Examining the Durability of Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness and Health Beliefs Among Medically Underserved Patients: Baseline to 12 months Post-Intervention

A Scoping Review of Health Equity Interventions in Governmental Public Health

CONTEXT

Despite major efforts in research, practice, and policy, racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care persist in the United States. Interventions in collaboration with governmental public health may provide ways to address these persistent racial and ethnic health and health care disparities and improve health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a comprehensive review of health equity interventions performed in collaboration with public health agencies.

DESIGN

This scoping review includes intervention studies from Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Premier, published between 2017 and 2023. The search strategy used terminology focused on 4 concepts: race/ethnicity, equity, health departments, and epidemiologic studies.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The following inclusion criteria were determined a priori: (1) intervention tailored to reduce racial/ethnic health disparities, (2) public health department involvement, (3) health outcome measures, (4) use of epidemiologic study methods, (5) written in English, (6) implemented in the United States, (7) original data (not a commentary), and (8) published between January 2017 and January 2023.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

This review focused primarily on 4 dimensions of racial health equity interventions including intervention components, intervention settings, intervention delivery agents, and intervention outcomes.

RESULTS

This review indicated that health equity interventions involving public health agencies focused on the following categories: (1) access to care, (2) health behavior, (3) infectious disease testing, (4) preventing transmission, and (5) cancer screening. Critical strategies included in interventions for reaching racial/ethnic minoritized people included using community settings, mobile clinics, social media/social networks, phone-based interventions, community-based workers, health education, active public health department involvement, and structural/policy change.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review aims to provide an evidence map to inform public health agencies, researchers, and funding agencies on gaps in knowledge and priority areas for future research and to identify existing health equity interventions that could be considered for implementation by public health leaders.

Interventions for improving health literacy in migrants

BACKGROUND

Health literacy (HL) is a determinant of health and important for autonomous decision-making. Migrants are at high risk for limited HL. Improving HL is important for equitable promotion of migrants' health.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of interventions for improving HL in migrants. To assess whether female or male migrants respond differently to the identified interventions.

