Application of health belief model to identify predictors of colorectal cancer screening intention

Belief in the usefulness and effectiveness of screening along with demographic characteristics are among the reasons for doing screening. The main purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of intention for doing colorectal cancer screening using health belief model and demographic characteristics.

The present study is an analytical cross-sectional and the data collection process was performed from January to March 2018.  A total of 386 respondents participated in a self-administered survey using purposive sampling method. In order to investigate the relationship between variables, Chi-square coefficient and logistic regression (Enter Method) were used to identify predictors of colorectal cancer screening intention.

Examining the relationship between variables, it was found that perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy are correlated with the intention to perform screening. Based on logistic regression analysis, of all the variables entered into the model, the variables include economic status, history of colorectal cancer testing, physical activity, smoking, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived self-efficacy were statistically significant in predicting intention for doing the cancer screening.

Applying health belief model variables and demographic variables in health-oriented programs and cancer screening campaigns can be effective to increase the screening rate of colorectal cancer.