Barriers to Colorectal Screening

Purpose: Investigate knowledge and awareness of Colorectal Cancer (CRC), perceived benefits of CRC screening, and perceived barriers CRC screening procedures. Significance: Screening is a key factor in combating colorectal cancer mortality, yet national studies indicate it is underutilized. Design: Convenience sample (N=162, 74% female, 26% male) of faculty/professional, classified, and operational services employees completed a self report 26 item survey measuring knowledge and methods of screening. Quantitative items measured participants' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers to CRC screening. Qualitative items asked about the screening process and preferred worksite wellness strategies. The survey was administered primarily through a web-based portal. To recruit operational services participants, paper surveys with pre-addressed return envelopes were available in four different ways. Frequency data were computed. Scale questions were summed to compute knowledge, perceived barrier, and perceived benefit scores. Qualitative responses were read through for common themes. Results: 57% had baseline screening. 10% had no intention of getting screened. Knowledge (mean=11.8 of 15) and perceived benefits of CRC screening (mean=4.6 of 5) were high. Individuals who had been screened believed there to be more barriers for screening than did those who had not yet been screened. Discussion/Conclusions: Practitioners and screening programs need to address CRC screening barriers of those who have already been screened. Further research into barriers to regular asymptomatic screening; practitioner perceptions of compliance to screening; and the relationship between intention to get screened and screening is needed. Objectives: Participants will be able to: discuss the application of survey techniques; infer needs from data.