An Exploratory Analysis of the Role of Religion in Colorectal Cancer Screening among Safety-Net Clinic Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence among low income populations is disproportionate when compared to the general population. Cancer screening studies show religion as a potentially influential factor in individual screening. The present study was an exploratory analysis of religious involvement (RI) among older safety-net clinic patients who participated in 90-day follow up calls during an intervention trial. Results show RI among participants (n = 185) did not significantly predict nor was associated with screening for CRC (OR = 1.36, p = 0.35). The percentage of participants that self-identified as being highly religious differed across racial/ethnic groups (25% of Non-Hispanic Whites, 22% of Hispanics were highly religious when compared to 52% of Non-Hispanic Blacks). These findings raise questions about the use of religious appeals as part of health promotion for CRC screening and religious involvement among low-income patient populations. Varied religious beliefs across groups suggest while there may be room for including religion in CRC screening promotion targeted to some patients from low income groups, this appeal would not be suitable for other low-income patient sub-populations.