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Misconceptions about cancer among Latinos and Anglos
E J Pérez-Stable1, F Sabogal, R Otero-Sabogal
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.
JAMA
|December 9, 1992
Summary
Latinos demonstrate greater cancer misconceptions and hold more fatalistic attitudes compared to Anglos, highlighting a need for culturally tailored cancer control strategies. This study underscores significant ethnic disparities in cancer knowledge and beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Health disparities research
- Cancer epidemiology
- Cultural competency in healthcare
Background:
- Understanding cancer knowledge and attitudes is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- Ethnic and cultural factors can significantly influence health beliefs and behaviors.
- Previous research suggests potential differences in cancer perceptions between Latino and Anglo populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare knowledge and attitudes toward cancer between adult Latino and Anglo health plan members.
- To identify specific misconceptions and beliefs prevalent in each group.
- To inform the development of culturally sensitive cancer control programs.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult members of a prepaid health plan.
- A random sample included 844 Latinos and 510 Anglos.
- Data were collected via interviews, with subsequent analysis using multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Latinos were significantly more likely than Anglos to believe various non-causal factors (e.g., sugar substitutes, microwave ovens) cause cancer.
- Latinos more frequently misidentified symptoms and held fatalistic beliefs about cancer (e.g., 'death sentence,' 'God's punishment').
- Latino ethnicity was a significant predictor of these knowledge and attitude disparities, even after adjusting for demographic and health status variables.
Conclusions:
- Misconceptions about cancer causation and symptoms are more prevalent among Latinos than Anglos.
- Certain Latino attitudes toward cancer align with a cultural theme of 'fatalismo'.
- These findings are essential for designing culturally appropriate cancer control interventions targeting the Latino community.
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