Fatalistic Beliefs Research Articles

Assessing the impact of the public nutrition information environment: Adapting the cancer information overload scale to measure diet information overload

ObjectiveA growing body of research suggests that exposure to too much information – particularly contradictory information that characterizes much health-related information – can lead to feeling overwhelmed. This construct has been conflated with fatalistic beliefs that are negatively associated with preventive behaviors. The objective of this study was to adapt the 8-item Cancer Information Overload (CIO) scale to assess overload of healthy diet information. MethodsConfirmatory factor analyses with a community sample of rural California adults (n = 290; 75% female; 58% Latino; 46% ≤ H.S./G.E.D.). ResultsItems assessing Diet Information Overload loaded significantly on their relevant factor; factor loadings were acceptable (β >.40). The adapted original scale (CFI = 1.000, RSMEA = .000, SMSR = .022) and a shorter 5-item scale (CFI = .984, RMSEA = .051, SMSR = .026) fit well. ConclusionThe Cancer Information Overload scale was successfully adapted and shortened to measure perceptions – previously mischaracterized as fatalistic – pertaining to diet information. Improved measures distinguishing between fatalistic beliefs and outcomes of the information environment are critical. Practice ImplicationsUnderstanding information overload is important for shaping prevention messages distinct from those needed to address fatalistic beliefs. Nutrition education efforts should consider the broader – cluttered – information environment in which nutrition education and communication occurs, and public health messages may drown.

The Relationship Between Health Literacy, Cancer Prevention Beliefs, and Cancer Prevention Behaviors.

While cancer prevention behaviors have been clearly defined, many people do not engage in these risk-reduction behaviors. Factors such as cancer prevention beliefs and limited health literacy may undermine cancer prevention behavior recommendations. This study explored the relationships between cancer prevention beliefs, health literacy, and cancer prevention behaviors. Data were analyzed from the 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 1675). Regression analyses for four cancer prevention belief (prevention is not possible, cancer is fatal, there are too many recommendations for prevention, everything causes cancer) statements were modeled, including health literacy and sociodemographic variables as predictors. In addition, separate regression analyses predicted four cancer prevention behaviors (fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, cigarette smoking) from cancer prevention beliefs, health literacy, and sociodemographic variables. Participants with low health literacy were more likely to hold fatalistic cancer prevention beliefs than those with higher health literacy. Cancer prevention beliefs were related to less fruit and vegetable consumption, fewer days of physical activity, and with being a nonsmoker after controlling for sociodemographic variables. Health literacy was not a significant predictor of cancer prevention behaviors. Given the relationship between health literacy and cancer prevention beliefs, research is needed to ascertain how to empower patients with low health literacy to have a more realistic understanding of cancer.

A qualitative study of barriers and enablers associated with colorectal cancer screening among Somali men in Minnesota

ABSTRACT The rate of cancer screening is generally increasing in the US. In Minnesota, the statewide average rate of screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is 73%. However, screening completion is relatively low among Somali men; overall, only 27% of Somali immigrants have been screened for CRC. Factors contributing to this disparity have not been well researched. The purpose of this pilot study was to employ focus group methodology to describe and advance understanding of the barriers and enablers associated with CRC screening among Somali men ages 50–74 in Minnesota. Three focus groups were conducted among 27 Somali men in Minnesota. A 9-question, semi-structured interview guide was used. The sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy by research staff prior to data analysis. Three research team members utilized the constant comparative method and NVivo to conduct data analysis. Five barriers to CRC screening emerged from the analyses: (1) lack of knowledge, (2) emotional barriers, (3) acculturation, (4) accountability, and (5) fatalistic beliefs. In addition, two factors enabling CRC screening and prevention emerged: the need for tailored interventions and preventive lifestyle behaviors. The insights gained from this research will assist in developing health promotion and education-focused interventions that encourage Somali immigrants in Minnesota and beyond to seek early detection screening for CRC. Abbreviations: CRC: Colorectal Cancer; FIT: Fecal Immunochemical Test; FOBT: Fecal Occult Blood Test; FQHC: Federally Qualified Health Center; PA: Project Assistant; PI: Principal Investigator

