Ker-Kan Tan1,2, Tian-Zhi Lim3,4, Emily Chew3,4, Wen-Min Chow3,4, Nan Luo5, Mee-Lian Wong5, Gerald Choon-Huat Koh5. 1. Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Surgical Cluster, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. ker_kan_tan@nuhs.edu.sg. 2. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. ker_kan_tan@nuhs.edu.sg. 3. Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Surgical Cluster, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. 4. Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. 5. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spouses of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients could be at increased risk of developing CRC due to shared lifestyle habits with the patients which is a notable risk factor. This study explores the various issues surrounding CRC screening among these spouses. METHODS: A mixed method study comprising in-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews followed by structured quantitative questionnaire was administered to spouses who accompanied CRC patients during their appointments, from January 2016 to February 2017. RESULTS: Fifty spouses of CRC patients, median age of 60 (range, 41-82) years, were qualitatively interviewed but 5 of them did not complete the questionnaire. Only 26 (57.8%) of them were current with CRC screening. Data saturation was reached at the 48th participant. Four main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews. These included (i) adequacy of knowledge and attitudes about CRC screening, (ii) suboptimal public health promotion efforts of CRC screening, (iii) barriers of CRC screening, and (iv) need for mutual spousal support. From the questionnaires, spouses who were not current with CRC screening were more likely to report more barriers and have different cues to actions than those who are current. The majority of the spouses demonstrated high levels of knowledge on CRC, understood its severity and their susceptibility. CONCLUSION: Spouses exhibit high levels of knowledge and awareness of the implications of CRC. Apart from addressing psychological issues during the acute phases, targeted interventions should be considered to improve their screening rates and to use them as advocates for CRC screening among family and community.
BACKGROUND: Spouses of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients could be at increased risk of developing CRC due to shared lifestyle habits with the patients which is a notable risk factor. This study explores the various issues surrounding CRC screening among these spouses. METHODS: A mixed method study comprising in-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews followed by structured quantitative questionnaire was administered to spouses who accompanied CRC patients during their appointments, from January 2016 to February 2017. RESULTS: Fifty spouses of CRC patients, median age of 60 (range, 41-82) years, were qualitatively interviewed but 5 of them did not complete the questionnaire. Only 26 (57.8%) of them were current with CRC screening. Data saturation was reached at the 48th participant. Four main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews. These included (i) adequacy of knowledge and attitudes about CRC screening, (ii) suboptimal public health promotion efforts of CRC screening, (iii) barriers of CRC screening, and (iv) need for mutual spousal support. From the questionnaires, spouses who were not current with CRC screening were more likely to report more barriers and have different cues to actions than those who are current. The majority of the spouses demonstrated high levels of knowledge on CRC, understood its severity and their susceptibility. CONCLUSION: Spouses exhibit high levels of knowledge and awareness of the implications of CRC. Apart from addressing psychological issues during the acute phases, targeted interventions should be considered to improve their screening rates and to use them as advocates for CRC screening among family and community.
Authors: Joshua J Fenton; Anthony F Jerant; Marlene M von Friederichs-Fitzwater; Daniel J Tancredi; Peter Franks Journal: J Am Board Fam Med Date: 2011 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 2.657
Authors: Reuben K Wong; Mee Lian Wong; Yiong Huak Chan; Zhu Feng; Chun Tao Wai; Khay Guan Yeoh Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-07-23 Impact factor: 3.295