Special Colorectal Cancer Screening -

Special

Colorectal Cancer Screening - Applications to Nursing Research

Colon cancer screening in African-American women - Article

In this research article the researchers asked logical questions that would reveal information directly linked to the problem at hand, the lack of utilization among African-American women aged 50 and older of colorectal screening implements. The researchers were also attempting to uncover the relationships that existed between beliefs and perceived experiences and a woman's likelihood to undergo screening. This directly correlates with the problem being examined. The sample size included ample subjects to fulfill the stated purpose.

The criteria utilized for determining the sample size were consistent with the study's purpose and method. The methods adopted by the researchers include quantitative methods using the health belief model. The research is supported by internal consistency measurements and reliability measurements. The conclusions made by the researchers, namely that women perceiving greater susceptibility, benefits and confidence about colorectal screening were more likely to participate are sustained by the data colleted during the research process.

The sample size selected represents the sample most relevant in this case, as comprehensive information was gathered from previous studies directing the researcher to the correct sample size and population demographics for this particular study. The researchers make logical conclusions and the study presents multiple implications for future research in the health care arena. The research conclusions may apply to multiple patients facing educational barriers to healthcare screening and treatment. This research suggests that nursing practice would benefit by understanding the needs of divergent populations and accommodating their educational and informational needs accordingly. Knowledge about a particularly groups beliefs and concerns that may prevent adequate treatment can help guide nursing protocols and patient delivery in the future.

Elderly African-American women's knowledge and belief about colorectal cancer - Article 2

This study is a pilot study who's main purpose included identification of elderly African-American women's knowledge and beliefs regarding colorectal cancer, the likelihood that this population would seek preventive treatment and an attempt to assess the educational needs of African-American elderly women in an effort to increase willingness to participate in screenings. For convenience in this pilot study the author uses a sample size of just 15 African-American Women.

Women are selected based on criteria established by previous research in the field suggesting the right age and status of women needing colorectal screening. While the research questions are not directly stated they are implied in the study. The article might benefit from more direct statements regarding the researchers intent. Fortunately the abstract and introduction provide the reader with ample clues regarding the researchers main purpose and objectives.

This study also uses the health belief model, hence the methodology adopted by the researcher is grounded. This researcher adopted a qualitative approach that involved analyzing data based on categorical responses to the questions provided. This study is more descriptive in nature than the previous study. The study is also limited in that the population sample size is very small, limited to just 15 women. While this study may provide the groundwork for future studies, the conclusions gathered from the study cannot likely be applied to the population at large.

In order to enhance the reliability of the content analysis the researcher organized data to allow other research to follow in their footsteps so to speak. This research applies to elderly patients primarily that hold strong beliefs about certain healthcare practices. The researchers concluded that information about colorectal procedures needs to be presented to patients in a culturally sensitive manner. This information could be applied equally well to other culturally diverse populations even though the population sample is relatively small. This research also helps the nursing practice by suggesting new avenues for education and patient care delivery in the future. This research article would benefit from additional or lengthier analysis of the literature to support the conclusions drawn from the researcher, based mostly on the small sample size used in the survey.

Colon cancer screening among older caregivers - Article 3

This article discusses colorectal cancers among older women. The purpose of the study is to describe participation in cancer screening among older women whose mean age is 65 years who are primary caregivers for a family member or spouse in an attempt to investigate what if any relationship exists between care giving burdens and health participation. The results of the study suggest that caregiver burden alone did not significantly impact an older patients likelihood to participate in cancer screening. More of an impact were women's perceptions of survival should they fall victim to colon cancer. The researchers directly ask research questions aimed at uncovering the number of people participating in colorectal cancer screening, the personal characteristics of caregivers and the impact care giving burden may have on cancer screening participation.

To accomplish these goals the researchers utilized an exploratory descriptive study design based on a larger study investigating the effectiveness of care giving on cancer screening participation. The sample size includes 91 women, with participants selected based on their age, self-defined caregiver status and language capabilities. Purposive sampling was utilized and in this case the sample size is adequate to make some generalizations to the population at large. The information gathered from this study can only be applied to older women and those that are caregivers, though it may be generalized to include understanding patient's reluctance to undergo screening for cancers other than colorectal cancer. The researchers use an improved instrument, the modified behavioral risk factor survey to calculate results.