Abstract 5273: Outcomes from a religiously tailored intervention to enhance mammography uptake among American Muslims

Abstract Objective: Describe outcomes of a religiously-tailored peer-led group educational intervention addressing mammography-related barrier beliefs of American Muslims. Methods: We used focus groups and interviews with a diverse group of Muslim women aged 40 and older to identify salient behavioral, normative and control beliefs regarding mammography. We used these data to design the curriculum and messaging for a mosque-based intervention involving peer-led group education. A novel model for religious tailoring was developed to address barrier beliefs by reframing, reprioritizing, and/or reforming belief structures. Peer educators were recruited/trained from mosques to match the ethnic composition of target population. The classes involved facilitated discussions and guest-led didactics covering religion and health, and mammography guidelines. Survey data was collected pre-, post, 6 months, and one-year post-intervention which captured changes in three primary outcome variables (1) perceived mammography intention, likelihood, confidence, (2) breast cancer knowledge and (3) receipt of mammograms. Resonance with barrier and facilitator beliefs was also measured. Results: Fifty-eight Muslim women who had not had a mammogram in the past two years participated. Mean age was 50 years, with 29 being South Asian and 18 being of Arab descent. With respect to changed intention/likelihood/confidence pre-post there was a significant increase in mean perception of likelihood to obtain a mammogram (0.29, P = 0.01). Mammography knowledge also significantly increased following the intervention (p = 0.0002). Importantly, 22 participants received a mammogram at one-year follow-up. With respect to belief structures, a marginally significant increase was observed in level of agreement with mammography facilitator beliefs (p = 0.08) post-intervention. Although overall level of agreement with the outcome variable of mammography barrier beliefs did not change following the intervention (p = 0.94), there was a significant decrease in agreement with the specific belief in fatalism (p = 0.03). Multivariable models demonstrated that higher levels of agreement with fatalistic beliefs at baseline was significantly associated with a lower odds of increased mammography knowledge following the intervention (OR = 0.73), while higher religiosity at baseline was significantly associated with higher odds of increased mammography knowledge following the intervention (OR = 1.90). Conclusion: Our mosque-based intervention involving religiously-tailored messages and peer-led classes demonstrated efficacy in behavioral change by improving Muslim women's self-reported likelihood of obtaining mammograms and having 38% of participants obtained a mammogram within a year. Citation Format: Aasim I. Padela, Sana Malik, Shaheen Nageeb, Stephen Hall, Fatema Mirza, Monica Peek, Michael Quinn. Outcomes from a religiously tailored intervention to enhance mammography uptake among American Muslims [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5273.

The Impact of Fatalistic Beliefs of Employees in Accommodation Companies Regarding Occupational Accidents on Burnout

The Impact of Fatalistic Beliefs of Employees in Accommodation Companies Regarding Occupational Accidents on Burnout

„Maður er bara sinn eigin skapari“: Staðbundin starfstengd sjálfsmynd íslenskra ungmenna í hnattvæddum heimi

Markmið rannsóknarinnar var að kanna upplifun íslenskra ungmenna af mótun eigin náms- og starfsferils í hnattvæddum heimi í því skyni að öðlast innsýn í starfstengda sjálfsmynd þeirra. Frásagnarnálgun McAdams (2015) var beitt þegar tekin voru viðtöl við sex 22 ára ungmenni. Niðurstöður sýna að marg- og síbreytileiki vinnumarkaðar, minna starfsöryggi og hverfult efnahagsástand veldur þátttakendum óvissu og óöryggi sem flækir starfsferilsþróun þeirra. Heimssýn þeirra er hnattræn en staðbundin menning er þó ríkjandi í starfstengdri sjálfssögu þeirra. Sagan byggist á hefðbundnum gildum fjölskyldu og nærsamfélags sem birtast í frásögnum af eigin vinnusemi, stundvísi, samskiptahæfni og mikilvægi tengslanets. Niðurstöðunum er ætlað að auka skilning á starfstengdri sjálfsmynd ungs fólks og áskorunum við mótun náms- og starfsferils í hnattvæddum heimi.

