Title

Pathways to Colonoscopy in the South: Seeds of Health Disparities

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2015

Department 1

Health Sciences

Abstract

Objectives. We aimed to highlight sociodemographic differences in how patients access colonoscopy.

Methods. We invited all eligible patients (n = 2500) from 2 academy-affiliated colonoscopy centers in Alachua County, Florida (1 free standing, 1 hospital based), to participate in a precolonoscopy survey (September 2011–October 2013); patients agreeing to participate (n = 1841, response rate = 73.6%) received a $5.00 gift card.

Results. We found sociodemographic differences in referral pathway, costs, and reasons associated with obtaining the procedure. Patients with the ideal pathway (referred by their regular doctor for age-appropriate screening) were more likely to be Black (compared with other minorities), male, high income, employed, and older. Having the colonoscopy because of symptoms was associated with being female, younger, and having lower income. We found significant differences for 1 previously underestimated barrier, having a spouse to accompany the patient to the procedure.

Conclusions. Patients’ facilitators and barriers to colonoscopy differed by sociodemographics in our study, which implies that interventions based on a single facilitator will not be effective for all subgroups of a population.

Comments

Original version is available from the publisher, American Public Health Association.

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2014.302347

This item is not available in The Cupola.

COinS