Faculty Collaboration Database

Masculinity, Racism, Social Support, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake Among African American Men: A Systematic Review. Am J Mens Health 2017 Sep;11(5):1486-1500

Date

10/21/2015

Pubmed ID

26483293

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4835264

DOI

10.1177/1557988315611227

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85027706139 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   41 Citations

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly preventable when CRC screening is utilized, yet CRC screening completion among African American men is relatively low and their mortality rates remain 50% higher juxtaposed to their White counterparts. Since a growing body of literature indicates masculinity, racism, and social support each have strong influences on CRC screening uptake, this systematic review examined the connections between these three sociocultural factors and CRC screening uptake among African American men. Potential studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Cited reference searching for the final sample was employed to identify and assess additional studies for inclusion using Scopus. The methodological quality of the reviewed evidence was also evaluated. Nineteen studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Thirteen studies employed nonexperimental research designs; a quasi-experimental design was present in four, and two utilized experimental designs. Studies were published between 2000 and 2014; the majority between 2009 and 2013. Social support was most frequently addressed (84%) while masculinity and racism were equally studied with paucity (11%) for their influence on CRC screening. After evaluating conceptual and methodological characteristics of the studies, 42% fell below average in quality and rigor. The need for increased attention to the sociocultural correlates of CRC screening for African American men are highlighted in this systematic review, and important recommendations for research and practice are provided. Alongside a call for more rigorous research, further research examining the influence of masculinity and racism on CRC screening completion among African American men is warranted.

Author List

Rogers CR, Mitchell JA, Franta GJ, Foster MJ, Shires D

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Colorectal Neoplasms
Early Detection of Cancer
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Racism
Social Support
United States