Impact of Perceived Discrimination and Pandemic Attitudes on Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Asian American Women: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess how pandemic-related health concerns and discrimination affected cancer screenings among Asian American women (AAW).

Methods: A two-phase explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted. In phase 1, a survey was distributed among AAW eligible for lung, breast, or colorectal cancer screening to assess delays during the pandemic, concerns about contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), barriers to care, and experiences of discrimination. In phase 2, four qualitative focus group discussions, stratified by generational status and history of delayed cancer screening, were conducted to explore a priori domains of interest on cancer screening during the pandemic and perceived discrimination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with delays, followed by deductive thematic qualitative analysis.

Results: In phase 1, of 225 participants recruited, 166 met the inclusion criteria (74%). Most participants were first-generation Americans (67%), were employed (65%), and had higher education (67% with a master's degree or higher). Forty percent reported delays in cancer screening. Factors associated with delays included worry about contracting COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-6.28; P = .038) and spreading it to family or friends (adjusted odds ratio, 5.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-22.3; P = .011). No association between discrimination and delayed cancer screening was found. In phase 2, focus group discussions (n = 19) revealed that first-generation women who delayed screening faced barriers due to a fear of infection and perceived discrimination. Perceived discrimination affected daily behaviors and sense of safety, though less so in medical settings.

Conclusions: Delays in cancer screening among AAW were associated with patients' concerns about contracting and spreading COVID-19. Radiology practices can lead collaborative efforts on cancer screening campaigns that emphasize early detection and promote psychological safety.