Predictors of Stages of Adoption for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Primary Care Patients in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose Although colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs are known and recommended for reducing the mortality and morbidity rates from CRC, the adherence rates for the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy are low among adult individuals. Moreover, CRC screening behaviors of primary health care patients remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors of stages of adoption for CRC screening in primary health care patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in primary health care centers with 498 adults between the ages of 50 and 70 years. The data were collected using the “Descriptive Form” and the “Instruments to Measure CRC Screening Benefits and Barriers.” Results The results indicate that colonoscopy was better known compared to FOBT, and information sources of screening tests were mostly relatives and family physicians. Most participants were at the precontemplation stage. Education level, employment status, income level, health status, having a patient diagnosed with CRC in the family, and having information about screening were related to the perception of benefits of having a FOBT and colonoscopy. On the other hand, adherence to colonoscopy, lack of knowledge about screening, and provider recommendation were related to perceived barriers. In addition, perceived benefits and barriers were predictive factors of earlier stages of adoption for FOBT and colonoscopy. Conclusion The results of the study demonstrate that primary care providers have crucial roles for increasing CRC screening in the community. Interventions to improve screening adherence rates should be tailored to individuals in particular stages of adoption for CRC screening.