Name
#172 - Lifetime Prevalence and Correlates of Colorectal Cancer Screening among Low-income U.S. Veterans
Date & Time
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 12:00 PM
Description

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S. While preventive healthcare services are high priority in the VHA, low-income U.S. veterans experience life circumstances that may impact their access to these services. The purpose of this study is to examine lifetime prevalence as well as demographic, socioeconomic, military-specific, and clinical correlates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among low-income U.S. veterans. Cross-sectional data from the 2021–2022 National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences study were analyzed on 862 low-income U.S. veterans ≥ 50 years of age. Overall, 55.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.3%-59.3%) reported ever-receiving CRC screening services. In a multivariable logistic regression model, never-receivers of CRC screening were twice as likely to reside outside of the Northeast, and more likely to be married (odds ratio [OR]=1.86, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.37), to have BMI<25 kg/m2 [vs. 25-<30 kg/m2] (OR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.19, 2.58), or ≥ 1 chronic condition (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.06, 2.02). Never-receivers of CRC screening were less likely to live in 5+ member households (OR=0.33, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.86), to be female (OR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.96), aged 65-79y [vs. ≥ 80y] (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.40, 0.92), disabled (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.22, 0.92), to have purchased health insurance coverage (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.33, 0.98), or to report alcohol use disorder (OR=0.10, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.49) and/or HIV/AIDS (OR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.68) diagnoses. In conclusion, nearly 55% of low-income U.S. veterans reported ever screening for CRC. Variations in CRC screening behaviors according to veteran characteristics highlight potential disparities as well as opportunities for targeted behavioral interventions.

Location Name
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Content Presented on Behalf of
VHA/VA
Learning Outcomes
1. Estimate the rate of colorectal cancer screening among low-income U.S. veterans, 50 years and older.<br />
2. Examine demographic, socioeconomic, military-specific and clinical correlates of colorectal cancer screening among low-income U.S. veterans, 50 years and older.<br />
3. Highlight disparities and opportunities for targeted behavioral interventions.
Session Type
Posters