Perception of road hazards in a Tanzanian Secondary School before and after a traffic psychology intervention

In Tanzania in 2014, 3760 people were killed on the roads, and 14,530 were injured (Tanzanian Traffic Police, 2015). One barrier to addressing this problem is the fatalistic belief, common in Africa, that a road crash happens ‘because it has to happen’. However, another possible reason is a lack of knowledge about sources of risk when using the road. The purpose of this research was to test a traffic psychology training program designed to improve risk perception regarding road use among school children in a rural area in Tanzania. 211 Students at a school in the Arusha region of Tanzania received a 2-h lesson developed and conducted by a traffic psychologist about road safety. The effectiveness of training in improving risk perception was measured through a Static Hazard Perception Task (SHPT) administered pre and post lesson. Results show that students identified a higher average number of hazards in the SHPT after the training than before. Notwithstanding limitations of the research, the results strongly suggest that applying a traffic psychology approach to road safety education fostered reflection in the students, about their experiences as road users. Implications for more effective road safety education in Africa are discussed.

Health-Related Online Information Seeking and Behavioral Outcomes: Fatalism and Self-Efficacy as Mediators

We explored the mediation effect of cognitive factors on the relationship between cancer-related online information seeking and cancer-preventative behaviors. Using data obtained from the National Cancer Institute's 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey (N = 2,896), we performed structural equation modeling and demonstrated that online information seeking about cancer did not decrease users' cancer fatalism; however it elevated users' level of self-efficacy. Moreover, the findings show that cancer-related information seeking indirectly influenced cancer-preventative behaviors via self-efficacy, and individuals' level of self-efficacy significantly mediated the association between fatalistic beliefs and cancer-preventative behaviors. The results call for attention to cognitive mediators in explaining the relationship between online information seeking and related behaviors.

Addressing Decision Making in Progesterone Treatment for History of Preterm Delivery [27C

INTRODUCTION: The United States infant mortality rate of 6.1 deaths per 1000 live births ranks 27th worldwide. The majority of perinatal morbidity and mortality is related to preterm birth, whose only FDA approved preventive treatment is intramuscular 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-P) from 16-36 weeks of gestation. Unfortunately, many patients refuse this treatment. METHODS: This 12 month prospective study utilized a short survey, in combination with focus groups, to identify social, cultural, and personal reasoning that influences patients’ decisions to accept or reject 17-OH-P treatment. We hypothesized that treatment refusal is multifactorial for any given patient. RESULTS: Acceptors (n=43) and refusals (n=7) were unable to generate sufficient power to identify statistically significant intragroup differences. However, utilizing these surveys and resultant focus groups, this study was able to identify trends within these populations which may guide future approaches to them. Patients refusing 17-OH-P often cited pain with injection, exhibited fatalistic beliefs regarding their care, and/or had personal concerns related to full term pregnancy. Acceptors were identified as candidates at the time of their previous preterm birth, coped better with treatment side effects, and/or had traumatic emotional reactions regarding their premature birth outcomes. Both groups cited barriers to their care–specifically including access and disparities within their care. CONCLUSION: Identifying these differences between women accepting and rejecting 17-OH-P may help to develop new approaches to improve patient acceptance of 17-OH-P therapy.

Variation in health beliefs across different types of cervical screening non-participants

