Up-to-Date Colonoscopy Use in Asian and Hispanic Subgroups in New York City, 2003-2016

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities Research
• Cancer Screening Epidemiology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer screening uptake has risen nationally, yet significant racial and ethnic disparities persist.
• Limited data exists on colonoscopy screening rates within specific Asian and Hispanic subgroups.
• Understanding these subgroup trends is crucial for addressing health inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in colonoscopy uptake among diverse Asian and Hispanic populations in New York City from 2003 to 2016.
• To compare colonoscopy uptake rates across racial/ethnic subgroups against non-Hispanic Whites.
• To identify key demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related predictors of colonoscopy use.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the New York City Community Health Survey (2003-2016).
• Calculated percentage changes in colonoscopy uptake over time for Asian and Hispanic subgroups.
• Employed multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors of screening uptake.

Main Results:

• All analyzed racial/ethnic subgroups demonstrated an increase in colonoscopy uptake between 2003 and 2016.
• In 2015-2016, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Central/South Americans had higher uptake than non-Hispanic Whites; Chinese, Asian Indians, and Mexicans had lower uptake.
• Consistent predictors of colonoscopy uptake included age, insurance, primary care access, flu vaccination, exercise, and smoking status.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations in colonoscopy screening uptake exist among disaggregated Asian and Hispanic subgroups.
• Demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors consistently predict screening behavior.
• Findings underscore the need for subgroup-specific analysis to inform targeted public health interventions for cancer screening.