Higher satisfaction with an alternative collection device for stool sampling in colorectal cancer screening with fecal immunochemical test: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundIdentifying preferences for stool collection devices may help increase uptake rates for colorectal cancer screening via fecal immunochemical test (FIT). This study surveyed satisfaction with different devices utilized to collect stool samples for FIT: a conventional container and a sampling bottle (Eiken OC-Sensor).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Cancer Center, Korea. Participants aged 50–74 years who used either a conventional container or a sampling bottle to collect a stool sample for FIT were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to survey their satisfaction with the stool collection process and their intentions to undergo FIT in subsequent screening rounds. In total, 1657 participants (1224 conventional container, 433 sampling bottle) were included for analysis.ResultsSatisfaction with the sampling bottle was higher than that with the conventional container (79.9% vs.73.0%, p = 0.005, respectively; aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.16–2.00). Participants satisfied with the sampling bottle were more likely to be female, be of younger age (50–64 years old), have higher household income, and have prior experience with FIT. Intentions to undergo subsequent screening were stronger among those given the sampling bottle than those given the conventional container (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.28–2 .48).ConclusionsSatisfaction with the stool collection process was higher with the sampling bottle. However, additional studies are needed to validate whether the increased satisfaction and stronger intentions to undergo subsequent screening with the sampling bottle could actually lead to increased uptake in subsequent rounds, along with analysis of the device’s cost effectiveness.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4290-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Have We Addressed Concerns and Needs of the Target Population?

“…In line with what has been said, ease of use [114,[132][133][134][135][136] was consistently cited as one of the main factors that could facilitate stool-based screening uptake, with participants requesting "clarity of instructions" [133], "simpler instructions" [114] and "simple and large font instructions" [134].…”

“…These, however, as reported by Morling et al [133], who investigated the preferences of 679 individuals, are less preferred than the standard container methods (44.6% found the sample collection with the FCD more difficult vs. only 38.4% found it easier). In contrast, in the study by Shin et al [135], the sampling bottle, consisting of "a small tube comprising a thin and long sampling probe with a grooved, spiraling tip and a twistable structure to open the cap" (typically employed in OC-Sensor quantitative FIT), was preferred over the conventional FOBT container (79.9% being satisfied with the sampling bottle vs. 73% with the conventional container). The intention to undergo future screening was also higher in the group preferring the sampling bottle compared to the conventional container (aOR 1.78 [1.28-2.48]).…”

Trends of Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in Korea: Korean National Cancer Screening Survey 2005–2020

“…Hong et al 26 found that CRC screening rates in rural areas in Korea increased when the FIT kit for stool sampling was postally distributed and collected to and from each subject. Shin et al 27 also found that the participants' satisfaction and intention to undergo subsequent screening became higher when the conventional container for stool sampling was changed to a more convenient sampling bottle. These results suggest that an improvement in the inconvenience of FIT can increase CRC screening rates.…”

Increase in the Colorectal Cancer Screening Rate by a Round-Mailed Fecal Immunochemical Testing Kit and Associated Factors in Underserved Regions of Korea: A Community-Based Intervention Study

“…In addition, our study is also meaningful as an intervention using a more convenient and satisfactory tool for sampling (the FIT kit or sampling bottle), which differs from the conventional container used for the NCSP. 29 However, it is important to note that even though FIT is accepted as a cost-effective screening tool that is suitable for programmatic screening, 6,12 a postal FIT screening program needs to be carefully designed and implemented based on thorough consideration of economic impact, competence of the eligible population, and local conditions in the target region.…”