Compliance with fecal occult blood test screening among low-income medicaloutpatients: A randomized controlled trial using a videotaped intervention

Background. Morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) are height ened among the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Method. A randomized contro lled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a videotaped intervent ion using peer educators as well as a health professional to increase compl iance with fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening. Participants were 160 older individuals attending a medical outpatient clinic. Compliance with FO BT use was the dependent measure. Demographic variables, family history of CRC, viewing the videotape, perceived risk, self-efficacy, physician recomm endation, knowledge about CRC screening, and intent to use the FOBT were in dependent measures. Results. Approximately 41% of participants complied wit h FOBT screening. Significant relationships were found between intent and f amily history of CRC, viewing the video, perceived risk, self-efficacy, and CRC knowledge. However, none of these variables was significantly related to compliance with FOBT use. Conclusions. Although modest compliance rates were shown for both experimental and control groups, their compliance did n ot differ significantly. Further investigation of the impact of a video as part of an enhanced intervention program should be considered.