Mark Dignan
Biographic Data
| ID | 161965 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Mark Dignan |
| GIVEN NAMES | Mark |
| FAMILY NAME | Dignan |
| SIGNATURE | DIGNAN M |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Kentucky |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-2657-6775 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 35 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 16 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 35 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1979 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Generating the evidence base for implementation strategies targeting colorectal cancer screening in the accelerating colorectal cancer screening through implementation science (ACCSIS) research projec…
Implementing evidence-based interventions for population-level benefit can be challenging in resource-limited primary care settings. Research is needed to identify, specify, and systematically study implementation strategies that address the multilevel, contextual influences on implementation in these settings. This study reviewed and compared the implementation strategies proposed by Research Projects (RPs) funded through the Accelerating Colore…
HPV Self-Sampling Promotion Among African American (AA) and Sub-Saharan African (SAI) Immigrant Women
Adaptation of an evidence-based intervention is necessary to ensure contextually and culturally appropriateness for target populations, particularly for minoritized populations. We demonstrated that an evidence-based intervention for Pap screening can be adapted for HPV-self-sampling promotion with target community input
HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening promotion among Black individuals
SEM factors contribute to low HPV vaccine uptake and cervical cancer screening and these factors need to be addressed. Interventions addressing SEM factors peculiar to Black populations may promote HPV vaccination and cancer screening in this population
Psychological factors among Appalachian women with abnormal Pap results
PURPOSE: Women who receive an abnormal Pap result may experience negative psychological factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the baseline occurrence of negative psychological factors and evaluate the relationships between psychological factors and demographic characteristics among Appalachian women who received abnormal Pap results. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from Appalachia Kentucky women (N = 521) ag…
HPV Testing Behaviors and Willingness to Use HPV Self-sampling at Home Among African American (AA) and Sub-Saharan African Immigrant (SAI) Women
Beliefs associated with cancer screening behaviors among African Americans and Sub-Saharan African immigrant adults
gov
Qualitative assessment of attitudes toward cervical cancer (CC) screening and HPV self-sampling among African American (AA) and Sub Saharan African Immigrant (SAI) women
This study identified a variety of reasons for the disproportionately low utilization of CC prevention services among AA/SAI women. Multidimensional approaches including educational and community engagement programs for this population could improve CC screening uptake and adoption of HPV self-sampling among AA/SAI women
Spousal support and knowledge related to cervical cancer screening
Sub-Saharan African immigrant (SSAI) men have significant influence on the health-seeking behavior including cervical cancer screening uptake by their female partners/wives. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with 21 SSAI men to explore knowledge, perceptions, and support related to cervical screening. Participants were aged 36 ± 9 years, college educated (88%), and 53% have lived in the U.S. > 5 years. Three themes emerged; inadequate …
Distributed Cognition in Cancer Treatment Decision Making
Distributed cognition occurs when cognitive and affective schemas are shared between two or more people during interpersonal discussion. Although extant research focuses on distributed cognition in decision making between health care providers and patients, studies show that caregivers are also highly influential in the treatment decisions of patients. However, there are little empirical data describing how and when families exert influence. The …
Promoting Culturally Respectful Cancer Education Through Digital Storytelling
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality among Alaska Native people. Over half of Alaska Native people live in rural communities where specially trained community members called Community Health Aides/Practitioners (CHA/Ps) provide health care. In response to CHA/Ps’ expressed desire to learn more about cancer, four 5-day cancer education and digital storytelling courses were provided in 2014. Throughout each course, participants explored cancer …
Modeling the Influence of Early Skin-to-Skin Contact on Exclusive Breastfeeding in a Sample of Hispanic Immigrant Women
The National Cancer Institute’s Community Networks Program Initiative to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
Findings demonstrate the value of government-supported, community-academic, CBPR partnerships in cancer prevention and control research
Caregiver Perceptions of Their Influence on Cancer Treatment Decision Making
Serious illness of a loved one can disrupt a caregiver's sense of self and relationships. We examined the language caregivers use to describe the cancer treatment decision making of a loved one to understand how caregivers frame their own identity relative to a patient's illness. We analyzed transcripts from in-depth interviews conducted with caregivers ( N = 58) of cancer patients to examine the intersection among language, identity, and illness…
Intention to Breastfeed as a Predictor of Initiation of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Hispanic Women
Evaluation of Patient Needs and Patient Navigator Communication About Cervical Cancer Prevention in Appalachian Kentucky
