The impact of physicians' health beliefs on colorectal cancer screening practices

Kenneth Shieh, Feng Gao, Stephen Ristvedt, Mario Schootman, Dayna Early

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Primary-care physicians have significant influence on whether or not their patients participate in colorectal cancer screening (CRCS). This study explored the association of physicians' personal health beliefs, medical history, and personal participation in CRCS with their practice patterns regarding CRCS. Perceived personal risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) was associated with compliance with American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines for CRCS for their patients (P = 0.03). For physicians at low risk for CRC, their perception of the seriousness of CRC was significantly associated with compliance (P = 0.047). For physicians at, at least, average risk for CRC, personal participation in CRCS did not predict whether they recommend CRCS to their patients. Efforts to improve physicians' understanding about their own susceptibility to CRC and the seriousness of CRC may improve their compliance with making recommendations for CRCS to their patients and may improve their participation in CRCS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)809-814
Number of pages6
JournalDigestive diseases and sciences
Volume50
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005

Keywords

  • Barriers to screening
  • Colorectal cancer screening
  • Health Belief Model
  • Physicians' health beliefs

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