Cancer-related Beliefs and Preventive Health Practices among Residents of Rural versus Urban Counties in Alabama

Higher prevalence of cancer-related risk factors, for example, tobacco use, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity, is observed in the U.S. Deep South and likely contributes to its increased cancer burden. While this region is largely rural, it is unknown whether cancer-related beliefs and life...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2021-05, Vol.14 (5), p.593-602
Main Authors: Aly, Salma, Daniel, Casey L, Bae, Sejong, Scarinci, Isabel C, Hardy, Claudia M, Fouad, Mona N, Baskin, Monica L, Hoenemeyer, Teri, Acemgil, Aras, Demark-Wahnefried, Wendy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Alabama - epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Services Needs and Demand - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Incidence
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms - epidemiology
Neoplasms - prevention & control
Prevalence
Preventive Health Services - organization & administration
Preventive Health Services - statistics & numerical data
Risk Factors
Rural Population - statistics & numerical data
Sociodemographic Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires - statistics & numerical data
Urban Population - statistics & numerical data
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Summary:Higher prevalence of cancer-related risk factors, for example, tobacco use, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity, is observed in the U.S. Deep South and likely contributes to its increased cancer burden. While this region is largely rural, it is unknown whether cancer-related beliefs and lifestyle practices differ by rural-urban status or are more influenced by other factors. We contacted 5,633 Alabamians to complete a cross-sectional survey to discern cancer-related beliefs and lifestyle practices, and compared data from respondents residing in rural- versus urban-designated counties. Findings were summarized using descriptive statistics; rural-urban subgroups were compared using two-tailed, and tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore associations by rural-urban status and other sociodemographic factors. Surveys were completed by 671 rural- and 183 urban-county respondents (15.2% response rate). Overall, the prevalence for overweight and obesity (77.8%) and sugar-sweetened beverage intake (273-364 calories/day) was higher than national levels. Most respondents (58%) endorsed raising the state tobacco tax. Respondents from rural- versus urban-designated counties were significantly more likely to be racial/ethnic minority, have lower education, employment, income, food security, and internet access, and endorse fatalistic cancer-related beliefs (
ISSN:1940-6207
1940-6215
DOI:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-20-0458