab-Americans (ArA) in Michigan, USA had the lowest colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) in 2008 compared to the state's general population (45.6% vs. 60.8%). The adherence rate and barriers to CRCS have been identified in a previous study; however, these differences have been not examined among ArA from different countries of origin. Community-based study through a survey filled by 130 Arab-Americans aged ⩾50years. Demographic information and information about CRC screening knowledge were obtained. Responses were compared between the two largest population groups (Lebanese and Yemenis). The majority of the participants (80%) were from Lebanon (52.3%) and Yemen (27.7%). Majority of the Yemenis group have never been screened for CRC (72.2% vs. 27.9%, p<0.001). Majority of the unscreened Yemenis were males (100% vs. 63.2%, p=0.002). Both unscreened groups had similar length of residence in U.S., citizenship status, education level, health insurance and access to primary care physicians. Unscreened Lebanese had a higher family history of CRCS (31.6% vs. 0%, p=0.002). The most common reported barrier for both groups was the misconception that CRCS is not necessary (62% for Yemenis & 42% for Lebanese, p=0.197). Unscreened Yemenis were more unaware about CRCS (46% vs. 11%, p=0.002). CRC screening rates vary among Arab-Americans from different countries of origin. Physicians should consider the country of origin when recommending CRC screening to Arab-Americans. Copyright © 2015 Arab Journal of Gastroenterology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Citation

Nizar Talaat. Adherence and barriers to colorectal cancer screening varies among Arab Americans from different countries of origin. Arab journal of gastroenterology : the official publication of the Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology. 2015 Sep-Dec;16(3-4):116-20

Mesh Tags

PMID: 26227207

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