Year of Publication

2015

College

Public Health

Date Available

5-18-2015

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Committee Member

Angela Carman, DrPH

Advisor

F. Douglas Scutchfield, MD

Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Alex Howard, DrPH, ATC

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study is to analyze colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates post-enactment of KRS 214.540 through 214.540. More specifically this study seeks to highlight the variation in CRC screening rates post-policy vs. pre-policy among the target population: uninsured individuals between the ages of 50 – 64.

Methods

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was utilized to obtain individual-level data regarding CRC screening in Kentucky from 2004-2012. Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.1 was utilized to compile data and the variables for home blood-stool and for sigmoid/colonoscopy were combined into one variable to identify individuals who had received any type of CRC screening from 2004-2012. The variables for year of screening, age, race, education, income, health insurance, and access to care were utilized for the purposes of this. Initial analysis of the data was conducted using basic descriptive statistics and Open Epi was utilized to calculate screening rates and rate ratios with 95% confidence interval.

Results

Overall CRC screening rates have increased by 9.3% since the enactment of the policy. However there has been no significant increase in CRC screening rates among those specifically targeted by the policy; uninsured individuals between the ages of 50 – 64.

Conclusion

Results suggest that while overall CRC screening rates have increased in Kentucky since the enactment of the policy, the target population of the policy has not seen a significant increase in screening rates; suggesting that other factors besides the policy could be causing an increase in CRC screening rates.

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