Understanding factors associated with different types of cancer screening non-participation will help with the development of more targeted approaches for improving informed uptake. This study explored patterns of general health beliefs and behaviour, and cancer-specific beliefs across different types of cervical screening non-participants using the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM). A population-representative sample of women in Britain completed a home-based survey in 2016. Women classified as non-participants (n = 839) completed additional questions about health beliefs.Some general health beliefs and behaviours, as well as cancer-specific beliefs, were associated with particular types of non-participation. For example, those who scored higher on fatalism were more likely to be unaware of screening (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.45–2.08) or unengaged with screening (OR = 1.57, CI: 1.11–2.21). Women with greater deliberative risk perceptions were less likely to be unengaged with screening (OR = 0.74 CI: 02.55–0.99) and less likely to have decided against screening (OR = 0.71, CI: 0.59–0.86). Women who had seen a general practitioner in the last 12 months were less likely to be unaware (OR = 0.49, CI: 0.35–0.69), and those reporting cancer information avoidance were more likely to be unengaged with screening (OR = 2.25, CI: 1.15–4.39). Not wanting to know whether one has cancer was the only factor associated with all types of non-participation.Interventions to raise awareness of screening should include messages that address fatalistic and negative beliefs about cancer. Interventions for women who have decided not to be screened could usefully include messages to ensure the risk of cervical cancer and the relevance and benefits of screening are well communicated.

Patient-related attitudinal barriers to cancer pain management among adult Jordanian patients

To evaluate the attitudinal barriers to cancer pain management among adult Jordanian patients and to explore relationships between attitudinal barriers, pain, and demographic variables. In this descriptive correlational study a convenience sample of 150 Jordanian adults with cancer pain were recruited from the outpatient cancer clinic at a regional comprehensive cancer center in Jordan. Patients completed the Arabic version of Barriers Questionnaire (ABQ-II), the Arabic version of Brief-Pain-Inventory (ABPI), and demographic questions. More than half of participants were male (61%), had a mean age of 44 years and length of education 14.5 years. Mean (SD) ABQ-II total score was 2.3 (0.8), on a scale of 0-5, with higher scores indicating stronger barriers. Older patients had significantly more barriers, and scored higher on concerns about harmful effects and communication. Patients with higher education levels had significantly lower fatalistic beliefs. Patients with higher barriers had significantly higher levels of worst pain. Pain interference with life activities was positively correlated with the fatalism subscale. Study provides useful baseline data on barriers to management of cancer pain among Jordanian that have not been available before. This data can be used in planning and testing interventions to understand and improve patient's attitudes to cancer pain management, and allow for cross-cultural comparisons.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the 12-item diabetes fatalism scale.

BackgroundThere are widespread fatalistic beliefs in Arab countries, especially among individuals with diabetes. However, there is no tool to assess diabetes fatalism in this population. This study describes the processes used to create an Arabic version of the Diabetes Fatalism Scale (DFS) and examine its psychometric properties.MethodsA descriptive correlational design was used with a convenience sample of Lebanese adults (N = 274) with type 2 diabetes recruited from a major hospital in Beirut, Lebanon and by snowball sampling. The 12- item Diabetes Fatalism Scale- Arabic (12-item DFS-Ar) was back-translated from the original version, pilot tested on 22 adults with type 2 diabetes and then administered to 274 patients to assess the validity and reliability of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the hypothesized factor structure. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for reliability.ResultsCFA supported the existence of the three factor hypothesis of the original DFS scale. The five items measuring “emotional distress” loaded under Factor 1, the four items measuring “spiritual coping” loaded under factor 2 and the last three items measuring “perceived self-efficacy” of the original scale loaded under Factor 3 (p <0.001 for all three subscales). Goodness of fit indices confirmed adequateness of the CFA model (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.067 and pclose = 0.05). The 12-item DFS-Ar showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.86) and significantly predicted HbA1c (β = 0.20, p < 0.01). After adjusting for the demographic characteristics and the number of diabetes comorbid conditions, the 12-item DFS-Ar score was independently associated with HbA1c in a multivariable model (β = 0.16, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe 12-item DFS-Ar demonstrated good psychometric properties that are comparable to the original scale. It is a valid and reliable measure of diabetes fatalism. Further testing with larger and non-Lebanese Arabic population is needed.

