Cognitive and emotional barriers to colorectal cancer surveillance: Increasing screening rates within the community

<p>Background: The rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the United States continues to be low, allowing colorectal cancers to remain undiagnosed and mortality rates to remain high. Current literature points to lack of education, healthcare access, and physician counseling as key barriers to screening, in addition to cognitive-emotional apprehensions.</p> <p>Objectives: This study examined whether cognitive-emotional apprehensions are barriers to screening despite physician recommendation. Moreover, it examined what particular cognitive-emotional barriers inhibit participation and how these barriers can potentially be alleviated.</p> <p>Methods: A convenience sample of 40 faculty members at Eastern Michigan University were surveyed about attitudes toward screening.</p> <p>Results: One half of non-screeners reported that cognitive-emotional apprehensions limited their participation in screening tests. Predictors of adherence included concerns about embarrassment or modesty, concerns about test preparation, fear of pain, and fear of finding cancer.</p> <p>Conclusions: Cognitive-emotional apprehensions are significant barriers to CRC screening and may be improved by patient counseling.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year

2008

Author dc:creator

• Krzyzaniak, Cari N

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stephen A. Sonstein, PhD, Chair

• Medical screening
• Colon (Anatomy) Cancer Diagnosis
• Health behavior
• Community Health and Preventive Medicine

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/213

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1212