Influences on participation in a community‐based colorectal neoplasia screening program by virtual colonoscopy in Australia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of certain personal and health behaviour characteristics on participation in a community-based colorectal neoplasia (CRN) screening program using virtual colonoscopy. Methods: The study population comprised randomly selected subjects from the State electoral roll; screening by virtual colonoscopy was offered through letter of invitation. For non-responders, a further invitation was sent a month later. Nonresponse after a further month led to subjects being considered non-participants. Non-participants were contacted by letter to complete a structured questionnaire; participants completed a similar questionnaire immediately after their screening virtual colonoscopy. Results: Discussing the invitation to screening with someone else increased the likelihood of participation by 63% (prevalence ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.38-1.93); knowing someone with cancer increased the likelihood of participation by 23% (PR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07-1.42). Among participants who discussed screening with another individual, the spouse was the most common (71%). Subjects who were single were less likely to participate (PR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.94). The strongest reported influence for participation was information provided in the letter of invitation (29.8%). The most common reasons for non-participation were lack of time and perceived good health. Conclusions and Implications:This study suggests that a simple strategy to facilitate participation is to encourage subjects to discuss screening with others; further, to recognise that this may be most difficult for those who are single. Information provided to subjects prior to screening positively contributes to participation.

Sociodemographic and health-related predictors of self-reported mammogram, faecal occult blood test and prostate specific antigen test use in a large Australian study

“…This result is consistent with studies showing that often people state that lack of time is a reason for not participating in bowel screening [47,48]. That is, those in fulltime work have less free time to be screened.…”

Effect of Roy Adaptation Model on Sexual Function and Spousal Support among Women after Total Hysterectomy.

“…Present results showed that women who perceived higher spousal support had more positive beliefs towards a their hysterectomy, including perceived higher benefits, lower barriers, and higher norms. Similar findings regarding the influence of spouse on screening participation was also found in [38].Forbes and colleagues investigated influences on participation in a community-based colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy. They found that among women, who discussed screening with another individual, the spouse was the most common and such discussion increased the likelihood of screening participation by 23%.…”

“…They found that among women, who discussed screening with another individual, the spouse was the most common and such discussion increased the likelihood of screening participation by 23%. [ 38 ] The present study provided additional quantitative evidence on the influence of spousal support on gynecological cancer screening beliefs among Chinese women Furthermore; current study suggested that women with lower education or health status tend to perceive lower spousal support. This in turn, might negatively influence their screening beliefs or intention.…”

Population characteristics related to colorectal cancer testing in New South Wales, Australia: results from the 45 and Up Study cohort

“…Previous studies have found that barriers to screening include a lack of symptoms or perceived good health, indicating a lack of knowledge regarding the purposes of screening, 11,12,16,17 embarrassment/distaste for stool collection, and lack of time/don't care. 16,17 Evidence suggests that colorectal screening participation in Australia is likely to be increased by encouragement from general practitioners and information materials provided with screening invitations.…”