Influences on participation in a community-based colorectal neoplasia screening program by virtual colonoscopy in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of certain personal and health behaviour characteristics on participation in a community-based colorectal neoplasia (CRN) screening program using virtual colonoscopy.


METHODS
The study population comprised randomly selected subjects from the State electoral roll; screening by virtual colonoscopy was offered through letter of invitation. For non-responders, a further invitation was sent a month later. Non-response after a further month led to subjects being considered non-participants. Non-participants were contacted by letter to complete a structured questionnaire; participants completed a similar questionnaire immediately after their screening virtual colonoscopy.


RESULTS
Discussing the invitation to screening with someone else increased the likelihood of participation by 63% (prevalence ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.38-1.93); knowing someone with cancer increased the likelihood of participation by 23% (PR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07-1.42). Among participants who discussed screening with another individual, the spouse was the most common (71%). Subjects who were single were less likely to participate (PR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.94). The strongest reported influence for participation was information provided in the letter of invitation (29.8%). The most common reasons for non-participation were lack of time and perceived good health.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that a simple strategy to facilitate participation is to encourage subjects to discuss screening with others; further, to recognise that this may be most difficult for those who are single. Information provided to subjects prior to screening positively contributes to participation.
Forbes
Geoffrey M
GM
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia. geoff.forbes@health.wa.gov.au
Fritschi
Lin
L
Mendelson
Richard M
RM
Foster
Noellene M
NM
Edwards
John T
JT
D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010358:Patient Participation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires