Predictors of stage of adoption for colorectal cancer screening

Background. Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in w omen, little is known about predictors of adherence to screening. Methods. A randomly selected sample of 202 predominantly low-income and Afr ican-American women were interviewed. Knowledge of, attitudes and beliefs a bout, and practices related to flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening were a ssessed. Results. The majority of participants were in the precontemplation stage of adoption (56%). There were significant differences by stage of adoption fo r FS beliefs, FS barriers, risk of developing colorectal cancer, worry abou t getting colorectal cancer, and physician recommendation to get a FS. Pred ictors of adherence to FS guidelines were perceiving fewer barriers to gett ing a FS and having a physician recommend a FS. Conclusion. Seventy-two percent of the women in this study were nonadherent to FS screening guidelines. Psychosocial factors play an important role in screening for colorectal cancer. Ways of reducing barriers and increasing physician recommendations should be explored. (C) 2000 American Health Foun dation and Academic Press.