Date of Conferral

8-26-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Hadi Danawi

Abstract

This study analyzed the impact of mental illness on colon cancer screening participation. The research problem centers on the under-screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) in psychiatric patients, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer treatment outcomes. This quantitative retrospective cohort study examined how demographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity), healthcare access, and support group participation influenced CRC screening among individuals with mental illness. The research used data from 571 adults aged 50 and older from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The Social Ecological Model served as the guiding theoretical framework for this study. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square, logistic regression, and a generalized linear model. Results showed that older age significantly increased screening odds (OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.04, 1.08], p < .001), males were nearly twice as likely to screen as females (OR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.28, 2.99], p = .002), and Hispanic individuals were less likely to participate than non-Hispanics (OR = 0.46, 95% CI [0.24, 0.86], p = .019). While having a usual healthcare place and support group participation showed trends toward higher screening, these were not statistically significant. Findings from this study suggest major disparities in CRC screening and support targeted efforts to improve preventive care among psychiatric populations. Positive social change may result from interventions that promote equity and access in underserved mental health communities.

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