Colorectal cancer screening uptake among US Latino subgroups
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 1 October 2019
Issue publication date: 18 October 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening practices of Latinos in the USA, a traditionally disadvantaged group regarding health, while operating within the theoretical lens of segmented acculturation. Differential acculturation experiences influence migrant health and healthcare access, including CRC screening.
Design/methodology/approach
Latinos are categorized into subgroups and are referenced against non-Latino whites and non-Latino blacks. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression models are used to analyze the data from the 2008 and 2010–2014 National Health Interview Survey.
Findings
Latinos and respondents born outside of the non-territorial USA exhibit disparities in CRC screening participation. Screening discrepancies are not uniform across Latino subgroups, reflecting the importance of a segmented acculturation theoretical lens.
Practical implications
A discrepancy exists in CRC screening utilization among the largest minority population in the USA. These inconsistencies among US Latinos must be addressed directly to avoid serious health consequences in a large and growing population.
Originality/value
Interventions should be tailored to address the unique situational contexts of Latino subgroups suffering the health disparities. These distinct contexts are only elucidated through the use of a theoretical lens of segmented acculturation in studies of Latino health, which explicitly considers the historical and contemporary social forces acting upon the subgroups. This study extends beyond individual-level exposures to provide a more holistic view of the health behaviors and outcomes among Latino subgroups in the USA. Insight gained from this study is invaluable to improving the health of these traditionally disadvantaged groups.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Citation
Barrett, B.W. and Durden, T.E. (2019), "Colorectal cancer screening uptake among US Latino subgroups", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 285-293. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-05-2018-0028
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited