Testing the Preliminary Validity of a Multidimensional Framework for Studying the Effects of Cancer Health Literacy on Cancer Screening Behaviors among Diverse Populations

Margarita Echeverri, David Anderson, Jacqueline M. Haas, Marc E. Johnson, Friar Sergio A. Serrano and Anna María Nápoles
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Margarita Echeverri: College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
David Anderson: Department of Mathematics, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
Jacqueline M. Haas: Multicultural Community Advisory Board, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Marc E. Johnson: African American Cancer Community Advisory Board, Kenner, LA 70063, USA
Friar Sergio A. Serrano: Latino Community Advisory Board, Hispanic Apostolate, Metairie, LA 70003, USA
Anna María Nápoles: Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of a multidimensional framework to explore factors associated with cancer literacy and its effects on receiving cancer screenings among diverse populations. Based on the conceptual framework, we developed and pilot-tested the Multidimensional Cancer Literacy Questionnaire (MCLQ) among 1500 individuals (African Americans, Latinos and Whites) in Louisiana. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the MCLQ underlying structure and predominant factors explaining each of the dimensions in the model. A total of 82 items (explaining 67% of the total variance) in the MCLQ were grouped into 20 factors associated with three key dimensions related to cancer literacy. Preliminary validity of the MCLQ was supported: Cronbach alpha for the scale score was 0.89 and internal consistency reliability coefficients for each factor were all above 0.67. The Facilitators Domain included five factors (28 items) that may positively influence individuals to have early-detection cancer screenings. The Barriers Domain included seven factors (26 items) explaining aspects that may negatively influence individuals to have cancer screenings. The Cultural Domain included eight factors (28 items) related to aspects that influence positively or negatively individuals’ perceptions regarding cancer as a disease, screenings and treatments. A multidimensional framework to study cancer literacy, including cultural attitudes, beliefs and practices, as well as facilitators and barriers, among diverse populations, will increase understanding of factors influencing individuals’ approach to cancer prevention and screening. Results will inform further testing of the multidimensional framework and questionnaire.

Keywords: health disparities; cancer screening; multidimensional framework; cancer literacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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