Publication: A qualitative study to determine factors influencing colorectal cancer screening uptake in Klinik Kesihatan Kampar, Perak
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
International Medical University
Abstract
Introduction:
Colorectal cancer screening uptake with Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood (iFOBT) is low in Klinik Kesihatan Kampar. We conducted a qualitative study to explore the reasons or factors contributing to the low uptake of colorectal cancer screening in Klinik Kesihatan Kampar, Perak, taking into consideration the 3 major groups of factors, namely, doctors’ factors, patient factors and system factors with the aim to improve the colorectal cancer screening program.
Methodology:
16 patients and 7 doctors were recruited for this study. An in-depth interview using semi-structured questions for patients were used to find out the factors that enable or deter them from completing the screening test. A focus group discussion and pre-focus discussion form was used for the doctors to find out reasons for the low screening.
Result:
A total of 16 themes emerged from the study. Nine themes for factors that influence the uptake of
the colorectal cancer screening and seven themes for suggestion to improve the colorectal cancer screening.
Themes for factors that influence the uptake were further divide into themes that enable patients to complete
the test and themes that deter patients from completing the test. The themes that enable patients to complete
the test were - “patient’s perception on own health”, and motivation for screening.
The seven themes that deter patients from completing the test were - test is impractical, confusing
experience, anxiety provoking experience, doctors giving full control of decision making to patient, overburdened health system, the nature of the test was not commonly practiced, and lack of explanation
from doctors. Seven themes emerged as suggestions to improve the screening, comprising of two themes from the patients and five from the doctors. The themes from patients are suitability of language when counselling, and, feasibility of test. The themes from the doctors are more forthcoming awareness campaigns, reward system,
making it a performance index for doctors, more community outreach programs and, designated day in clinic.
Conclusion: There is a need to address barriers with a multi-faceted approach and to have targeted
strategies to improve the screening program.
Keywords: colorectal cancer screening, immunochemical fecal occult blood test, public health care clinic,
patient experience, doctor experience, improving, qualitative study.
Description
Keywords
Colorectal Neoplasms, Early Detection of Cancer, Public Health, Qualitative Research