Charles R. Rogers

Male role norms, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of colorectal cancer screening among young adult African American men

Racial disparities in health among African American men (AAM) in the United States are extensive. In contrast to their White counterparts, AAM have more illnesses and die younger. AAM have colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates 25% and 50% higher, respectively, than White men. Due to CRC’s younger age at presentation and high incidence among AAM, CRC screening (CRCS) is warranted at the age of 45 rather than 50, but little is known about younger AAM’s views of CRCS. Employing survey design, the purpose of the study was to describe the male role norms (MRN), knowledge, attitudes, perceived subjective norms, and perceived barriers associated with screening for CRC among a non-random sample of 157 young adult AAM (ages 19–45). Sixty-seven percent of the study sample received a passing knowledge score (85% or better), yet no significant differences were found among the three educational levels (i.e., low, medium, high). More negative attitudes toward CRCS correlated with the participants’ strong perceptions of barriers, but no extremely negative or positive MRN and perceived subjective norms were found. The factors significantly associated with attitudes were family history of cancer (unsure), work status, and perceived barriers. Findings from this study provide a solid basis for developing structured health education interventions that address the salient factors shaping young adult AAM’s view of CRC and early detection screening behaviors.

Integrating smoking cessation and alcohol use treatment in homeless populations: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundDespite progress in reducing cigarette smoking in the general U.S. population, smoking rates, cancer morbidity and related heart disease remain strikingly high among the poor and underserved. Homeless individuals’ cigarette smoking rate remains an alarming 70 % or greater, and this population is generally untreated with smoking cessation interventions. Furthermore, the majority of homeless smokers also abuse alcohol and other drugs, which makes quitting more difficult and magnifies the health consequences of tobacco use.Methods/DesignParticipants will be randomized to one of three groups, including (1) an integrated intensive smoking plus alcohol intervention using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), (2) intensive smoking intervention using CBT or (3) usual care (i.e., brief smoking cessation and brief alcohol counseling). All participants will receive 12-week treatment with a nicotine patch plus nicotine gum or lozenge. Counseling will include weekly individual sessions for 3 months, followed by monthly booster group sessions for 3 months. The primary smoking outcome is cotinine-verified 7-day smoking abstinence at follow-up week 52, and the primary alcohol outcome will be breathalyzer-verified 90-day alcohol abstinence at week 52.DiscussionThis study protocol describes the design of the first community-based controlled trial (n = 645) designed to examine the efficacy of integrating alcohol abuse treatment with smoking cessation among homeless smokers. To further address the gap in effectiveness of evidence-based smoking cessation interventions in the homeless population, we are conducting a renewed smoking cessation clinical trial called Power to Quit among smokers experiencing homelessness.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01932996. Date of registration: 20 November 2014.

Predictors of Intention to Obtain Colorectal Cancer Screening Among African American Men in a State Fair Setting

Racial disparities in health among African American men in the United States are appalling. African American men have the highest mortality and incidence rates from colorectal cancer compared with all other ethnic, racial, and gender groups. Juxtaposed to their white counterparts, African American men have colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates 27% and 52% higher, respectively. Colorectal cancer is a treatable and preventable condition when detected early, yet the intricate factors influencing African American men’s intention to screen remain understudied. Employing a nonexperimental, online survey research design at the Minnesota State Fair, the purpose of this study was to explore whether male role norms, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions influence intention to screen for colorectal cancer among 297 African American men. As hypothesized, these Minnesota men (ages 18 to 65) lacked appropriate colorectal cancer knowledge: only 33% of the sample received a “passing” knowledge score (85% or better). In a logistic regression model, the three factors significantly associated with a higher probability of obtaining colorectal cancer screening were age, perceived barriers, and perceived subjective norms. Findings from this study provide a solid basis for informing health policy and designing health promotion and early-intervention colorectal cancer prevention programs that are responsive to the needs of African American men in Minnesota and beyond.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake’s Association With Psychosocial and Sociodemographic Factors Among Homeless Blacks and Whites

