Association Between Social Engagement and Cancer Screening Utilization in a Community-Dwelling Chinese American Older Population

Objectives: This study aims to examine the association between social engagement and cancer screening utilization among a Chinese American older population. Method: Data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE). In total, 3,157 Chinese older adults enrolled in this study. Cancer screening utilization was assessed by asking whether participants had utilized cancer screenings. Social engagement was measured with 16 questions. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, a higher level of social engagement was associated with increased utilization in blood stool test (OR 1.03, [1.02, 1.05]), colonoscopy (OR 1.02, [1.01, 1.03]), mammography (OR 1.06, [1.05, 1.08]), Pap test (OR 1.04, [1.03, 1.06]), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) test (OR 1.03, [1.01, 1.05]). Compared with those with low levels of social engagement, older adults with high levels of social engagement were more likely to have utilized a blood stool test (OR 1.85, [1.46, 2.35]), a colonoscopy (OR 1.37, [1.09, 1.72]), a mammography (OR 3.05, [2.25, 4.14]), and a Pap test (OR 1.99, [1.49, 2.66]), but not more likely to have utilized a PSA test (OR 1.40, [0.97, 2.03]). Conclusion: This study underscores the association between active social engagement and increased utilization of cancer screening among a Chinese American older population. Improving social engagement could be helpful in promoting cancer screening utilization.