Few studies describe the way patient navigation processes may address disparities in treatment and follow-up care for medically underserved populations. Using a social ecological framework, we analyzed survey assessments of 519 patients completing a randomized navigation trial in Appalachia Kentucky to examine patient-reported barriers to follow-up cervical cancer care. We also analyzed in-depth interview transcripts with four lay patient navigat…
Predictors of Initial Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake Among Rural Appalachian Young Women
Barriers to CRC Screening Among Latino Adults in Pennsylvania
A targeted approach for CRC screening among Latinos may be better than the nontargeted approach
Seeking Health Advice From Social Networks in Low-income Urban Neighborhoods
Findings support the need for multidisciplinary strategies for disseminating health information through informal social networks
Fatalism and Cancer Screening in Appalachian Kentucky
Fatalism may play a role in Appalachians' views about cancer screening and contribute to high rates of cancer incidence and mortality, but few studies have explored this issue. A probability telephone survey was conducted of 696 adults living in 51 Appalachian Kentucky counties inquiring about intentions to obtain cancer screening. The Life Orientation Test-Revised as a surrogate measure for fatalism and logistic regression was used to predict sc…
P2-62 Early detection of colorectal cancer in the US in Appalachia
Colorectal cancer is currently the 3 rd leading cause of cancer death worldwide. For rural, medically underserved populations in the US, and particularly in Appalachia, the burden of this disease is even greater. Elevated colorectal cancer rates in rural populations represents a missed opportunity for early detection through screening. Low screening rates are particularly concerning for Appalachia because of poverty and limited access to healthca…
A Program Evaluation of a Summer Research Training Institute for American Indian and Alaska Native Health Professionals
Background/purpose\nPublic health and medical studies in American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have not commonly included AI/AN researchers in principal roles. This leadership disparity may be attributed, in part, to the low numbers of AI/AN researchers who have sufficient training and leadership experience to plan and conduct epidemiologic and health research studies. Under Indian Health Service and National Institutes of Health fu…
Targeted Intervention Strategies to Increase and Maintain Mammography Utilization Among African American Women
Objectives. We assessed the impact of a theory-based, culturally relevant intervention designed to increase mammography screening among African American women in 8 underserved counties in Alabama. Methods. Using principles derived from the Stages of Change, Community Health Advisor, and Community Empowerment models, we developed strategies to increase mammography screening. Trained volunteers (N = 143) provided tailored messages to encourage adop…
Does Distance Matter? Distance to Mammography Facilities and Stage at Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in Kentucky
Background: National and regional data indicate that breast cancer early detection is low in Kentucky, especially rural regions, perhaps because access to mammography services can be problematic. Objective: This study examined the distance between residences of women diagnosed with breast cancer and the nearest mammography facility, as a risk factor for advanced stage diagnosis in rural populations. Methods: 1999‐2003 Kentucky Cancer Registry dat…
Testing the Long-Term Effects of the Go Sun Smart Worksite Health Communication Campaign
This study examined the long-term effects of the Go Sun Smart (GSS) campaign, a large-scale health communication intervention designed to promote sun safety to employees at 26 ski areas in western North America. Employees were enrolled in a pair-matched group-randomized pretest-posttest controlled design with 2 follow-up surveys. Half of the ski areas were randomly assigned to implement GSS in the winter. This article reports analyses of a hierar…
Appalachian Women's Perceptions of Their Community's Health Threats
Context: Decades of behavioral research suggest that awareness of health threats is a necessary precursor to engage in health promotion and disease prevention, findings that can be extended to the community level. Purpose : We sought to better understand local perspectives on the main health concerns of rural Appalachian communities in order to identify the key health priorities. While Kentucky Appalachian communities are often described as suffe…
Caregiver Perceptions of Their Influence on Cancer Treatment Decision Making
Serious illness of a loved one can disrupt a caregiver's sense of self and relationships. We examined the language caregivers use to describe the cancer treatment decision making of a loved one to understand how caregivers frame their own identity relative to a patient's illness. We analyzed transcripts from in-depth interviews conducted with caregivers ( N = 58) of cancer patients to examine the intersection among language, identity, and illness…
Correlates of tobacco use among Native American women in western North Carolina
OBJECTIVES: This study examined correlates of tobacco use among Cherokee women. METHODS: Prevalence rates were analyzed for 614 randomly selected Eastern Band Cherokee women. RESULTS: The prevalence rates for current smokeless tobacco use and smoking were 8% and 39%, respectively. Smokeless tobacco use correlates included lower education and having consulted an Indian healer. Smoking correlates included younger age, alcohol use, no yearly physica…
Distributed Cognition in Cancer Treatment Decision Making
