Social Cognitive Mediators of Sociodemographic Differences in Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake.
BACKGROUND
This study examined if and how sociodemographic differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake can be explained by social cognitive factors.


METHODS
Face-to-face interviews were conducted with individuals aged 60-70 years (n = 1309) living in England as part of a population-based omnibus survey.


RESULTS
There were differences in screening uptake by SES, marital status, ethnicity, and age but not by gender. Perceived barriers (stand. b = -0.40, p < 0.001), social norms (stand. b = 0.33, p < 0.001), and screening knowledge (stand. b = 0.17, p < 0.001) had independent associations with uptake. SES differences in uptake were mediated through knowledge, social norms, and perceived barriers. Ethnic differences were mediated through knowledge. Differences in uptake by marital status were primarily mediated through social norms and to a lesser extent through knowledge. Age differences were largely unmediated, except for a small mediated effect via social norms.


CONCLUSIONS
Sociodemographic differences in CRC screening uptake were largely mediated through social cognitive factors. Impact. Our findings suggest that multifaceted interventions might be needed to reduce socioeconomic inequalities. Ethnic differences might be reduced through improved screening knowledge. Normative interventions could emphasise screening as an activity endorsed by important others outside the immediate family to appeal to a wider audience.
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Siu Hing
SH
Lo
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Jo
J
Waller
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Charlotte
C
Vrinten
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Lindsay
L
Kobayashi
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Christian
C
von Wagner
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012923:Social Class