Association between health literacy and colorectal cancer screening behaviors in adults in Northwestern Turkey

Abstract

Background In this study, aimed to determine the frequency of participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings, the factors affecting participation and the association between CRC screening behaviors and health literacy (HL). Methods This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 408 people residing in Kirklareli, a province in Northwestern Turkey, between August and November 2019. Results CRC screenings participation prevalence was 21.1%. Of them, 17.2% participated in fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) screenings, 7.6% participated in colonoscopy screenings, and 86.5% had inadequate or limited-problematic HL. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of not participating in CRC screenings was high in the participants who worked at a paid job (OR: 3.001, 95% CI: 1.018–8.850), who did not do any physical activity regularly (OR: 2.516, 95% CI: 1.251–5.060), who were not aware of the presence of an early diagnosis test for CRC (OR: 32.613, 95% CI: 13.338–79.742), who did not have a person having had CRC screening in their immediate environment (OR: 3.562, 95% CI: 1.752–7.240) and who had sufficient or excellent HL (OR: 3.324, 95% CI: 1.128–9.796). According to adjusted for some characteristics, there was no significant association between participation in CRC screenings and THLS-sub-dimensions and THLS-processes (P>0.05). Conclusions Participation in CRC screenings was low, and those with a high HL level were more likely not to participate in CRC screenings. Working status, knowledge and awareness levels affected the participation to CRC screenings. To encourage people to participate in screenings and to improve their HL, awareness-raising attempts for target groups should be increased.

Colon Cancer Disparities in Stage at Presentation and Time to Surgery for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: A Study with Disaggregated Ethnic Groups

“…Indeed, multiple studies have found that greater health literacy regarding colon cancer can increase colonoscopy rates and healthseeking behavior more broadly, potentially reducing delays in care. [40][41][42][43] Although our models adjusted for sociodemographic factors such as educational attainment, income, and insurance status, social disadvantage in the form of increased exposure to health risks and reduced access to healthy behaviors and care resources may help explain the disparities we found in stage-at-presentation and time-tosurgery delays, as well as provide avenues for policy action.…”

Cancer Screening Behaviors and Health Literacy Levels of Women aged 30 and over

“…In a multicenter study, the average participation rate in colorectal cancers scans in the Asia-Paci c region was 27%, with the highest participation rate in the Philippines and the lowest in India [40]. Similarly, in some studies conducted with adults, the frequency of participation in the FBOT was twice as high as in colonoscopy scans [41,42]. Various reasons reduce participation in cancer screenings, and it is vital to determine the relevant factors to solve these reasons.…”

Uptake patterns and predictors of colorectal cancer screening among adults resident in Spain: A population-based study from 2017 to 2020

“…Although Zamorano et al ( 14 ) found no association, Thompson et al ( 43 ) reported results that corroborated our findings, suggesting that physical activity was associated with increased participation rates. In this regard, it is believed that people who engage in healthy habits would be responsive to early screening procedures for disease control ( 44 ). Finally, findings from our study, as well as others ( 41 , 45 ), have shown that current smoking is significantly related with a reduced likelihood of screening.…”