Distributed cognition occurs when cognitive and affective schemas are shared between two or more people during interpersonal discussion. Although extant research focuses on distributed cognition in decision making between health care providers and patients, studies show that caregivers are also highly influential in the treatment decisions of patients. However, there are little empirical data describing how and when families exert influence. The …
The National Cancer Institute’s Community Networks Program Initiative to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
Findings demonstrate the value of government-supported, community-academic, CBPR partnerships in cancer prevention and control research
Targeted Intervention Strategies to Increase and Maintain Mammography Utilization Among African American Women
Objectives. We assessed the impact of a theory-based, culturally relevant intervention designed to increase mammography screening among African American women in 8 underserved counties in Alabama. Methods. Using principles derived from the Stages of Change, Community Health Advisor, and Community Empowerment models, we developed strategies to increase mammography screening. Trained volunteers (N = 143) provided tailored messages to encourage adop…
The Appalachia Community Cancer Network
Although the need for evaluation of prevention programs is clear, the implementation of evaluation, particularly for large, complex projects with multiple investigators, poses numerous challenges. Program evaluators in these circumstances do not have the same degree of control as, say, experimental psychologists and must find ways to obtain data while being sensitive to local environmental influences. The purpose of this article is to identify fo…
Health education to increase screening for cervical cancer among Lumbee Indian Women in North Carolina
Although age-adjusted mortality rates from cancer among Native-Americans are generally lower than for the US population as a whole, cervical cancer mortality rates are higher. This report presents results from a National Cancer Institute-funded health education program conducted among the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina that was designed to increase the proportion of women, age 18 and older, who receive Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Th…
Hawthorne Effect in Learning by Intact Classes
The Hawthotne effect, named from series of investigations conducted at the Hawthorne Plant of the Western Electric Company (4), is the production of responses by subjects in an experiment which ace like those expected with an independent variable but which result from participation in an experiment (1, 2, 3). Because Hawthornerype responses are unpredictable, an uncontrolled source of variation may be introduced into an experiment should rhey be …
Correlates of tobacco use among Native American women in western North Carolina
OBJECTIVES: This study examined correlates of tobacco use among Cherokee women. METHODS: Prevalence rates were analyzed for 614 randomly selected Eastern Band Cherokee women. RESULTS: The prevalence rates for current smokeless tobacco use and smoking were 8% and 39%, respectively. Smokeless tobacco use correlates included lower education and having consulted an Indian healer. Smoking correlates included younger age, alcohol use, no yearly physica…
Health education to increase screening for cervical cancer among Lumbee Indian Women in North Carolina
Although age-adjusted mortality rates from cancer among Native-Americans are generally lower than for the US population as a whole, cervical cancer mortality rates are higher. This report presents results from a National Cancer Institute-funded health education program conducted among the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina that was designed to increase the proportion of women, age 18 and older, who receive Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Th…
Psychosocial Factors Related to Cervical Screening among Lumbee Women
Socioeconomic Status and Health in Industrial Nations
Professor, School of Public Health University of Alabama at Birmingham RPHB 227, M/C 0022 Birmingham, AL 35253 Email: [email protected]
Formative Research Activities To Provide Web-Based Nutrition Education to Adults in the Upper Rio Grande Valley
The Internet is a promising new tool for disseminating cancer prevention information. Barriers to full implementation include disparities in access and skill and availability of information relevant at the local level. A nutrition education Web site to promote fruit and vegetable intake is being produced for a tri-ethnic adult population in Colorado and New Mexico. Development is guided by findings from formative research including focus groups w…
Lessons Learned From the Uniontown Community Health Project
These lessons may benefit others implementing CHA programs
The Papm, Diffusion Theory, and Violent Death Surveillance
Social Influences on Cigarette Initiation Among College Students
Testing the Long-Term Effects of the Go Sun Smart Worksite Health Communication Campaign
This study examined the long-term effects of the Go Sun Smart (GSS) campaign, a large-scale health communication intervention designed to promote sun safety to employees at 26 ski areas in western North America. Employees were enrolled in a pair-matched group-randomized pretest-posttest controlled design with 2 follow-up surveys. Half of the ski areas were randomly assigned to implement GSS in the winter. This article reports analyses of a hierar…
Appalachian Women's Perceptions of Their Community's Health Threats
Context: Decades of behavioral research suggest that awareness of health threats is a necessary precursor to engage in health promotion and disease prevention, findings that can be extended to the community level. Purpose : We sought to better understand local perspectives on the main health concerns of rural Appalachian communities in order to identify the key health priorities. While Kentucky Appalachian communities are often described as suffe…
The Appalachia Community Cancer Network
