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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Srijana M. Bajracharya, PhD, CHES, Health Promotion and Physical Education, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, (607) 274-3411, sbajracharya@ithaca.edu and Janet K. Wigglesworth, PhD, School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major forms of cancer that can be detected early, and so, be easily and successfully treated. Yet it is the only type of cancer for which mortality rates have not decreased. The purpose of this study was to gather information on the knowledge of university and college employees regarding CRC and the perceived benefits of and barriers to CRC screening. A 26-item instrument was developed based on an earlier focus group study. Three hundred fifty faculty and staff (45 years of age and over) from two Central New York institutions filled out an electronic survey. Most of the participants (79%) believed that they were in very good or excellent health. However, only 48% of the participants correctly answered that CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer. Forty percent of the participants (n=136) had not had a CRC screening test. Of these, 12% (n=41) reported that they intend to have it next year. Those under 50 (n=70) said that they intend to have the test after they turn 50. About 7% (n=25) did not intend to get screened at all. The most important barriers for those who were over 50 and had not gotten screened (n=120) were “fearful of finding a problem,” “fearful of a painful test,” “doctor never recommended,” “preparation too difficult,” and “takes too much time.” Based on these overall findings several recommendations concerning the study protocol as well as effective health education and health care delivery are suggested.

Learning Objectives:

• After the session the participants will be able to
• 1.increase their knowledge about the study’s methods, especially getting access to study the population in a college setting;
• 2.identify the knowledge level of an elite middle-age population about CRC and the methods for screening for the disease;
• 3.analyze perceived common barriers to CRC screening among this population;
• 4.discuss how these barriers can be eliminated to promote CRC screening among this population.

Keywords: Health Education, Cancer Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation