Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109685

Lisa Hinton, MPH¹, Charlye D. Majett, MBA¹, Latoshia S. Wells, MPH¹, Daniel Blumenthal, MD, MPH², Selina A. Smith, MS, PhD², Ernest Alema-Mensah, MS, DMin³, and Lee S. Caplan, MD, MPH, PhD¹. (1) Community Health & Preventive Medicine/Prevention Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30310, (404) 756-6675, Lhinton@msm.edu, (2) Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30310, (3) Program for Healthcare Effectiveness RSC, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30310

Background: Despite increased awareness of the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests, African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. Innovative comprehensive approaches to narrowing the disparity have not been well-studied.

Purpose of Study: 1.To evaluate the effects of three different approaches (one-on-one counseling, small group educational sessions, and financial incentives) on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (KABs) about colorectal cancer 2.To examine the effects of the three different approaches on adherence to screening guidelines 3.To evaluate the independent role of setting on screening practices

Theoretical Approach: The interventions include elements of Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model.

Methodology:

•Sample selection: Five hundred African American men and women aged 50 plus in the Atlanta Metropolitan area are randomized to one of three interventions or a control arm.

•Measures and/or techniques: Baseline and post intervention data on KABs as well as psychosocial parameters (self-esteem, perceived stress and social support) are assessed through questionnaires. Screening outcomes are assessed three months after the intervention.

Results: Preliminary data suggest that one-on-one counseling is associated with the greatest change in KABs from baseline to post intervention. The greatest increase in adherence to screening guidelines is associated with the small group intervention arm.

Implications: Provided preliminary results are borne out, the study will offer relatively simple models useful in changing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs and increasing screening rates among African Americans while providing strategies for increasing participation in community intervention trials.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Compare and contrast the effects of three different approaches on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about colorectal cancer
• 2.Compare and contrast the effect of three different approaches on adherence to colorectal screening guidelines
• 3.Identify barriers to participation in clinical trials
• 4.Discuss the most successful approaches to recruiting participants to community intervention trials

Keywords: African American, Community Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.