Colorectal cancer prevention: Perspectives of key players from social networks in a low-income rural US region.
Social networks influence health behavior and health status. Within social networks, "key players" often influence those around them, particularly in traditionally underserved areas like the Appalachian region in the USA. From a total sample of 787 Appalachian residents, we identified and interviewed 10 key players in complex networks, asking them what comprises a key player, their role in their network and community, and ideas to overcome and increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Key players emphasized their communication skills, resourcefulness, and special occupational and educational status in the community. Barriers to CRC screening included negative perceptions of the colonoscopy screening procedure, discomfort with the medical system, and misinformed perspectives on screening. Ideas to improve screening focused on increasing awareness of women's susceptibility to CRC, providing information on different screening tests, improving access, and the key role of health-care providers and key players themselves. We provide recommendations to leverage these vital community resources.
['Schoenberg|Nancy E|NE|', 'Eddens|Kathryn|K|', 'Jonas|Adam|A|', 'Snell-Rood|Claire|C|', 'Studts|Christina R|CR|', 'Broder-Oldach|Benjamin|B|', 'Katz|Mira L|ML|']
D001061:Appalachian Region D003113:Colonoscopy D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms D055088:Early Detection of Cancer D005260:Female D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006297:Health Services Accessibility D006801:Humans D007407:Interviews as Topic D007629:Kentucky D008297:Male D008403:Mass Screening D008875:Middle Aged D009820:Ohio D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care D011203:Poverty D012424:Rural Population D012944:Social Support
colorectal cancer social networks rural Cancer screening health inequities qualitative