UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:Despite the benefits of early detection, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death. This study tested an interactive, computer-assisted cancer screening educational intervention delivered in primary care settings. Tailored messages, delivered through the intervention, were designed to address health beliefs and knowledge of CRC screening. The theoretical framework that integrated principles of the Transtheoretical and Health Belief Models guided the educational intervention.

Methods:Participants were recruited from two primary care settings (n=75) and surveyed pre- and post-intervention; 95% were men and 88% were African American; mean age was 55.7 (sd=5.3); the majority reported graduating from college.

Results:The descriptive analysis of pre-intervention data indicates that CRC risk perceptions did not differ significantly by stage of readiness for any screening test. The majority of participants were in the contemplation stage for fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (60%), precontemplation stage for sigmoidoscopy (61%), and contemplation stage for colonoscopy (51%). Age was significantly different by stage for FOBT and colonoscopy (p < 0.01); primary differences were between those in precontemplation relapse and contemplation and contemplation relapse; and between precontemplators and those in contemplation and contemplation relapse, respectively. Participants in precontemplation relapse had the highest mean age. Self-efficacy was only significantly different for FOBT. Significant benefits items included “to take control of my health”, “find colon polyps early”, while barriers included “not planning to see the doctor soon”, “not knowing where to go for screening tests”, and transportation issues. Implications for intervention development will be discussed.