ABSTRACT

A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the barriers and facilitators to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among older Korean Americans (KAs). Four focus groups with 25 male and female KA participants and one focus group comprising five KA health professionals were conducted in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Interpretive analyses of the interview data revealed barriers regarding CRC screening for KAs included a lack of CRC knowledge, embarrassment during the screening tests, CRC-related fatalism, and modesty, no perceived need for the screening, poor English proficiency, and mistrust of the American healthcare system. The results also indicated that doctors’ screening recommendations and access to Korean doctors positively influence KAs’ decision to participate in CRC screening. Public health social workers should consider integrating age- and gender-specific cultural contexts when developing interventions and programs for CRC screening targeted to older KAs.

摘要

进行了一项定性研究，以探讨老年韩裔美国人 (KA) 进行结直肠癌 (CRC) 筛查的障碍和促进因素。在亚特兰大都会区开展了四个焦点小组，其中 25 名男性和女性 KA 参与者和一个由 5 名 KA 卫生专业人员组成的焦点小组。对访谈数据的解释性分析显示，CRC 筛查 KA 的障碍包括缺乏 CRC 知识、筛查测试过程中的尴尬、CRC 相关的宿命论、谦虚、不需要筛查、英语水平差以及对美国人的不信任医疗系统。结果还表明，医生的筛查建议和接触韩国医生的机会积极影响 KA 参与 CRC 筛查的决定。