Factors affecting colonoscopy comfort and compliance: a questionnaire based multicenter study

Colonoscopy screening reduces colorectal cancer-related mortality and incidence. However, many patients are reluctant to undergo colonoscopy or return for follow-up because of the investigation's cumbersome and unpleasant nature. We aimed to identify patient-related factors significantly influencing comfort and quality of colonoscopy analyzing responses to a self-administered validated questionnaire.

Patients undergoing colonoscopy under sedation in two high-volume endoscopy units were invited to answer a short prevalidated questionnaire regarding preprocedure anxiety, satisfaction with information provided, most worrisome aspect of the procedure and knowledge of the benefits of colonoscopy. Self-reported comfort during colonoscopy as graded on a 10 point visual analog scale was the main variable considered. Univariate analysis identified factors possibly associated with a higher degree of comfort during colonoscopy that were then tested through multivariate logistical regression.

452 questionnaires were returned. Most patients reported an acceptable degree of discomfort during colonoscopy but 70.2% of the respondents considered the information provided prior to the procedure to be insufficient. On multivariate analysis older age, higher degree of satisfaction with information provided (p = 0.04), lower preprocedure anxiety levels (p < 0.01) and endoscopy center (p < 0.01) were shown to correlate with increased comfort during colonoscopy. Education level, previous colonoscopy, gender and bowel prep quality did not influence patient comfort.

Patient comfort during colonoscopy is dependent on satisfaction with the information provided before the procedure. Higher availability of the physician and better interaction with the patient might decrease patient perceived burden of colonoscopy and lead to higher return rates in the screening and surveillance setting.