Factors related to the intention to perform a fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening, based on the Health Belief Model and health literacy: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers, accounting for approximately 10% of cancer-related deaths. This study aimed to determine determine factors associated with the intention to perform a fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening, based on the health belief model and health literacy.

METHODS

In this descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study, 170 elderly people were selected through multi-stage simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising demographic and background characteristics, health literacy questions, and the Health Belief Model constructs. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 through descriptive and analytical tests.

RESULTS

Logistic regression results showed that self-efficacy (OR = 1.40, P = .000), access dimension (OR = 0.28, P = .009), understanding and comprehension dimension (OR = 0.05, P = .000), and history of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the last month (OR = 0.03, P = .000) increased the likelihood of intending to undergo colorectal cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

It seems that using a health belief model combined with health literacy with an emphasis on self-efficacy constructs, access, and understanding of health information can increase individuals' intention to undergo FOBT.