SEARCH METHODS

We ran electronic searches to 2 February 2022 in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and CINAHL. We also searched trial registries. We used a study filter for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (RCT classifier).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs and cluster-RCTs addressing HL either as a concept or its components (access, understand, appraise, apply health information).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane and followed the PRISMA-E guidelines. Outcome categories were: a) HL, b) quality of life (QoL), c) knowledge, d) health outcomes, e) health behaviour, f) self-efficacy, g) health service use and h) adverse events. We conducted meta-analysis where possible, and reported the remaining results as a narrative synthesis.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 28 RCTs and six cluster-RCTs (8249 participants), all conducted in high-income countries. Participants were migrants with a wide range of conditions. All interventions were adapted to culture, language and literacy. We did not find evidence that HL interventions cause harm, but only two studies assessed adverse events (e.g. anxiety). Many studies reported results for short-term assessments (less than six weeks after total programme completion), reported here. For several comparisons, there were also findings at later time points, which are presented in the review text. Compared with no HL intervention (standard care/no intervention) or an unrelated HL intervention (similar intervention but different information topic) Self-management programmes (SMP) probably improve self-efficacy slightly (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06 to 0.50; 2 studies, 333 participants; moderate certainty). SMP may improve HIV-related HL (understanding (mean difference (MD) 4.25, 95% CI 1.32 to 7.18); recognition of HIV terms (MD 3.32, 95% CI 1.28 to 5.36)) (1 study, 69 participants). SMP may slightly improve health behaviours (3 studies, 514 participants), but may have little or no effect on knowledge (2 studies, 321 participants) or subjective health status (MD 0.38, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.89; 1 study, 69 participants) (low certainty). We are uncertain of the effects of SMP on QoL, health service use or adverse events due to a lack of evidence. HL skills building courses (HLSBC) may improve knowledge (MD 10.87, 95% CI 5.69 to 16.06; 2 studies, 111 participants) and any generic HL (SMD 0.48, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.75; 2 studies, 229 participants), but may have little or no effect on depression literacy (MD 0.17, 95% CI -1.28 to 1.62) or any health behaviour (2 studies, 229 participants) (low certainty). We are uncertain if HLSBC improve QoL, health outcomes, health service use, self-efficacy or adverse events, due to very low-certainty or a lack of evidence. Audio-/visual education without personal feedback (AVE) probably improves depression literacy (MD 8.62, 95% CI 7.51 to 9.73; 1 study, 202 participants) and health service use (MD -0.59, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.07; 1 study, 157 participants), but probably has little or no effect on health behaviour (risk ratio (RR) 1.07, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.25; 1 study, 135 participants) (moderate certainty). AVE may improve self-efficacy (MD 3.51, 95% CI 2.53 to 4.49; 1 study, 133 participants) and may slightly improve knowledge (MD 8.44, 95% CI -2.56 to 19.44; 2 studies, 293 participants) and intention to seek depression treatment (MD 1.8, 95% CI 0.43 to 3.17), with little or no effect on depression (SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.10) (low certainty). No evidence was found for QoL and adverse events. Adapted medical instruction may improve understanding of health information (3 studies, 478 participants), with little or no effect on medication adherence (MD 0.5, 95% CI -0.1 to 1.1; 1 study, 200 participants) (low certainty). No evidence was found for QoL, health outcomes, knowledge, health service use, self-efficacy or adverse events. Compared with written information on the same topic SMP probably improves health numeracy slightly (MD 0.7, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.25) and probably improves print literacy (MD 9, 95% CI 2.9 to 15.1; 1 study, 209 participants) and self-efficacy (SMD 0.47, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.64; 4 studies, 552 participants) (moderate certainty). SMP may improve any disease-specific HL (SMD 0.67, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.07; 4 studies, 955 participants), knowledge (MD 11.45, 95% CI 4.75 to 18.15; 6 studies, 1101 participants) and some health behaviours (4 studies, 797 participants), with little or no effect on health information appraisal (MD 1.15, 95% CI -0.23 to 2.53; 1 study, 329 participants) (low certainty). We are uncertain whether SMP improves QoL, health outcomes, health service use or adverse events, due to a lack of evidence or low/very low-certainty evidence. AVE probably has little or no effect on diabetes HL (MD 2, 95% CI -0.15 to 4.15; 1 study, 240 participants), but probably improves information appraisal (MD -9.88, 95% CI -12.87 to -6.89) and application (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.77) (1 study, 608 participants; moderate certainty). AVE may slightly improve knowledge (MD 8.35, 95% CI -0.32 to 17.02; low certainty). No short-term evidence was found for QoL, depression, health behaviour, self-efficacy, health service use or adverse events. AVE compared with another AVE We are uncertain whether narrative videos are superior to factual knowledge videos as the evidence is of very low certainty. Gender differences Female migrants' diabetes HL may improve slightly more than that of males, when receiving AVE (MD 5.00, 95% CI 0.62 to 9.38; 1 study, 118 participants), but we do not know whether female or male migrants benefit differently from other interventions due to very low-certainty or a lack of evidence.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Adequately powered studies measuring long-term effects (more than six months) of HL interventions in female and male migrants are needed, using well-validated tools and representing various healthcare systems.

A Review of Community Awareness for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention in North and Central Asian Countries

OBJECTIVES

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), including North and Central Asian countries (NCAC). Screening and risk factor reduction can aid in the prevention of colorectal cancer, but communities lack awareness of these screening programs. The review assessed community awareness about CRC screening and prevention in NCAC to facilitate cancer control policies. Study type and methods: For this scoping review, we searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles on community awareness about CRC screening and prevention in NCAC according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Eight of 677 articles from five of the 15 NCAC countries met the criteria. Most of the studies utilized a survey design. The results indicated low awareness of the availability of CRC screening and poor knowledge of CRC symptoms. Knowledge of CRC screening modalities was also inadequate. Some countries also lack CRC screening programs.

CONCLUSION

Community unawareness is a significant barrier to screening program utilization and sustenance. Community health awareness programs (CHAP) are needed to improve the uptake of CRC screening in NCAC. The NCAC should include CHAP as an integral component of the CRC control plan. Long-term cancer control in LMIC could be adapted using the step-ladder pyramidal approach.

