COLORECTAL-CANCER SCREENING - KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG KOREAN AMERICANS

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge and practi ces of colorectal cancer screening among Korean Americans. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: The sample consisted of 104 Korean American men and 159 wom en, 40 to 69 years of age, living in the Chicago area. The National He alth Interview Survey (NHIS) Cancer Control Supplement Questionnaire, prepared by the National Center for Health Statistics, nas used to col lect data regarding colorectal cancer screening knowledge and practice s. The NHIS questionnaire was translated into Korean with minor modifi cation. RESULTS: The percentages of male respondents ever having had a digital rectal exam (DRE) and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) were 13. 5% and 10.6%, respectively. Only 11.3% of women reported DRE and 8.8% FOBT. Multiple logistic regression analysis results indicate that gend er, education, knowledge of the even canter warning signals, and lengt h of residence in the United States were significantly related to havi ng heard of DRE. For those baring had DRE, knowledge of the seven canc er warning signals? and length of residence in the United States were the only significant variables. Gender and education were significantl y related to having heard of POET. Rone of the variable were found to be significantly related to having had FOBT. The findings indicate tha t a majority of respondents were unaware of these cancer screening exa minations and forego these tests due to an underestimation of their im portance. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The Findings of this study underscore the importance of cancer education and further research addressing th e cancer screening needs of Korean Americans, Currently, Korean Americ ans do not see healthcare providers or health brochures as valuable so urces of health information. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to target this population by 1) coordinating their efforts with church and other community leaders and 2) developing health brochures that a re in the Korean language and sensitive to the Korean culture.