Comparing Latino Community Members' and Clinical Staff's Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators to Colorectal Cancer Screening

J Cancer Educ. 2022 Dec;37(6):1645-1653. doi: 10.1007/s13187-021-02007-0. Epub 2021 Apr 23.

Abstract

Latinos in the United States have low rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening even though CRC is the third leading cause of cancer death among Latinos. This qualitative study aimed to understand and compare the perspectives of clinical staff (CS) and Latino community members (LCMs) in an urban Southern California community regarding barriers and facilitators of CRC screening. Through purposive sampling, 39 LCMs (mean age: 59.4 years, 79.5% female) were recruited to participate in one of five focus groups, and 17 CS (mean age: 38.8 years, 64.7% female) were recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews, along with a demographic survey. Interviews and focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim, translated, and analyzed using direct content analysis. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Findings suggest that CS and LCMs have both similar and opposing perspectives with regard to barriers and facilitators of CRC screening. Themes discussed included attitudes towards CRC screening, CRC knowledge, access to resources, commitments and responsibilities, social support, vicarious learning, patient-provider communication, trust, and social relationships. Study findings can be used to guide interventions and policies to improve access to CRC screening among LCMs.

Keywords: Adherence; Colorectal cancer screening; Colorectal neoplasms; Hispanic Americans; Latinos.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Early Detection of Cancer*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • United States