Date
2-28-2025
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)
Chair
Chloe Fields
Keywords
colorectal cancer screening, Punjabi Americans, health beliefs, cultural influences, health belief model, qualitative research
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Mendes, Allison, "Insights into Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Qualitative Exploration of Health Beliefs Among Punjabi American Adults, 45–75 Years Old" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6518.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6518
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative interview study is to explore the health beliefs and cultural factors influencing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening behaviors among Punjabi Americans aged 45–75 in San Joaquin County, California. Using the health belief model (HBM) as a framework, the study investigated perceptions of CRC severity, susceptibility, benefits, barriers, and cues to action, addressing three research questions related to CRC screening perceptions, decisionmaking processes, and the role of health beliefs. The qualitative design employed semistructured interviews conducted via Zoom with a purposive sample of 15 participants, ensuring diversity in age and gender within the specified demographic. Data collection included openended questions to elicit participants’ experiences, which were examined through thematic analysis to identify patterns and align findings with the HBM constructs. The findings revealed that healthcare provider recommendations are pivotal in influencing screening behaviors, though cultural norms and perceived barriers, such as fear and lack of awareness, significantly affect decision-making. Family and community influence, alongside self-perceived health, also shape screening attitudes. The study concludes that culturally sensitive interventions, targeted outreach, and improved healthcare provider communication are essential to enhancing CRC screening rates in this population. This study contributes to the literature by addressing a gap in the understanding of how cultural and health belief factors intersect to influence CRC screening behaviors in Punjabi Americans, offering insights for developing effective, community-specific health promotion initiatives. Future research should explore diverse populations using mixed-methods and longitudinal studies while evaluating culturally tailored interventions and provider education to improve screening rates in underserved communities.
