Factors Associated with Reported Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Lao-American Immigrants in Minnesota

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is common in Lao Americans, but screening is suboptimal. To investigate CRC screening rates of Lao Americans in Minnesota, and how predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and perceived need are associated with screening. We conducted a convenience-sample cross-sectional survey of 50-75-year-old Lao Americans, using step-wise multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with ever being screened. Of the 118 survey participants, 45% ever received CRC screening. In univariate regression, some enabling resources (having a primary care provider, higher self-efficacy in pursuing screening) and perceived needs (knowledge of who should be screened, higher number of chronic illnesses) were associated with screening. In multivariate logistic regression, the odds of ever being screened was 12.4 times higher for those with a primary care provider than for those without (p = 0.045). The findings reinforce a need for developing culturally tailored interventions focused on Lao-American immigrants to promote CRC screening.