Validity of the process of change for colorectal cancer screening among African Americans

Ann Behav Med. 2011 Jun;41(3):271-83. doi: 10.1007/s12160-010-9250-0.

Abstract

Background: Process of change (POC) is a construct of the transtheoretical model that proposes to promote healthy behaviors.

Purpose: African Americans participate in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening less often than whites, while disease onset is younger, and incidence and mortality from CRC are higher.

Methods: POC items for CRC screening were administered to 158 African Americans, the majority of whom were female (75.9%) and were not employed (85.4%). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate four factors reflecting the POC sub-domains.

Results: Support of the factor validity of the POC with internal consistency of standardized alpha for the four factors was found. A logistic regression showed predictive validity in predicting current screening stage for two of the four sub-domains.

Conclusion: These data support the application of the POC to prediction of CRC screening intention among African Americans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Early Detection of Cancer / psychology*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Reproducibility of Results*