Work

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Mouth and Throat Cancer Examinations in Rural Florida

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We examined the knowledge and prevalence of mouth and throat cancer examinations in a sample drawn from rural populations in north Florida. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted across rural census tracts throughout north Florida in 2009 and 2010, in a survey that had been adapted for cultural appropriateness using cognitive interviews. The sample consisted of 2526 respondents (1132 men and 1394 women; 1797 Whites and 729 African Americans). RESULTS: Awareness of mouth and throat cancer examination (46%) and lifetime receipt (46%) were higher than reported in statewide studies performed over the past 15 years. Only 19% of the respondents were aware of their examination, whereas an additional 27% reported having the examination when a description was provided, suggesting a lack of communication between many caregivers and rural patients. Surprisingly, anticipated racial/ethnic differences were diminished when adjustments were made for health literacy and several measures of socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the notion that health disparities are multifactorial and include characteristics such as low health literacy, lack of access to care, and poor communication between patient and provider.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300504

Authors: Joseph L. Riley, Virginia J. Dodd, Keith E. Muller, Yi Guo, Henrietta L. Logan

Institutions: University of Florida Health, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Global Cancer Incidence and Screening

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, University of Florida, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities