Participation Rate and Related Factors in Colonoscopy Screening Program in First-Degree Relatives of Patients Affected by Colorectal Cancer

Background: First-degree relatives (FDRs) of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) have a two- to three-fold increased risk of developing disease. Colonoscopy screening test can be effective in prevention and early treatment. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of participation in colonoscopy screening test and related factors in first degree relatives. Methods: 200 FDRs of CRC cases were interviewed by the researchers. A reliable and valid questionnaire about undergoing colonoscopy screening test and barriers was filled via phone. To report qualitative data results, we used percent and proportion. Full (bytotal variables) and final (Forward LR) multiple logistic regression analysis were used to make a model which was executed using spss19. Results: In total, 59% FDRs had undergone colonoscopy screening test to the time of interview. Major reasons for not participating were fear of pain (23%), concerns about complications and test positive result (21.5%), lack of health insurance (21.5%), not believing in the test effectiveness (17%), no need because of healthy feeling (13%), embarrassment (12%) and distrust to service provider skills (10%). Results of multiple logistic regression analysis indicated there is statistical significance between participating colonoscopy screening and variables "not affected with hypertension (95%CI: 0.4 - 2.04, OR = 3.7), believe in test effectiveness in FDRs (95%CI: 1.8 - 16.9, OR = 5.6), also age of diagnosis ≥ 50 in CRC cases (95%CI: 1.7 - 2.3, OR = 2)". Finally, age below 50 (95%CI: 1.1 - 5.1, OR = 2.4), not being alive person affected by CRC (95%CI: 1.2 - 5.8, OR = 3.3), monthly family income ≥ 10 million Rials (95%CI: 1.08 - 4.7, OR = 2.2) and belief in effectiveness of the test (95%CI: 2.61 - 12.55, OR = 5.7) were predictor factors to participate. Conclusion: Future Interventions should focus on fostering positive attitudes, overcoming barriers, enhancing social and health insurance support and following medical recommendation consecutive to performing colonoscopy screening test.