Online Program

278584
Factors affecting decision to screen for colorectal cancer: A qualitative assessment


Monday, November 4, 2013

James Cocroft, MA, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
Melissa DiCarlo, MPH, MS, Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Population Science, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
Heather Bittner-Fagan, MD, FAAFP, MPH, Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, DE
Nora Katurakes, RN, MSN, OCN, Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, DE
Randa Sifri, MD, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
Ronald E. Myers, PhD, Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Population Science, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
Background: Factors affecting colorectal cancer (CRC) screening decision stage (SDS) (i.e., decided against or never heard of (DA/NHO), not considering or undecided (NCU), decided to do (DTD), screened) are not well-documented. We seek to address this literature gap. Methods: Primary care patients ages 50-79 reported sociodemographic background, CRC screening perceptions, and SDS at baseline. Respondents were randomized to usual care, a standard intervention (mailed screening kit), or tailored navigation intervention (TNI) (mailed screening kit and telephone contact). At navigation, TNI participants reported current SDS and primary reason for SDS. Reasons were categorized using triangulation and classified either as a barrier or facilitator. Categories included: worry about CRC risk, belief in screening efficacy, perceived screening convenience, concern about screening procedure, social support, and cost. We analyzed associations between reported barriers versus facilitators and SDS. Results: TNI participant (n=242) sociodemographic background: white (80%), female (67%), 50-59 years of age (69%), > HS education (56%), married (64%). Baseline SDS: DA/NHO (3%), NCU (17%), DTD (80%). Navigation SDS: DA/NHO (3%), NCU (9%), DTD (75%), screened (13%). DA/NHO respondents reported only screening barriers. NCU respondents reported more barriers than facilitators (73% vs. 27%). DTD respondents reported more facilitators than barriers (87% vs. 13%). Screeners reported more facilitators than barriers (87% vs. 13%). Reporting a screening facilitator versus a barrier was positively and significantly associated with SDS (OR=34.4, 95% CI:11.4,104.2). Conclusion: Participants with lower SDS tended to report screening barriers, while those with higher SDS tended to report screening facilitators. Further research may elucidate these findings.

Learning Areas:

Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Define colorectal cancer screening decision stage Identify barriers to and facilitators of screening decision stage Explain whether barriers and facilitators are associated with screening decision stage

Keyword(s): Cancer Screening, Primary Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a Doctor of Public Health degree candidate, studying Community Health and Prevention, and also have a Master of Public Health degree. I have over 13 years of experience in the public health field, including over 7 years of experience conducting research in cancer prevention and control.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.