Factors related to Bowel Cleanliness of Colonoscopy Examinees

Purpose: This study identified factors related to bowel cleanliness of colonoscopy examinees. Methods: From December 2, 2020 to January 21, 2021, we surveyed 152 participants who underwent colonoscopy at a university hospital at B City. The questionnaires included participants characteristics, social cognitive determinants (knowledge on bowel preparation, severity and susceptibility for colon cancer as perceived threat, self-efficacy, and social support), and compliance with bowel preparation. For data analysis, SPSS/WIN 21.0 and AMOS 22.0 statistical programs were used. Descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and path analysis were utilized. Results: Participants’ knowledge level on bowel preparation was 8.49±1.57; severity, 18.49±4.43; susceptibility, 12.55±4.10; self-efficacy, 41.92±9.28; social support, 24.90±4.84; compliance with bowel preparation, 9.26±1.81; and degree of bowel cleanliness, 6.05±1.71. Factors influencing the compliance with bowel preparation included self-efficacy (β=.27, p=.007), knowledge on bowel preparation (β=.23, p=.005), marital status (β=.19, p=.048), social support (β=.17, p=.030), and age (β=-.16, p=.007). The factor directly affecting bowel cleanliness was compliance with bowel preparation (β=.17, p=.043). Indirectly affecting factors were self-efficacy (β=.05 p=.021), knowledge on bowel preparation (β=.04, p=.022), social support (β=.03, p=.026), marital status (β=.03, p=.034), and age (β=-.03, p=.018). Conclusion: Bowel cleanliness of colonoscopy examinees can be improved by enhancing compliance with bowel preparation. Future studies should examine the effects of strategies that concern self-efficacy, knowledge on bowel preparation, social support, marital status and age on compliance with bowel preparation.