Date of Conferral

6-12-2024

Date of Award

June 2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Shanna Barnett

Abstract

Walden University College of Health Sciences and Public Policy This is to certify that the doctoral study by Stella Green has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Shanna Barnett, Committee Chairperson, Public Health Faculty Dr. Simone Salandy, Committee Member, Public Health Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2024 The specific research problem in this study was that despite the high prevalence of digestive system cancer, screening for digestive system cancer has not been optimized, thus compromising early diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment of digestive system cancer can generate better patient outcomes and enhance quality of life. The purpose of this quantitative correlation study guided by the social ecological model was to examine whether demographic factors (age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status), socioeconomic status (education level, employment status, income level), and health behaviors (physical activity, tobacco use, healthcare coverage) are associated with receiving digestive cancer screening in Texas. The population included adults aged 18 years or older who were enrolled in and participated in the 2018 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The data points for the study variables were extracted from the overall 2018 BRFSS survey using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of the logistic regression data analysis demonstrated that various characteristics were associated with resulting in some individuals receiving digestive cancer screening when exploring the research questions. All demographic factors except gender were significant predictors of taking a digestive system cancer screening test, as measured by sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Apart from marital status and income levels, all characteristics evaluated were linked to taking a blood stool test. The results can contribute to positive social change by encouraging the development of educational initiatives toward older adults and emphasizing the role of spousal involvement and social support in cancer screening.

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