A qualitative exploration of personality factors in breast cancer screening behavior

Although the efficacy of breast cancer screening in Iran has improved, the participation of women is not yet at a satisfactory level. Some personality factors can prevent women from attending breast cancer screening and most tumors are still diagnosed at an advanced stage. We conducted a descriptive exploration study in which we recruited healthcare providers, policymakers, and clients in Iran as participants. We used conventional content analysis with an inductive approach and gathered data from 2 discussion groups and some semistructured interviews. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: selflessness, fatalistic beliefs, and emotional responses. These factors contributed to screening behavior as both inhibitors and facilitators. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Total Hip Prosthesis in Dakar and Forensic Implication

The total hip prosthesis is the ultimate treatment of the hip joint’s wear. It is a delicate surgery and the most common replacements. This study was performed in the Orthopaedic-Traumatology Department of Public Health Establishment of Aristide Le Dantec in Dakar. It aimed to determine the complications of our total hip and highlight their forensic implications. This is a retrospective study from patients collected from January 2000 up to December 2010. The collection of elements records was performed for each patient, based on a file including age, sex, primary-location’s etiology, and types of complications of total hip prostheses. The analysis of these complications has shown that infections, poorly lit information, poor operational planning and technical foul may be the main cause of a forensic implication. This is a retrospective study from patients collected from January 2000 up to December 2010. No lawsuit has been recorded for the complications identified in this work. This is due to the belief in fate, ignorance of the victims and solidarity of the medical profession, the high cost and slow pace of judicial proceedings. The diagnosis of total hip prosthesis complications is mainly based on imaging tests. The absence of scintigraphy in our center remains a limit to the early diagnosis of multiple complications and the proper establishment of the epidemiological profile of these lesions. Taking consciences patients of their rights encourages a legitimate requirement repair the harm inflicted.

Cancer-Related Information Seeking and Scanning Behaviors among Older Chinese Adults: Examining the Roles of Fatalistic Beliefs and Fear.

Effective communication in health information plays an important role in health promotion and cancer prevention. Cancer-related information acquisition can happen via active and purposeful seeking, but may also happen less purposely via the routine use of media and interactions with other people (called scanning). We examined seeking and scanning behaviors regarding cancer prevention in older Chinese adults, identified commonly used sources of information of such behaviors, and examined their associations with fatalistic beliefs and cancer fear. A convenience sample of 224 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 were recruited between May and July in 2013 in Hong Kong. Results suggested that cancer information scanning (79.5%) was more common than information seeking (30.4%) among our participants. Health professional was the most popular source for both scanning (78.7%) and seeking (58.8%) behaviors regarding cancer information. Fatalistic beliefs was significantly and negatively associated with seeking behaviors (OR = 0.50) but not scanning behaviors, and cancer fear showed no relationship with either behavior. This study shows that the cancer information seeking and scanning behaviors were still suboptimal in this age group and adds to the knowledge regarding the associations between fatalistic beliefs and fear with cancer information seeking and scanning behaviors among older Chinese adults.

Cultural factors associated with the intent to be screened for prostate cancer among adult men in a rural Kenyan community

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine cultural factors associated with prostate cancer screening intent among adult Kenyan African men.MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative study with an analytic design was carried out in a randomly selected sample of 155 adult men aged 25–98 years living in a rural community in Kenya. Constructs from the Theory of Planned Behaviour were used to guide this study. A 5 -point Likert scale was used to assess fatalistic beliefs, fear, perceived benefits, and family influence. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data at the household level.ResultsOnly 2.4% of the study participants had been screened for prostate cancer. About 2/3rd (64%) of the participants felt that they were at risk of getting prostate cancer; 44% intended to be screened within the following 6 months. Mean scores on a 5-point Likert scale indicated: strong beliefs in the benefits of prostate screening (4.2 (±SD .8), men aged over 40 were not perceived to be at risk of getting prostate cancer (1.3 ± .6), relatively high fatalistic beliefs of prostate cancer screening (3.6 (±SD .8), high degree of fear or apprehension of prostate cancer screening (3.2 (±SD 1.2), and a high level of influence of family members in prostate cancer screening (3.9 (±SD 1.0). The Wald criterion demonstrated that only family influence made a significant contribution to the intent to screen for prostate cancer (p = 0.031). Age, education, marital status, fatalism, fear, and benefit of screening were not associated with the intent to screen for prostate cancer.ConclusionsStrong beliefs of the benefits of prostate screening tended to be surpassed by relatively high fatalistic beliefs and fear or apprehension in prostate cancer screening. The family plays an important role in influencing decision making related to prostate cancer screening in Africans.

