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Comparison of Cancer Fatalism Among Rural Smokers and Nonsmokers

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship of cancer fatalism, using the Powe Fatalism Inventory (PFI), and smoking status (active smoker and nonsmoker) among rural adults. Utilizing a convenience sample, a cross-sectional study was performed. Inclusion criteria included being at least 18 years of age and a resident of one of the selected counties in the rural region. Analyses conducted were two-sample t tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression. Among 485 participants, the overall fatalism mean score and five PFI items had statistically significant outcomes. Using multiple significance tests, significance remained when adjusting for demographic variables for the individual PFI items. Analyses indicated that smokers possessed a heightened level of fatalistic views compared to nonsmokers. Future directions includes the creation of a community-informed, multi-level intervention to increase perceived susceptibility of smoking-related health risks and foster healthcare seeking behaviors. This approach has the potential to reduce rates of morbidity and mortality in rural, underserved communities.

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Funding

This study was funded by East Carolina University’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies (no grant number provided).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 115 Heart Drive, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA

    Marla B. Hall

  2. Department of Biostatistics, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA

    Paul Vos

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  1. Marla B. Hall
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Correspondence to Marla B. Hall.

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Hall, M.B., Vos, P. Comparison of Cancer Fatalism Among Rural Smokers and Nonsmokers. J Community Health 44, 215–221 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-018-0576-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-018-0576-z

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