Disgusted, embarrassed, annoyed: affective associations relate to uptake of colonoscopy screening.
BACKGROUND
Uptake of colorectal cancer screening is lower than desired. Screening decision making research has traditionally focused on benefits and barriers to screening. This study examines the relation of affective associations with screening (feelings and emotions associated with screening) to colonoscopy screening uptake.


METHODS
Participants were 103 African American community adults. Participants completed a structured interview assessing perceived benefits of and barriers to colonoscopy screening, affective associations with colonoscopy, colonoscopy screening behavior, and intentions for future screening.


RESULTS
Higher positive and lower negative affective associations with screening were both significant predictors of colonoscopy uptake. Affective associations fully mediated the relation of perceived benefits and barriers to screening uptake. Affective associations were associated with intentions for future screening.


CONCLUSIONS
Incorporation of affective associations into models of screening decision making and intervention approaches to address screening compliance has utility for advancing our understanding of screening adherence as well as increasing screening rates.
Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, 314 Kimball Tower, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA, mtk8@buffalo.edu.
Marc T
MT
Kiviniemi
Lina
L
Jandorf
Deborah O
DO
Erwin
D000339:Affect; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*