Compliance with Fecal Occult Blood Test Screening Among Low-income Medical Outpatients: a Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Videotaped Intervention

Background: Morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) are heightened among the socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a videotaped intervention using peer educators as well as a health professional to increase compliance with fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening. Participants were 160 older individuals attending a medical outpatient clinic. Compliance with FOBT use was the dependent measure. Demographic variables, family history of CRC, viewing the videotape, perceived risk, self-efficacy, physician recommendation, knowledge about CRC screening, and intent to use the FOBT were independent measures.

Results: Approximately 41% of participants complied with FOBT screening. Significant relationships were found between intent and family history of CRC, viewing the video, perceived risk, self-efficacy, and CRC knowledge. However, none of these variables was significantly related to compliance with FOBT use.

Conclusions: Although modest compliance rates were shown for both experimental and control groups, their compliance did not differ significantly. Further investigation of the impact of a video as part of an enhanced intervention program should be considered.