Understanding health characteristics and cancer screening rates in three urban counties in Tennessee

A4

The purpose of The Meharry Medical College Community Health Centers (CHCs)-Community Networks Program (CNP) is to reduce cancer health disparities among African Americans by conducting community-based participatory research, education, and training in three urban communities in Tennessee (Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis). To better understand the cancer-related needs of these communities, data pertaining to health characteristics and behaviors, and cancer preventive tests were compiled from the CDC’s Tennessee Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Data for the counties containing Nashville (Davidson County), Chattanooga (Hamilton County), and Memphis (Shelby County) were aggregated from 2001 to 2004. The study sample consisted of 3654 residents in these three counties with 39% being African Americans and 69% being female. The results indicated that for all three counties, African Americans had higher rates of obesity (p<.001) and were less likely to engage in exercising than Caucasians (p<.01). Male residents had lower rates of health insurance (p<.001) compared to female residents and African American women were more likely to never have had a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) compared to Caucasian women (p<.01). Also, African American men were more likely to never have had a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) compared to Caucasian men (p<.01). There were regional differences in health status and cancer screenings. For example, only men in Shelby County were more likely to rate their overall health as excellent compared to women (p<.001). Also, only African American women in Hamilton County were more likely to never have had a Pap smear test compared to Caucasian women (p<.001). Lessons learned are that regional differences have to be considered when developing cancer prevention and control activities.