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.
Highlights
Research linking health literacy and health disparities is emerging [1,2], there is consensus that low health literacy leads to poorer health outcomes [3]
While no framework was found in the literature related to cancer literacy among diverse populations, in this study, we aimed to develop and test a new multidimensional framework of the effects of cancer health literacy on cancer prevention and screening behaviors among African Americans, English-speaking Latinos, Spanish-speaking Latinos and non-Latino whites that is comprehensive and includes cultural attitudes, beliefs and practices, as well as language and health literacy factors
The sample consisted of 1500 adults between the ages of 25–94 (Mean = 48.3 years), distributed by race/ethnicity (500 African Americans, 500 Latinos and 500 Whites), and gender
Summary
Research linking health literacy and health disparities is emerging [1,2], there is consensus that low health literacy leads to poorer health outcomes [3]. Health literacy is often included as a social determinant of health because of the interrelationships between education level, health. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 2987; doi:10.3390/ijerph17092987 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
