ERIC Number: EJ1452168
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
An Examination of Cancer Literacy among Appalachian versus Non-Appalachian Kentucky College Students
Jerry Derringer; Nathan L. Vanderford; Lisa Middleton; Lindsay E. Cormier
Journal of American College Health, v72 n9 p3763-3771 2024
Objective: Examine factors contributing to high rates of Appalachian female cancer incidences and mortalities by examining cancer literacy and associated sociological influences among Appalachian university students. Participants: This study evaluated Appalachian and non-Appalachian undergraduate students in Eastern Kentucky. Methods: A Qualtrics survey was disseminated which categorized questions into three parts: demographic, female focused cancer literacy, and cancer care access. Results: Overall cancer literacy was low (67.45%, 139 respondents); no difference was found in Appalachian standing. Male students had lower scores (p < 0.05), and both cancer-related majors (p < 0.001) and enhanced academic years (p < 0.05) improved cancer literacy. Limited awareness of mobile cancer screening units was found across respondents, along with, decreased access to health services indicated by Appalachian students (p < 0.05). Conclusions: College students represent a population in need of enhanced cancer education. Improving knowledge about accessing healthcare including cancer screenings could reduce Appalachian cancer rates.
Descriptors: Multiple Literacies, Cancer, Health Education, Differences, Geographic Regions, Disease Incidence, Student Attitudes, Knowledge Level, Social Influences, Undergraduate Students, Access to Health Care, Health Promotion, Student Behavior, Health Behavior
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kentucky
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A