Fear of cancer and older people's beliefs about cancer treatment in Poland

ABSTRACTThroughout Europe and the United States, more than 60% of all cancer incidents occur in older people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the level of fear people have regarding cancer and older people's beliefs about cancer pain, cancer treatment, and the curability of cancer. We conducted a survey in 2012, in which the sample was comprised of 910 adult residents of Wroclaw, Poland, to ascertain the beliefs people have about cancer and the degree of fear people have with respect to cancer. The majority of the respondents reported having a high level of fear, and this level of fear increased with age. Moreover, the oldest people (65 years and above) expressed fatalistic beliefs with respect to cancer. Our observations may guide health promotion campaigns and cancer prevention programs.

Understanding middle-aged and older adults' first associations with the word "cancer": A mixed methods study in England.

ObjectiveCancer is still widely feared and often associated with death. Fatalistic beliefs adversely affect help‐seeking for cancer symptoms and engagement in cancer prevention. This study aims to understand middle‐aged and older adults' first association with the word “cancer” and their relationship with sociodemographic factors, cancer fear, and cancer information avoidance.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 1464 community‐based adults aged 50 to 70 living in England in April 2015. First associations with cancer were measured qualitatively and analysed using content analysis. We used binary logistic regression to analyse associations between the most common first association of cancer and sociodemographic characteristics, cancer fear, and cancer information avoidance.ResultsCancer was most commonly associated with “death” (26%). Respondents with lower levels of education, living in the Midlands or North of England where cancer mortality is higher, or with close friends or family members with a cancer history, were more likely to associate cancer with death. Cancer fear was significantly associated with death associations, but cancer information avoidance was not.ConclusionsDespite improved cancer outcomes, middle‐aged and older adults often associate cancer with death. Further efforts to decrease fatalistic associations in this age group may be needed.

Fate as a motivated (and de-motivating) belief: Evidence for a link from task importance to belief in fate to effort

The perception of whether one has personal control over a specific task or goal has been shown to be a crucial predictor of effort and persistence. Given this, one might expect people to perceive high personal control over tasks that are very important. However, drawing on emerging theories of motivated ideological belief, we suggest that, in some circumstances, the more a task or goal is perceived as important, the more likely people may be to believe that the outcome is “fated” – that the outcome of an event is predetermined and meant to be. Across four studies, employing diverse samples and contexts, we provide evidence for this basic phenomenon and the negative repercussions it can hold for effort expenditure. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.

Fatalistic beliefs, risk perception and traffic safe behaviors

IntroductionRoad safety is a major worldwide concern especially for developing countries where a certain feeling of helplessness predominate. Local authorities are seeking ways to change people's behaviors considered as the first causal factor of traffic accidents. Risk perception and fatalistic beliefs have been identified as important socio-cognitive functioning patterns, which can shed light on people's behaviors towards risks, for prevention purpose. But the way fatalistic beliefs are associated with risk perception and safety behaviors remains blurred in literature. ObjectiveThis article examined the relationship between fatalistic beliefs, risk perception and traffic safety-related behaviors. MethodThe study was carried out in Cameroon on a sample of 525 road users with a questionnaire made up of scales measuring fatalistic beliefs, perceived risk for dangerous traffic events and reported safe behaviors. ResultsAs expected, participants with higher levels of fatalistic beliefs perceived dangerous traffic situations as less risky and reported less safe behaviors. Perceived risk partially mediated the association between fatalistic beliefs and reported safe behaviors. ConclusionPerceiving dangerous traffic situations as risky can mitigate the magnitude of one's fatalistic beliefs on the engagement in protective behaviors. The implications for more effective prevention including both beliefs and perceptions are suggested. One can explain to people how to avoid accidents, emphasizing on their capacity to change their behavior and the gains they retrieved from that behavioral change.