Factors Associated with Decision Making the Confirmed Colorectal Cancer by Colonoscopy Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death among the world population. Diagnostic tests for colorectal cancer in people who are at risk are widely recognized and believed to increase the survival rate by more than 90 percent if diagnosed at an early stage. This research study is a cross-sectional analytical study which aims to investigate factors associated with decision-making for a colorectal cancer diagnostic test with colonoscopy of people in Nam Pong District at Khon Kaen Province. The sample group of this research study were people in Nam Pong District, Khon Kaen Province, who participated in a screening program for colorectal cancer and with a positive result of the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT). Interviews were conducted to collect data from 123 participants from April to May 2018. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data in order to assess the association of factors contributing to decision making for a colorectal cancer diagnostic test with colonoscopy. The results of this study were presented with the Adjusted Odds Ratio (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals.
The results of the study reveal that the association of the factors contributing to decision making for a colorectal cancer diagnostic test with colonoscopy were statistically significant (p-value<0.05). Variables affecting the decision making are secondary education or a higher level (ORadj=10.38, 95% CI=1.22-87.93), average household income greater than or equal to 7,000 baht per month (ORadj=3.70, 95% CI= 1.47-9.32), family history of colorectal cancer (ORadj = 3.16, 95% CI=1.15-8.66), and support from neighbors (ORadj=5.83, 95% CI=1.18-15.61).
From the results of the study, it can be concluded that personal factors and social supports are associated with decision making for a colorectal cancer diagnostic test with colonoscopy. Therefore, medical and public health personnel should pay attention to people in risk groups, who have a positive iFOBT result, education below secondary level, and low income. Additionally, community support should be involved in participatory processes to increase the motivation of these risk groups to have a colorectal cancer diagnostic test with colonoscopy. Also, there should be a house visit to follow up and provide essential information and consultations on the process of the diagnostic test as well as general practice before a cancer diagnosis.
