Intention to screen for colorectal cancer among white male employees

This study identifies factors associated with employee intention to participate in a company-sponsored program of continuous screening for colorectal cancer. Automobile industry pattern and model makers who had been offered screening for over a decade were included in the study.

Data were collected at the outset of a randomized trial of screening and nutrition interventions. A baseline survey was mailed to 4,490 white men without a history of colorectal cancer. This mailing generated complete responses from 2,693 (60%) individuals. Survey data obtained for these men, including measures of cognitive and psychological representations related to colorectal screening, social influence, and intention to screen, were supplemented by background information gathered from employment records of these men. Workplace screening services were documented via a survey of plant health care professionals.

Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported a high level of intention to screen. Multivariate analyses showed that intention to screen was positively associated with employee past participation in screening, belief in the salience and coherence of screening, belief in screening efficacy, perceived self-efficacy, belief that polyp removal prevents colorectal cancer, perceived personal susceptibility to colorectal cancer or polyps, receptivity to family member support for screening, and workplace scheduling of screening examinations.

Factors associated with intention to screen may contribute to participation in continuous screening programs. Research is needed to assess the impact of interventions that facilitate appointment scheduling, provide tailored education about screening, and encourage lay support.