University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Development and validation of the cancer literacy measure for African Americans

Mayfield, Jennifer

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/42399

Description

Title
Development and validation of the cancer literacy measure for African Americans
Author(s)
Mayfield, Jennifer
Issue Date
2013-02-03T19:37:24Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Buki, Lydia P.
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Buki, Lydia P.
Committee Member(s)
  • Neville, Helen A.
  • Alston, Reginald J.
  • Grigsby-Toussaint, Diana S.
Department of Study
Educational Psychology
Discipline
Educational Psychology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • breast cancer
  • cervical cancer
  • African American Women
  • health literacy
  • health literacy measure
Abstract
Research has shown that higher levels of cancer health literacy are related to improved health outcomes. However, there is a dearth of research regarding the influence of health literacy on breast and cervical cancer health disparities within the African American community. To further explore this area, researchers need a psychometrically validated measurement tool. The current study represents an exploration of the Cancer Literacy Measure for African Americans (CLM-AA), designed to measure African American women’s cultural and conceptual knowledge of breast and cervical cancer. Survey data were collected from 301 African American women using online survey methodology. Exploratory factor analyses revealed factors that measured women’s beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and emotions regarding breast and cervical cancer. In addition, the CLM-AA assessed participants’ breast and cervical cancer screening behaviors, gender preferences for healthcare providers, and referral sources for cancer screening. Coefficient alphas for the factors ranged from .67 to .97, with one factor requiring revision to improve reliability. Despite this limitation, the CLM-AA has the potential to be a useful tool for researchers and practitioners to assess the breast and cervical cancer health literacy of African American women.
Graduation Semester
2012-12
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/42399
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2012 Jennifer Mayfield

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