The homeless represent an extremely disadvantaged population that fare worse than minority groups in access to preventive services and health, and minority groups fare worse than Whites. Early detection screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) saves lives, but empirical data about CRC screening practices among homeless Blacks and Whites are limited. Psychosocial risk factors may serve as a barrier to CRC screening completion among homeless Black individuals. A secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical trial for smoking cessation among homeless smokers was conducted to determine whether psychosocial factors and sociodemographic factors were more highly associated with CRC screening uptake among homeless Blacks than among their White counterparts. Study participants (N = 124) were surveyed on their CRC screening status, sociodemographic variables, and psychosocial correlate measures including anxiety, depression, hopelessness, depression severity, and perceived stress. Associations between these factors were examined with logistic regression. White participants who were currently disabled/unable to work were 6.2 times more likely to ever receive CRC screening than those who were employed. Black participants with public health insurance coverage were 90% less likely to ever obtain CRC screening than participants without health insurance. Black and White participants had similar levels of anxiety symptoms, depression, and hopelessness, yet depression was the only psychosocial variable negatively associated with CRC screening status. Black and White participants with symptoms of depression were 58% less likely to complete screening than those without depression. Mental health risk and sociodemographic factors may serve as barriers to CRC screening among homeless Blacks and Whites.

Masculinity, Racism, Social Support, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake Among African American Men: A Systematic Review.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly preventable when CRC screening is utilized, yet CRC screening completion among African American men is relatively low and their mortality rates remain 50% higher juxtaposed to their White counterparts. Since a growing body of literature indicates masculinity, racism, and social support each have strong influences on CRC screening uptake, this systematic review examined the connections between these three sociocultural factors and CRC screening uptake among African American men. Potential studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Cited reference searching for the final sample was employed to identify and assess additional studies for inclusion using Scopus. The methodological quality of the reviewed evidence was also evaluated. Nineteen studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Thirteen studies employed nonexperimental research designs; a quasi-experimental design was present in four, and two utilized experimental designs. Studies were published between 2000 and 2014; the majority between 2009 and 2013. Social support was most frequently addressed (84%) while masculinity and racism were equally studied with paucity (11%) for their influence on CRC screening. After evaluating conceptual and methodological characteristics of the studies, 42% fell below average in quality and rigor. The need for increased attention to the sociocultural correlates of CRC screening for African American men are highlighted in this systematic review, and important recommendations for research and practice are provided. Alongside a call for more rigorous research, further research examining the influence of masculinity and racism on CRC screening completion among African American men is warranted.

Depression Symptoms Among Homeless Smokers: Effect of Motivational Interviewing

ABSTRACT Background: Tobacco use is higher among homeless individuals than the general population. Homeless individuals are also more likely to have symptoms of depression. Depression symptoms may add to the burden of homelessness by increasing psychological distress and serve as a barrier to quitting smoking. Objectives: The primary goal of this study is to assess the impact of depression symptoms on psychological distress in homeless smokers. The effect of depression symptoms on abstinence and the effect of Motivational Interviewing (MI) on cessation among smokers is also explored. Methods: Homeless smokers (N = 430) enrolled in a smoking cessation study were randomized to Motivational Interviewing (MI) or standard care (SC). Participants received nicotine replacement therapy and were followed for 26 weeks. Participants were categorized into a depression symptoms (DS) group or control group using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Between group differences of perceived stress, hopelessness, confidence, craving and abstinence were assessed at weeks 8 and 26. The interaction between depression symptoms (levels: DS and control) and the intervention (levels: MI and SC) was also assessed. Results: Homeless smokers in the DS group reported higher levels of hopelessness, perceived stress, and craving. There was no effect of DS status on abstinence at week 8 or week 26. There was no significant interaction between depression symptoms (DS vs. Control) and the intervention (MI vs. SC). Conclusion: Despite reporting greater psychological distress, homeless smokers with depression symptoms in this sample had abstinence levels similar to the control group. Future research should explore protective factors among depressed smokers.

Measuring Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Screening among Young Adult African American Men: A Psychometric Study

The Male Role Norms, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions associated with Colorectal Cancer Screening (MKAP-CRCS) survey was developed to assess the attitudes, knowledge, male role norms, perceived barriers, and perceived subjective norms associated with screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) among young adult African American men. There is a critical need for exploring the complex factors that may shape attitudes towards CRC screening among men who are younger (i.e., ages 19–45) than those traditionally assessed by clinicians and health promotion researchers (age 50 and older). Psychometrically sound measures are crucial for eliciting valid and reliable data on these factors. The current study, therefore, assessed the psychometric properties of the MKAP-CRCS instrument using an online sample of young adult African American men (N = 157) across the United States. Exploratory principal component factor analyses revealed that the MKAP-CRCS measure yielded construct valid and reliable scores, suggesting that the scale holds promise as an appropriate tool for assessing factors associated with CRC screening among younger African American men. Strengths and limitations of this study, along with directions for future research are discussed, including the need for more research examining the relationship between masculinity and CRC screening among African American men.

