Effect of a Health Belief Model-Based Colorectal Cancer Education, Screening, and Prevention Program on Health Beliefs, Screening Attitudes, and Screening Behavior Among Adults Aged 50-70 Years: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study
Effect of a Health Belief Model-Based Colorectal Cancer Education, Screening, and Prevention Program on Health Beliefs, Screening Attitudes, and Screening Behavior Among Adults Aged 50-70 Years: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study
This randomized controlled experimental study evaluated the effect of a Health Belief Model-based colorectal cancer education, screening, and prevention program among adults aged 50-70 years. A total of 176 participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received individual face-to-face education supported by a video and an informational brochure. The control group received no structured education before the immediate post-intervention assessment and was subsequently provided with the brochure. Colorectal cancer knowledge, health beliefs, and attitudes toward cancer screening were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, and screening behavior was evaluated one month later. It was hypothesized that participants receiving the structured educational program would demonstrate greater improvements in colorectal cancer-related knowledge, health beliefs, screening attitudes, and screening uptake than participants in the control group.
Inclusion Criteria:
Aged 50-70 years Residing in Bartın city center No history of colorectal cancer Willing to participate in the study Provided written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
Previous diagnosis of or treatment for colorectal cancer Communication difficulties that prevented completion of the questionnaires Cognitive impairment that prevented completion of the questionnaires
-
This two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled experimental study was conducted at Bartın Yaşam Merkezi in Bartın, Türkiye. Community-dwelling adults aged 50-70 years were assigned to the intervention or control group using simple randomization.
The intervention group received an individual educational program developed according to the Health Belief Model. The program combined face-to-face education, video-based education, and an informational brochure. It addressed colorectal cancer risk factors, symptoms, prevention, recommended screening methods, and the importance of early detection. The educational content was structured to address perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, health motivation, and confidence in engaging in screening behavior.