Disparities in Perceptions of Lung Cancer among African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian Adults: Evidence from the Health Informational National Trend Survey

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2020 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 7 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2020

Authors : Edward V. Wallace Ph.D., MPH, Derrick Jenkins, Ph.D.

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I2P114

How to Cite?

Edward V. Wallace Ph.D., MPH, Derrick Jenkins, Ph.D., "Disparities in Perceptions of Lung Cancer among African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian Adults: Evidence from the Health Informational National Trend Survey," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 7,  no. 2, pp. 80-85, 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I2P114

Abstract:

Background: African Americans are more likely to die from lung cancer than any other ethnic group. Furthermore, many African Americans and Latinos have a lower perception of risk when it comes to being diagnosed for lung cancer.Given the disparities in lung cancer across income levels, race, age, and education, we examined the risk of lung cancer using the Health Informational National Trend Survey (HINTS) and compared them across demographic markers to determine the differences in perception that may contribute to disparities in lung cancer.
Methods:A cross-sectional study design was conducted using the 2015 HINTS National Cancer Institute survey. A total of 1,246 adults participated in the study. Hispanics (n = 161), Blacks (n = 119), and Whites (n = 966). We used multivariate logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio and to explore the associations between lung cancer and demographic variables including race, age, and education.
Results: When compared with whites, Blacks perceived themselves to be less likely of develop lung cancer in the future (p<.001), as well as worrying about lung cancer (p<.001). Lower level of education was correlated with lower perceived risk of developing lung cancer (P = .0063), and never or rarely worrying about lung cancer (p = .0101). In terms of age, adults (34 – 49 years) agreed that there is no risk of getting lung cancer if someone only smokes a few years (p = .0037).
Conclusion:Our analysis showed that the inaccurate perceptions of lung cancer were common among older, ethnic minorities with less education. These perceptions maybe a reflection of one’s cultural values, fake news, and socioeconomic status. These views may helpexplain the increase in lung cancer morbidity andmortality in minorities. This provides evidence that providing accurate health education that is culturally appropriate remains to be a critical step in reducing health disparities among minority populations.

Keywords:

Health Disparities, Perceptions, Lung Cancer, Adults, African Americans, Hispanics, Caucasians

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