A qualitative study of barriers and enablers associated with colorectal cancer screening among Somali men in Minnesota

The rate of cancer screening is generally increasing in the US. In Minnesota, the statewide average rate of screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is 73%. However, screening completion is relatively low among Somali men; overall, only 27% of Somali immigrants have been screened for CRC. Factors contributing to this disparity have not been well researched. The purpose of this pilot study was to employ focus group methodology to describe and advance understanding of the barriers and enablers associated with CRC screening among Somali men ages 50-74 in Minnesota. Three focus groups were conducted among 27 Somali men in Minnesota. A 9-question, semi-structured interview guide was used. The sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy by research staff prior to data analysis. Three research team members utilized the constant comparative method and NVivo to conduct data analysis. Five barriers to CRC screening emerged from the analyses: (1) lack of knowledge, (2) emotional barriers, (3) acculturation, (4) accountability, and (5) fatalistic beliefs. In addition, two factors enabling CRC screening and prevention emerged: the need for tailored interventions and preventive lifestyle behaviors. The insights gained from this research will assist in developing health promotion and education-focused interventions that encourage Somali immigrants in Minnesota and beyond to seek early detection screening for CRC. ABBREVIATIONS CRC: Colorectal Cancer; FIT: Fecal Immunochemical Test; FOBT: Fecal Occult Blood Test; FQHC: Federally Qualified Health Center; PA: Project Assistant; PI: Principal Investigator.

Attitudes Toward Genomic Testing and Prostate Cancer Research Among Black Men

INTRODUCTION Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at nearly twice the rate of white men and are underrepresented in prostate cancer research, including validation studies of new clinical tools (e.g., genomic testing). Because healthcare system mistrust has contributed to these disparities for centuries, black men may be less inclined to pursue novel testing, and identification of facilitators to their participation in prostate cancer research studies remains warranted. METHODS A community-engaged approach involving a partnership with a community organization was used to conduct seven focus groups in Minnesota, Alabama, and California to explore black mens attitudes toward prostate cancer research participation and genomic testing for prostate cancer. Data were collected and analyzed from April 2015 to April 2017. RESULTS Identified genomic testing barriers included a lack of terminology understanding, healthcare system mistrust, reluctance to seek medical care, and unfavorable attitudes toward research. Facilitators included family history, value of prevention, and the desire for health education. Lack of prostate cancer knowledge, prostate-specific antigen testing confusion, healthcare system distrust, and misuse of personal health information were barriers to research study participation. Some black men were motivated to participate in research if it was seen as constructive and transparent. CONCLUSIONS Disparities for black men can both motivate and disincentivize participation depending upon a positive or negative view of research. Confusion over prostate cancer clinical care has fueled some mistrust among black men affecting both clinical care and research participation. With increased education, health literacy, and assurances of research integrity and transparency, black men may be more willing to participate in prostate cancer testing and research. SUPPLEMENT INFORMATION This article is part of a supplement entitled African American Mens Health: Research, Practice, and Policy Implications, which is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

Abstract B82: Predictors of intention to obtain colorectal cancer screening among African American men in a state fair setting

Racial disparities in health among African American men in the United States are appalling: African American men have the highest mortality and incidence rates from colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to all other ethnic, racial, and gender groups. Juxtaposed to their white counterparts, African American men have CRC incidence and mortality rates 25% and 50% higher, respectively. CRC is a treatable and preventable condition when detected early, yet the intricate factors influencing African American men9s intention to screen remain understudied. Employing a non-experimental, on-line survey research design at the Minnesota State Fair, the purpose of this study was to explore whether male role norms affect knowledge, attitudes, and intention to screen for CRC directly, or mediated by perceived barriers, among 297 African American men. As hypothesized, these Minnesota men (ages 18-65) lacked appropriate CRC knowledge: only 33% of the sample received a “passing” knowledge score (85% or better). In a logistic regression model, the three factors significantly associated with a higher probability of obtaining CRC screening were age, perceived barriers, and perceived subjective norms. Findings from this study provide a solid basis for informing health policy and designing health promotion and early-intervention CRC prevention programs that are responsive to the needs of African American men in Minnesota and beyond. Citation Format: Charles R. Rogers, Patricia Goodson, Lindsey R. Dietz, Kola S. Okuyemi. Predictors of intention to obtain colorectal cancer screening among African American men in a state fair setting. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B82.