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. 2016 Feb 22:11:30396.
doi: 10.3402/qhw.v11.30396. eCollection 2016.

Colorectal cancer prevention: Perspectives of key players from social networks in a low-income rural US region

Nancy E Schoenberg  1 , Kathryn Eddens  2 , Adam Jonas  3 , Claire Snell-Rood  4 , Christina R Studts  2 , Benjamin Broder-Oldach  5 , Mira L Katz  6
Affiliations

Colorectal cancer prevention: Perspectives of key players from social networks in a low-income rural US region

Nancy E Schoenberg et al. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Cancer screening; colorectal cancer; health inequities; qualitative; rural; social networks.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Visualization of Kentucky respondents’ social networks, n=395. Six key players. Squares represent Kentucky respondents; large gray squares represent key players.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Visualization of Ohio respondents’ social networks, n=392. Four key players. Circles represent Ohio respondents; large gray circles represent key players.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Example of a highly connected key player's personal network: key player A, n=44. Large gray square is key player A. Other squares are respondents in key player A's network. The small gray square is another key player who is in key player A's network.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Example of sparsely connected key player's personal network: key player B, n=8. Large gray square is key player B, other squares are respondents who were linked with a tie. Many members in this network know one another, allowing for influence in the network, but the key player is not linked to many others in the larger community network.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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