The knowledge of cancer among the rural elderly
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Date
1989
Department
Nursing
Program
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge
level regarding cancer among the rural elderly. An extensive
literature review revealed that little research has been
done in this area. The present study was adapted from
a previous study by Weinrich and Weinrich (1986). The research was descriptive in nature. A convenience
sample was obtained from those elderly who utilized the
Dorchester County Health Department, area MAC Centers,
and attend the local AARP meetings. Fifty
non-institutionalized elderly were included in the sample.
Data was collected by a structured interview conducted
by the researcher. The data was analyzed using the SPSSX Computer Program.
Frequencies were computed for each item. Basic demographic
data was examined to identify the demographic characteristics
and health habits of the study population. The majority
of the participants were black females. Basic education
for a large percent was at the eighth grade level. A large
proportion of the incomes reported were in the $2,500 -
$7,999 range. Two survey tools were utilized to assess cancer
knowledge. One was to determine how many if any of the
cancer myths were believed by the study sample. A second
scale was to identify if the elderly could distinguish
cancer warning signs from aging symptoms. Results indicated
that many people believe several of the cancer myths and many do not recognize the Seven Warning Signs of Cancer.
Analysis of variance was used to look at the individual
relationships between race, education, income, sex, age,
and knowledge scores. Race, sex, and education were found
to be the significant factors in knowledge scores. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify
the best predictors of cancer knowledge in the elderly age groups.
A combination of education, sex, and income explained 56.0%
of the variation in knowledge scores. The present study offers valuable information for
the population surveyed and will hopefully serve as a
stimulus for continued research.