The effect of knowledge and health beliefs about colorectal cancer on screening behaviour

Abstract

Aims and objectives To determine the effect of the knowledge and health beliefs of individuals about colorectal cancer on their screening behaviour. Background Colorectal cancer ranks third among the most common cancers both worldwide and in Turkey. Colorectal cancer plays an important role in cancer mortality but can be prevented by promoting healthy behaviour and participation in early screening programmes. Design This descriptive study was completed with 114 women and 121 men. Methods The study data were collected using the ‘Data collection form' and ‘Health Belief Model Scale for Protection from Colorectal Cancer'. Potential risk factors were investigated using logistic regression analyses. The AGREE checklist was completed. Results The colorectal cancer screening tests were known by 23.0% of the subjects and 17% had undergone one of these tests. The score medians obtained from the confidence‐benefit subscale of Health Belief Model Scale for Protection from Colorectal Cancer were found to be significantly higher in those who had undergone colorectal cancer screening. Logistic regression analysis revealed that having knowledge of the relevant tests was associated with undergoing colorectal cancer screening. Conclusions Having knowledge on colorectal cancer screening tests increases the relevant confidence‐benefit perception regarding the tests and the behaviour of participating in screening programmes. Regular training on colorectal cancer and early diagnosis should therefore be provided by healthcare professionals to both women and men aged 50–70 years to increase the rate of undergoing early screening tests. Relevance to clinical practice Increasing the rate of early screening is among the responsibilities of health workers working in primary health centres. Therefore, problems that prevent individuals from participating in these programmes need to be identified. In this way, health workers will develop suggestions and initiatives that change the individual's health beliefs and increase motivation.

The health belief model and colorectal cancer screening in the general population: A systematic review

“…al., 2013 and Champion et. al., 2014 Sociodemographics HBM constructs (Perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, perceived benefits) Fear of CRC Past CRC screening behaviour Perceived barriers negatively associated with past CRC screening ( Sohler et al, 2015 ) USA 1101 50–75 (Mean age 57 years) 112 Hispanic, 67 Black, 60 Non-hispanic White, 11 Other Cross-sectional Convenience sampling from primary care clinics in four states; study comprised baseline measure for CRC screening RCT 13-item Instrument based on EHBM Sociodemographics Knowledge of CRC risk factors and screening HBM constructs (Perceived barriers, cues to action, self-efficacy) CRC screening uptake (at 12-month follow-up in RCT) Cues to action and self-efficacy positively associated with CRC screening uptake (colonoscopy only) ( Taheri-Kharameh et al, 2016 ) Iran 200 50 and above (Mean age 62 years) 200 Iranians Cross-sectional Convenience sampling from outpatient clinics in three teaching hospitals 36-item Champion's Health Belief Model Scale using a 5-point Likert scale Sociodemographics Family history of CRC Knowledge of CRC and screening HBM constructs (Perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, perceived benefits) Health motivation Past CRC screening behaviour Knowledge of CRC and screening positively associated with past CRC screening Perceived barriers negatively associated with past CRC screening ( Taş et al, 2019 ) Turkey 235 50–70 (Mean age 59 years) 235 Turks Cross-sectional Convenience sampling from one family health center 33-item instrument based on Health Belief Model Scale for Protection from Colorectal Cancer, evaluated in Tureky by Ozsoy et. al., 2007, using a 5-point Likert scale Sociodemographics Family and personal history of CRC Knowledge of CRC risk factors, symptoms, screening HBM constructs (Perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, perceived benefits) Health motivation Past CRC screening behaviour Knowledge of CRC screening positively associated with past CRC screening ( Tastan et al, 2013 ) Turkey 160 50 and above (Mean age 61 years) …”

“…Participants’ knowledge of colorectal cancer (e.g. risk factors, symptoms, screening modalities) was directly associated with screening intention or behaviour in six articles ( Almadi et al, 2015 , Khani Jeihooni et al, 2017 , Ng et al, 2007 , Koo et al, 2012 , Taheri-Kharameh et al, 2016 , Taş et al, 2019 ). The next most common modifying factors with a direct association were the age of the participant (in three articles) ( Azaiza and Cohen, 2008 , Janz et al, 2003 , Lee et al, 2019 ), and a family or personal history of colorectal cancer (in three articles) ( Azaiza and Cohen, 2008 , Ben Natan et al, 2019 , Wong et al, 2013 ).…”

“…As all included studies were of cross-sectional design, we assessed risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies ( Moola et al, 2017 ). Seven studies either failed to provide clear sample inclusion criteria or describe the study setting and population ( Macrae et al, 1984 , Ben Natan et al, 2019 , Tastan et al, 2013 , Taş et al, 2019 , Sammut et al, 2019 ). Nearly half the included studies utilised non-random sampling ( Macrae et al, 1984 , Almadi et al, 2015 , Gorin, 2005 , Ben Natan et al, 2019 , Dashdebi et al, 2016 , Hay et al, 2003 , Lin et al, 2019 , Menon et al, 2007 , Sohler et al, 2015 , Lee et al, 2019 , Lee and Im, 2013 , Taheri-Kharameh et al, 2016 ).…”

Knowledge, attitude, preventive practices and perceived barriers to screening about colorectal cancer among university students of newly merged district, Kpk, Pakistan – A cross-sectional study

“…17 The possible barriers to the implementation of CRC screening are related to the health system, the individual, or to the test itself. 18 Primary healthcare provider (PHPs) perceived barriers to CRC screening are inability to access patient medical records concerning family CRC history, shortage of time and increased patient turnover. Other barriers to PHPs include, lack of system for reminding CRC risk factors, failure of patient to follow CRC testing and underrating the importance of CRC screening by the patients.…”

Knowledge Translation of Scholarly Publishing Impacts on Public Health

“…These changes are transforming sea ice for Inuit from a place that is 'theirs', a place that means cultural and individual freedom and autonomy and is an important source of health [7]. Knowing colorectal cancer screening tests increases the relevant confidence and benefit perception [8].…”