Culturally Targeted Educational Intervention to Increase Colorectal Health Awareness among African Americans

Background/objectives. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of cancer deaths for African Americans. Objectives: 1) increase CRC knowledge, 2) decrease cancer fatalism, and 3) increase colonoscopy screening for CRC among African Americans in North Carolina.

Methods. Churches and community-based organizations were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a 90-minute culturally targeted educational program on colorectal health. Pre-test and post-test questionnaires were completed by both groups.

Results. A total of 539 African American men and women 50 years of age and older participated in this study. The intervention group had a significantly greater proportion of those receiving a colonoscopy within three months after the educational session than the control group. In the intervention group, CRC knowledge significantly increased and cancer fatalism attitudes significantly decreased.

Conclusions. A culturally targeted faith/community-based educational intervention can increase CRC knowledge, decrease cancer fatalism, and increase screening for CRC among African Americans.