Participation in a sigmoidoscopic colorectal cancer screening program: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Preventive Medicine
• Health Psychology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Limited understanding of factors influencing endoscopic screening participation.
• Colorectal cancer screening programs aim to reduce mortality.
• Psychosocial determinants are key to improving screening uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze psychosocial associations of participation and nonparticipation in sigmoidoscopic colorectal cancer screening.
• To identify key factors influencing uptake in a Dutch target population.
• To inform strategies for enhancing screening program engagement.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study conducted among Dutch individuals aged 50-60 years attending an internal medicine clinic.
• Participants (n=200) received information about the sigmoidoscopic screening procedure.
• Questionnaires assessed psychosocial factors in participants and nonparticipants who wished to join the study.

Main Results:

• A participation rate of 45% was observed in the sigmoidoscopic colorectal cancer screening program.
• Self-efficacy, the perceived difficulty of screening participation, was the strongest predictor.
• Response efficacy (beliefs about screening outcomes) and social support also showed significant associations with participation.

Conclusions:

• Self-efficacy is a critical determinant of participation in colorectal cancer screening.
• Enhancing perceived self-efficacy and addressing social support may improve screening program uptake.
• Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions based on these psychosocial factors.