The relationship of health numeracy to cancer screening

Abstract

Health numeracy is associated with increased understanding of cancer risk reduction information and improved control of chronic disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a primary care population to evaluate the effect of health numeracy on breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. No association was found between health numeracy and cancer screening. However, at a baseline screening rate of 85%, increased knowledge (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.08) and decreased perceived barriers (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92-0.95) were associated with increased screening rates. In conclusion, health numeracy was not predictive of cancer screening among a primary care population.

Figure 1. Unadjusted Associations of Individual Characteristics with Cancer Screening

Association of participant characteristics with cancer screening in accordance with guidelines adjusted for cancer type and clustering due to multiple cancer eligibilities per subject. Odds ratios were converted to relative risks using a baseline adherence rate of 0.85, the observed overall rate. The p-value for the 2 degree of freedom test for education was 0.005, and for income was 0.056. See Table 2 for definitions of education and income levels.

Figure 2. Adjusted Associations of Individual Characteristics with Cancer Screening

Association of participant characteristics with cancer screening in accordance with guidelines adjusted for cancer type, clustering due to multiple cancer eligibilities per subject, knowledge about screening guidelines, and perceived barriers to cancer screening. Odds ratios were converted to relative risks using a baseline adherence rate of 0.85, the observed overall rate. The p-value for the two degree of freedom test for education was 0.06 and for income was 0.68. See Table 2 for definitions of education and income levels.