'We can bear it!' Unpacking barriers to hepatocellular carcinoma screening among patients with hepatitis B: A qualitative study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore barriers to hepatocellular carcinoma screening among patients with hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related mortality globally. A preventive strategy for screening is needed to improve early tumour detection and overall survival. However, utilisation remains suboptimal and barriers are understudied and largely focused on clinical factors.

DESIGN

A qualitative study based on the preventive health model using phenomenological hermeneutical approach.

METHODS

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 hepatitis B patients from November 2020 to February 2021. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. The COREQ checklist was followed.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified: (i) miscognition, (ii) cultural stigma and taboo, (iii) social norms of enduring hardship and (iv) social barriers at the community, health system and policy levels. Patients had misconceptions about inactive carriers, asymptomatic nature of chronic hepatitis B, hepatocellular carcinoma risks and screening recommendations. Influenced by the taboo of hepatocellular carcinoma, stigma against hepatitis B and enduring hardship norms, they perceived screening as divination, avoided utilisation to hide disease status and endured symptoms until they were intolerable. Insufficient community support, a lack of shared decision-making in health systems, and inadequate rural reimbursement policy and hepatocellular carcinoma detection capacity further precluded utilisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive and sociocultural barriers precluded individuals' intention, utilisation and persistence of hepatocellular carcinoma screening. The results highlight intervention targets for miscognition, stigma, taboo and social norms; propose family-focused, community-based education programs; suggest health systems to introduce decision aids; and inform policymaking and upskilling of physicians in rural areas.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Collaborative efforts are needed to improve real-world hepatocellular carcinoma screening, including education to address knowledge deficiencies, psychological counselling to reduce stigma and taboo beliefs, support for shared decision-making and reimbursement policies.

Graphic Novela: Mexican American Families' Use of Community Services for Older Adults

Knowledge gaps exist about how to help Mexican American (MA) families seek assistance when their capacity to assist older family members is challenged. MA families may resist confronting unpleasant but real situations with the older adult, for example, the need to access long term support services (LTSS), because of cultural and structural barriers. The purpose was to describe stakeholders' reactions to a culturally focused graphic novela created in partnership with a community advisory council. Qualitative description with content analysis of a focus group's reactions to the graphic novela was used. Results included positive reactions as well as suggestions for improvement and dissemination. Graphic novelas can be an effective medium for modeling conversations about older adults' needing additional care, and demonstrating how to identify and access available LTSS or other services. Included is a description of the researchers' process of partnering with diverse stakeholders, which is essential for creating new solutions.

Faecal immunochemical testing implementation to increase colorectal cancer screening in primary care

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in USA, and CRC screening remains suboptimal. The aim of this quality improvement was to increase CRC screening in the internal medicine clinic (IMC) patients, between the ages of 50–75 years, from a baseline rate of 50%–70% over 12 months with the introduction of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) testing. We used the Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) method and performed a root cause analysis to identify barriers to acceptance of CRC screening. The quality improvement team created a driver diagram to identify and prioritise change ideas. We developed a process flow map to optimise opportunities to improve CRC screening. We performed eight PDSA cycles. The major components of interventions included: (1) leveraging health information technology; (2) optimising team work, (3) education to patient, physicians and IMC staff, (4) use of patient navigator for tracking FIT completion and (5) interactive workshops for the staff and physicians to learn motivational interview techniques. The outcome measure included CRC screening rates with either FIT or colonoscopy. The process measures included FIT order and completion rates. Data were analysed using a statistical process control and run charts. Four hundred and seven patients visiting the IMC were offered FIT, and 252 (62%) completed the test. Twenty-two (8.7%) of patients were FIT positive, 14 of those (63.6%) underwent a subsequent diagnostic colonoscopy. We achieved 75% CRC screening with FIT or colonoscopy within 12 months and exceeded our goal. Successful strategies included engaging the leadership, the front-line staff and a highly effective multidisciplinary team. For average-risk patients, FIT was the preferred method of screening. We were able to sustain a CRC screening rate of 75% during the 6-month postproject period. Sustainable annual FIT is required for successful CRC screening.