Although the need for evaluation of prevention programs is clear, the implementation of evaluation, particularly for large, complex projects with multiple investigators, poses numerous challenges. Program evaluators in these circumstances do not have the same degree of control as, say, experimental psychologists and must find ways to obtain data while being sensitive to local environmental influences. The purpose of this article is to identify fo…
Does Distance Matter? Distance to Mammography Facilities and Stage at Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in Kentucky
Background: National and regional data indicate that breast cancer early detection is low in Kentucky, especially rural regions, perhaps because access to mammography services can be problematic. Objective: This study examined the distance between residences of women diagnosed with breast cancer and the nearest mammography facility, as a risk factor for advanced stage diagnosis in rural populations. Methods: 1999‐2003 Kentucky Cancer Registry dat…
A Program Evaluation of a Summer Research Training Institute for American Indian and Alaska Native Health Professionals
Background/purpose\nPublic health and medical studies in American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have not commonly included AI/AN researchers in principal roles. This leadership disparity may be attributed, in part, to the low numbers of AI/AN researchers who have sufficient training and leadership experience to plan and conduct epidemiologic and health research studies. Under Indian Health Service and National Institutes of Health fu…
Targeted Intervention Strategies to Increase and Maintain Mammography Utilization Among African American Women
Objectives. We assessed the impact of a theory-based, culturally relevant intervention designed to increase mammography screening among African American women in 8 underserved counties in Alabama. Methods. Using principles derived from the Stages of Change, Community Health Advisor, and Community Empowerment models, we developed strategies to increase mammography screening. Trained volunteers (N = 143) provided tailored messages to encourage adop…
Fatalism and Cancer Screening in Appalachian Kentucky
Fatalism may play a role in Appalachians' views about cancer screening and contribute to high rates of cancer incidence and mortality, but few studies have explored this issue. A probability telephone survey was conducted of 696 adults living in 51 Appalachian Kentucky counties inquiring about intentions to obtain cancer screening. The Life Orientation Test-Revised as a surrogate measure for fatalism and logistic regression was used to predict sc…
P2-62 Early detection of colorectal cancer in the US in Appalachia
Colorectal cancer is currently the 3 rd leading cause of cancer death worldwide. For rural, medically underserved populations in the US, and particularly in Appalachia, the burden of this disease is even greater. Elevated colorectal cancer rates in rural populations represents a missed opportunity for early detection through screening. Low screening rates are particularly concerning for Appalachia because of poverty and limited access to healthca…
Barriers to CRC Screening Among Latino Adults in Pennsylvania
A targeted approach for CRC screening among Latinos may be better than the nontargeted approach
Seeking Health Advice From Social Networks in Low-income Urban Neighborhoods
Findings support the need for multidisciplinary strategies for disseminating health information through informal social networks
Evaluation of Patient Needs and Patient Navigator Communication About Cervical Cancer Prevention in Appalachian Kentucky
Few studies describe the way patient navigation processes may address disparities in treatment and follow-up care for medically underserved populations. Using a social ecological framework, we analyzed survey assessments of 519 patients completing a randomized navigation trial in Appalachia Kentucky to examine patient-reported barriers to follow-up cervical cancer care. We also analyzed in-depth interview transcripts with four lay patient navigat…
Predictors of Initial Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake Among Rural Appalachian Young Women
Intention to Breastfeed as a Predictor of Initiation of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Hispanic Women
The National Cancer Institute’s Community Networks Program Initiative to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
Findings demonstrate the value of government-supported, community-academic, CBPR partnerships in cancer prevention and control research
Caregiver Perceptions of Their Influence on Cancer Treatment Decision Making
Serious illness of a loved one can disrupt a caregiver's sense of self and relationships. We examined the language caregivers use to describe the cancer treatment decision making of a loved one to understand how caregivers frame their own identity relative to a patient's illness. We analyzed transcripts from in-depth interviews conducted with caregivers ( N = 58) of cancer patients to examine the intersection among language, identity, and illness…
Promoting Culturally Respectful Cancer Education Through Digital Storytelling
Cancer is the leading cause of mortality among Alaska Native people. Over half of Alaska Native people live in rural communities where specially trained community members called Community Health Aides/Practitioners (CHA/Ps) provide health care. In response to CHA/Ps’ expressed desire to learn more about cancer, four 5-day cancer education and digital storytelling courses were provided in 2014. Throughout each course, participants explored cancer …
Medicine (30 works) · Psychology (21 works) · Gerontology (15 works) · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening (14 works) · Environmental health (13 works) · Internal Medicine (13 works) · Nursing (13 works) · Cancer (12 works) · Demography (10 works) · Political science (9 works)