Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 11, Issue 4, 2009, Pages 319-325

Colon cancer knowledge and attitudes in an immigrant haitian community (Article)

Francois F.* , Elysée G. , Shah S. , Gany F.
  • a Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States, Division of Gastroenterology, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, United States
  • b Center for Immigrant Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
  • c Center for Immigrant Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
  • d Center for Immigrant Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States

Abstract

Objective: To qualitatively evaluate the views of Haitian immigrants on cancer and the influence of cultural and socio-ecological factors on cancer screening behavior. Methods: Six focus groups, consisting of 4-10 individuals each, were conducted among Haitian adults at average risk for colorectal cancer. The interviews were conducted in Haitian Creole and featured questions that addressed beliefs and attitudes about general health, access to health care, colon cancer, and screening practices. Results: The focus groups provided insight into the health service utilization patterns in the Haitian community, as well as the factors driving them including language and the pattern of accessing healthcare only for emergencies. Conclusions: Many misconceptions regarding cancer and its development were evident in the discussions. However participants were willing to follow the recommendations of a physician. This highlighted the importance in this community of disseminating information at every opportunity about preventative care, including colorectal cancer screening. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.

Author Keywords

Attitudes Immigrant Knowledge Focus group Colon cancer screening

Index Keywords

immigrant mass screening human middle aged health belief colorectal cancer controlled study Colonic Neoplasms priority journal cancer risk Aged cancer screening qualitative research Haiti United States Humans male female Aged, 80 and over Socioeconomic Factors high risk population cultural factor Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article health care utilization adult health care access normal human Focus Groups attitude to health Health Services Accessibility
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-67449116797&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-008-9126-6&partnerID=40&md5=3e7bbb84920982da1363f6340eda3f87
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-008-9126-6
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 18
Original Language: English