Paper

Factors Associated with African Americans' Enrollment in a National Cancer Genetics Registry
C.S. Skinner^a, J.M. Schildkraut^a, B. Calingaert^a, C. Hoyo^a, S.S. Crankshaw^a, L. Fish^a, L. Susswein^c, C. Jasper^d, L. Reid<sup>b

a</sup>Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
^bNorth Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C.,
^cLineberger Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, N.C.,
^dLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, D.C., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Community Genet 2008;11:224-233 (DOI: 10.1159/000116883)

  Key Words

• African Americans
• Cancer Genetics Network
• Cancer genetics registry

  Abstract

This study explored whether reactions to the Cancer Genetics Network (CGN) or CGN enrollment differed by receipt of a standard informational brochure versus a targeted version addressing factors previously associated with African Americans' health behavior decisions and research participation. The 262 participants, identified through tumor registries or clinic contacts, were mailed brochures and completed phone interviews. When asked whether - based on the brochure - they were or were not 'leaning toward' CGN enrollment, about 75% of both standard and targeted groups reported leaning toward. When given the opportunity at the end of the interview, 68% enrolled in the CGN. Trust was strongly related to enrollment. Less education, less satisfaction with cancer care, and individualistic rather than collective orientation were associated with lower trust. Education was also bivariately associated with enrollment, but mediation analysis indicated that the operational mechanism of education's influence on enrollment was through trust.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

C.S. Skinner, MD
2424 Erwin Rd, Ste 602
DUMC 2949
Durham, NC 27710 (USA)
Tel. +1 919 684 4791, Fax +1 919 681 4785, E-Mail skinn008@mc.duke.edu

  Article Information

Published online: April 14, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 10
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 14