Differences in black and white adolescents' perceptions about cancer

Area of Science:

• Health Behavior Research
• Adolescent Health
• Cancer Education

Background:

• Understanding racial disparities in health knowledge is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Adolescent cancer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs can influence health behaviors.
• The Health Belief Model provides a framework for examining health-related perceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cancer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs between black and white adolescents.
• To identify specific areas of difference within the Health Belief Model framework.

Main Methods:

• A 97-item questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model was administered.
• Participants included 573 black and 297 white junior and senior high school students.
• Chi-square analyses were used to compare groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences (p < .01) were found in cancer knowledge (etiology, warning signs, prevention).
• Racial differences were also significant across Health Belief Model subscales: cues to action, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and interpersonal relationships.
• Both groups accessed similar information sources, though black adolescents reported using books more frequently.

Conclusions:

• Black and white adolescents exhibit distinct cancer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.
• Interventions should consider these racial differences to improve cancer education and prevention strategies.
• Further research is needed to explore the impact of these differences on health behaviors.