Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

Many factors are associated with food insecurity in the United States. We conducted interviews with 25 low-income and/or food-insecure Oregonians to explore their experiences with food insecurity, the role of social support, and whether these experiences differed based on rural/urban residence. Ill health and unemployment emerged as food-insecurity contributors. Coping strategies cited included use of nutrition assistance programs, alternate food sources, and drawing on social support. The findings suggest that policy and practice efforts should be directed at increasing the human capital of low-income Oregonians and the benefit levels of essential nutrition assistance programs.

Background: South Asians are a rapidly increasing population in the United States. Little is known about influences on their cancer screening behaviors, an important prerequisite to designing culturally appropriate education. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates and correlates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, knowledge, and beliefs among South Asians. Methods: A subsample of those 50 years or older (n = 275) was drawn from the South Asian Health Descriptor Study, an assessment of multiple health indicators conducted in Chicago, Illinois. Results: Indians represented 87% of the sample; 2.2% of participants believed that they were at risk for CRC; 8% reported a past stool blood test (SBT); and 13.6% had had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Language acculturation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.93; confidence interval [CI], 1.1–3.5) and medical mistrust (AOR, 0.243; CI, 0.091–0.650) were significantly related to SBT completion. Language acculturation (AOR, 3.30; CI, 1.8–5.5), income (AOR, 2.70; CI, 1.0–7.1), living in the United States for more than 5 years (AOR, 8.6; CI, 1.9–14.5), perception of CRC risk (AOR, 8.9; CI, 1.1–17.7), and past SBT (AOR, 5.0; CI, 1.8–14.0) were significantly related to endoscopic cancer screening. Conclusions: Facilitators and barriers to different CRC tests vary. Education to increase CRC screening may need to be targeted to culture and specific barriers to each screening test rather than generic messages for all screening tests. Implications for Practice: Because barriers to CRC screening may differ among people based on the specific screening test being recommended. Primary care practitioners should recognize this fact and identify different barriers to enhance adherence to screening recommendations.