The effects of nursing interventions on colorectal cancer health belief perceptions and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) screening behaviors of low-income individuals
Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of free national screening programs, participation rates—especially among low-income populations—remain low. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational intervention in improving CRC-related knowledge, health belief perceptions, and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) uptake among low-income individuals in Turkey. Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test control group design was employed. The study included 128 low-income adults aged 50–70 years, registered at a Family Health Center in Zonguldak, Turkey. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 64) and control (n = 64) groups. The intervention group received a two-stage, face-to-face educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), including visual materials and FOBT kits. The control group received standard Ministry of Health CRC screening information. Data were collected using the Colorectal Cancer Knowledge Form and the CRC Health Belief Model Scale. FOBT completion was assessed after six weeks. Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher CRC knowledge scores and improved HBM sub-dimensions (severity, health motivation, confidence-benefit perception) compared to controls (p < 0.05). FOBT completion was also significantly higher in the intervention group (87.5%) than in the control group (54.7%) (χ²=16.765, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The nurse-led educational intervention significantly improved CRC knowledge, health belief perceptions, and FOBT screening behaviors among low-income individuals. Incorporating structured nursing interventions within primary care settings may enhance the effectiveness of national CRC screening programs and reduce health disparities in underserved populations.
