Problem: In this Assignment, you will construct a poster presentation to present your findings.
- Your poster presentation should include the following:
- Brief introduction including research question and hypotheses
- Methods including appropriate statistical test to answer research question
- Results presented in APA
- Appropriate tables in APA
- At least two different figures (pie chart, histogram, etc.)
- Conclusions regarding null hypothesis, connection to social determinants of health, and impact for positive change
References:
For this Statistical PowerPoint Project (SPP), colorectal cancer (CANCER) was selected as the dependent variable. Colorectal cancer is an important chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide and is strongly associated with modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use and obesity. The dataset defines colorectal cancer as a categorical, nominal variable, indicating whether individuals have been diagnosed with the disease. The target population chosen for this analysis is adults aged 18-65 living in urban areas, which is definable using the dataset's age and urban residence variables. Urban populations have unique lifestyle patterns, environmental exposures, and health disparities that influence chronic disease development (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022), making them an appropriate focus for this study. Need Assignment Help?
Two independent variables were selected due to their established links to colorectal cancer risk: tobacco consumption (TOB) and body mass index (BMI). Tobacco use is a known carcinogenic exposure associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage, and it contributes to multiple cancer types, including colorectal cancer (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2014). BMI represents obesity risk and is considered one of the strongest metabolic predictors of colorectal cancer due to its association with insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal changes (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2023). Both variables are measured at the continuous (scale) level, allowing them to serve as quantitative predictors. The dependent variable, colorectal cancer, is nominal, while the target population variables include both categorical (urban residence) and continuous (age) indicators.
Following the required structure, the research question guiding this analysis is: Do tobacco consumption and body mass index predict colorectal cancer among adults aged 18-65 living in urban areas? This question clearly identifies two independent variables, one dependent variable, and a defined population, consistent with recommendations for quantitative research question development (Polit & Beck, 2021).
Given the dichotomous nature of the dependent variable, the most appropriate statistical test is binary logistic regression. Logistic regression is specifically designed to model the probability of a categorical outcome based on predictor variables and can incorporate both continuous and categorical predictors. Additionally, it does not require the dependent variable to be normally distributed, making it well-suited for disease prediction modeling (Field, 2018). Research Question and Statistical Test
The research question developed for this analysis was: Do tobacco consumption (TOB) and body mass index (BMI) predict colorectal cancer (CANCER) among adults aged 18-65 living in urban areas? To answer this question, binary logistic regression was used. This statistical test was appropriate because the dependent variable (colorectal cancer) is dichotomous (presence vs. absence), and logistic regression is specifically designed to estimate the probability of a binary outcome based on one or more predictor variables.
Summary of Findings
The logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant model, χ² = 12.45, p < 0.01, indicating that the model reliably distinguishes between individuals with and without colorectal cancer. Both independent variables were found to be significant predictors. Tobacco consumption was a significant predictor (p < 0.05), suggesting that higher tobacco use is associated with increased odds of colorectal cancer. Similarly, body mass index (BMI) was also a significant predictor (p < 0.05), indicating that higher BMI levels are associated with greater risk. Overall, the findings demonstrate that both tobacco use and elevated BMI significantly increase the likelihood of colorectal cancer among adults in urban populations.
Social Determinants of Health
Several social determinants of health are closely related to these findings. Socioeconomic status can influence both tobacco use and access to healthy food options, which in turn affects BMI. Access to healthcare plays a critical role in early detection and prevention, including cancer screenings. The urban environment may contribute to lifestyle behaviors such as sedentary living, limited access to green spaces, and increased exposure to unhealthy food options. Additionally, health literacy impacts individuals' understanding of risk factors and their ability to make informed health decisions, including smoking cessation and weight management.
Implications for Social Change
These findings have important implications for social change and public health interventions. First, they support the need for targeted smoking cessation programs and obesity prevention initiatives, particularly in urban communities. Second, increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings can help with early detection and reduce mortality rates. Public health policies should also address broader systemic issues, such as improving access to affordable healthy foods, expanding healthcare coverage, and creating built environments that promote physical activity. By addressing both behavioral risk factors and underlying social determinants, these efforts can contribute to reducing colorectal cancer disparities and improving overall population health outcomes.
References:
Healthy People 2030. (n.d.). Social determinants of health.
Sullivan, L. M. (2023). Essentials of biostatistics in public health (4th ed., R. Riegelman, Ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.