title: The impact of computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and perceived usability and acceptability on the efficacy of a decision support tool for colorectal cancer screening.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the efficacy of an internet-based personalized decision support (PDS) tool designed to aid in the decision to screen for colorectal cancer (CRC) using a fecal occult blood test. We tested whether the efficacy of the tool in influencing attitudes to screening was mediated by perceived usability and acceptability, and considered the role of computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety in these relationships.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-one participants aged 50-76 years worked through the on-line PDS tool and completed questionnaires on computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, attitudes to and beliefs about CRC screening before and after exposure to the PDS, and perceived usability and acceptability of the tool.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Repeated measures ANOVA found that PDS exposure led to a significant increase in knowledge about CRC and screening, and more positive attitudes to CRC screening as measured by factors from the Preventive Health Model. Perceived usability and acceptability of the PDS mediated changes in attitudes toward CRC screening (but not CRC knowledge), and computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety were significant predictors of individuals' perceptions of the tool.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventions designed to decrease computer anxiety, such as computer courses and internet training, may improve the acceptability of new health information technologies including internet-based decision support tools, increasing their impact on behavior change.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: Katrina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lindblom
authors.forename: Tess
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gregory
authors.forename: Carlene
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Ingrid H K
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Flight
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zajac
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013021:South Australia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires