| Abstract: | The colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Ashkenazi Jews has been found
to be highest of any ethnic group in the world (Feldman, 2001). It is currently
unclear how culture and religion influence health behaviors of U.S. Ashkenazi
Jews, as well as what other socio-cultural factors influence AJ women’s attitudes
towards CRC risk and screening practices. This study aimed at exploring and
describing the cultural and religious influences on health behaviors and beliefs
related to CRC in Ashkenazi Jewish women. Research participants included
seven key informants (rabbis) and forty-two Ashkenazi Jewish women ages 50
and up. Methods included in-depth, qualitative interviews and focus groups. The
study also utilized a demographic survey which included questions about
baseline knowledge of colorectal cancer in Ashkenazi Jews, and a ten-item
American Cancer Society’s Questionnaire on Experiences with and Attitude
toward CRC Screening. Participants were recruited from Tampa synagogues and
community using non-probabilistic sampling. Results revealed only 5% of
participants were aware of the increased prevalence of colorectal cancer in
Ashkenazi Jews; still, most participants (88%) were up to date on colorectal
cancer screening. Judaic purity laws did not resonate with many participants, and
for those who did follow them, they did not take a view of bodily functions as
being impure. A consistent description of a ‘Jewish way’ of looking at health
emerged, involving both the push for education, which increases knowledge about and access to healthcare, as well as the core Jewish tenet of the infinite
value of life. No significant differences were found among the screening practices
of the three self-identified denominations, and only breast and cervical cancer
screening were found to be significantly different between those who have ever
had a CRC screening and those who have not. Recommendations highlight the
need for future research in this area including larger samples, further exploring
core Jewish tenets as related to health behaviors in this population, partnering
with the Jewish community for interventions, and addressing ways to better track
CRC incidence, mortality and screening in this population in order to raise
awareness. |