Multilevel Associations with Cancer Screening Among Women in Rural, Segregated Communities Within the Northeastern
Jennifer L Moss1, Kelsey Leach2, Kelsey C Stoltzfus2
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, 134 Sipe Ave., #205, MC HS72, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA. jmoss1@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Summary
Rural women face barriers to cancer screening. Combining personal factors like healthcare mistrust with environmental issues, such as travel time, significantly lowers screening rates for cervical and colorectal cancers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Rural Health
- Cancer Epidemiology
Background:
- Cancer screening is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
- Rural populations often face unique challenges accessing healthcare services.
- Understanding barriers to cancer screening in underserved communities is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify personal and environmental factors influencing colorectal and cervical cancer screening among women in rural, segregated counties.
- To explore the interplay between different barriers and their impact on screening uptake.
- To inform the development of effective interventions to promote cancer screening in rural settings.
Main Methods:
- An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted in 14 rural, segregated counties.
- Quantitative phase: 100 women (ages 50-65) completed a survey on screening status and perceived barriers.
- Qualitative phase: 16 women participated in focus groups to delve deeper into identified barriers.
Main Results:
- High rates of cervical cancer screening (89%) were observed, with lower rates for colorectal cancer screening (65%).
- Compounding barriers, such as insurance status combined with healthcare mistrust, were significantly associated with lower odds of screening for both cancer types.
- Qualitative data revealed key themes of privacy concerns, logistical challenges, and distrust in healthcare services as significant barriers.
Conclusions:
- While cancer screening is relatively common in these rural areas, women facing both personal and environmental barriers exhibit lower screening uptake.
- Interventions should address the multifaceted nature of barriers, including logistical, privacy, and trust-related issues.
- Targeted strategies are needed to overcome these compounded barriers and improve cancer screening rates in rural, underserved populations.
Keywords:
Cancer screeningCervical cancerColorectal cancerRacial residential segregationRuralWomen’s healthMore Related Videos
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