Colorectal cancer screening status and its association with health belief model variables in a rural population

Abstract Background: Rural populations exhibit low colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates, which may be a consequence of social determinants of health but may also result from individual health beliefs. This study aimed to explore the association between key health belief model (HBM) variables and CRC screening status in a rural Midwest population. Methods: One hundred thirty six people participated in this cross-sectional study. A survey instrument was developed to capture demographic information and measure the following HBM variables: perceived barriers, perceived benefits, self-efficacy beliefs associated with CRC screening, and knowledge associated with CRC. Results: The response rate for the study was 17.6%. The most endorsed (28.5%) barrier to CRC screening was fear of something going wrong. The most endorsed (86.5%) benefit of CRC screening was confidence that privacy and confidentiality would be protected. There were significant differences ( P < .01) in means for perception of barriers, benefits, and self-efficacy according to CRC screening status. In a model which included perception of barriers, benefits, and self-efficacy, only perceived barriers made a unique, significant ( P < .05) contribution (OR = 0.823 [0.706–0.958]) in predicting CRC screening status. Conclusions: Key HBM variables, perception of barriers, benefits, and self-efficacy seem to be important factors associated with CRC screening in rural populations and may be appropriate targets for interventions to increase CRC screening.