The access to colorectal cancer screening in Thai average-risk population: a situational study

BACKGROUND: Screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a national policy of Thailand to support early cancer detection. However, most of the Thai average-risk population does not have access to screening. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of access to CRC screening of the average-risk population in Thailand and examine the factors influencing access to CRC screening based on Andersen’s behavioral model. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven primary healthcare centers in all regions of Thailand. A sample of 530 Thai average-risk population aged 50 to 70 years was recruited and completed a survey to identify predisposing, enabling, and need factors, and access to CRC screening was determined. Logistic regression was applied to analyze factors influencing access to CRC screening. RESULTS: The prevalence of access to CRC screening in this study was 51.5%. The reception of information were the most significant enabling factors for access to CRC screening. The odds ratio of access to CRC screening increased by 4.23 times when the reception of information score increased by one unit (p < 0.001) when adjusted for other variables. In addition, awareness was a significant predisposing factor, and comorbidity was a significant need factor. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of access to CRC screening in Thailand remains lower than the global average screening rate for CRC. This study informs reception of information is crucial to promote access to CRC screening by advising CRC screening among the average-risk population, particularly people who have less comorbidity. Relevant information materials should be developed and disseminated to the public to raise awareness among the population.