Socioeconomic Influence on Racial Disparity in Colorectal Cancer Screening in Texas, 2004-2010

This study investigated how racial and ethnic differences in colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) were influenced by socioeconomic factors in line with the fundamental social cause theory. Despite the accumulated evidence from the literature that CRCS is crucial in preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) and reducing a mortality outcome, racial disparity in CRCS persists without any clear indication of the influence of socioeconomic factors. The purpose of this research was to determine how socioeconomic factors influenced racial disparity in guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and colonoscopy /sigmoidoscopy (COL/SIG) among non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs), and Hispanics living in Texas. The study was based on secondary data analysis of 2004 to 2010 data on CRCS of Texas residents 50 years and older, originally collected by the behavioral risk factor surveillance system. Using logistic regression analysis, the results revealed that with the exception of 2010, where there was no influence, entering educational levels, annual family income, and health coverage into the models had significant influences on gFOBT disparities between NHWs and Hispanics in 2004 and 2006 coupled with COL/SIG disparities between NHWs and Hispanics in 2004 and between NHWs and NHBs in 2004 and 2008. The results of this study contribute to the existing literature and can enhance social change initiatives by promoting appropriate interventions and guide policy decisions on narrowing racial and ethnic disparities in CRCS in the state of Texas.