Factors influencing engagement with emerging technology in colorectal cancer screening and prevention

Ali, Omar 2024. Factors influencing engagement with emerging technology in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been scientifically demonstrated to decrease both the incidence and mortality of CRC. However, participation remains sub-optimal in many CRC screening programmes with consequential impact on health outcomes. Research into less invasive CRC screening tests in blood biomarkers, CCE, robotic colonoscopy and CT colonography have mainly focused on comparative efficacy for CRC detection. A systematic evaluation of participants’ acceptability of these alternative CRC screening tests was conducted. An explanatory sequential mixed method study was completed. I-SAM was the theory selected. The systematic review findings highlighted the limited number of studies comparing alternative CRC screening tests with standard of care in exploring factors influencing acceptability. Differences between uptake and other acceptability parameters did not reach statistical significance in most of the included studies. The cross-sectional population survey found that females, those without prior colonoscopy, participants who completed a stool-based test, married participants and those without a family history of CRC were significantly more likely to report barriers to alternative CRC screening tests. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of participants who completed the cross-sectional questionnaire. The findings highlighted that participants were balancing between convenience and their preference for the most accurate alternative CRC screening test. Also, participants expressed a need for comprehensive information regarding the benefits and potential risks to make an informed decision about their CRC screening intention. Furthermore, qualitative interviews regarding the acceptability of CRC risk stratified screening found several influencing factors. These included emotional concerns in knowing risk score, method of communication, impact on healthcare services and suitability for all individuals. Future research should prioritise RCTs that compare acceptability parameters of alternative CRC screening tests against standard of care. Additionally, qualitative research should be conducted to further investigate influencing factors of acceptability in different population risk settings and the likelihood of participants’ engagement and increasing screening uptake.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Medicine
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	6 February 2025
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2025 16:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/176010

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