Predictors of Nonadherence to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Hospitalized Women

Despite proven mortality benefit, disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening utilization persist, especially among younger women, minorities, and low-income women, even those who are insured. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and estimate the effects of sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with nonadherence to CRC screening among hospitalized women.

A cross-sectional bedside survey was conducted to collect sociodemographic and clinical comorbidity data believed to affect CRC screening adherence of hospitalized women aged 50 to 75 years who were cancer free (except skin cancer) at enrollment. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between these factors and nonadherence CRC screening.

In total, 510 women were enrolled for participation in the study. After adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical predictors, only two variables were found to be independently associated with nonadherence to CRC screening: age younger than 60 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58-4.33) and nonadherence to breast cancer screening (OR 3.72, 95% CI 2.29-6.04). By contrast, hospitalized women at high risk for CRC were more likely to be compliant with CRC screening (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04-0.50).

Both younger age and behavior toward screening remain barriers to CRC screening. Hospitalization creates an environment where patients are in close proximity to healthcare resources, and strategies could be used to capitalize on this opportunity to counsel, educate, and motivate patients toward this screening that is necessary for health maintenance. Seizing on this opportunity may help improve CRC screening adherence.