Perspectives on Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening among High-Risk Populations in Urban Communities

Abstract

          This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perspectives of promoting colorectal cancer screening among the population at risk in an urban community. The key informants consisted of 24 participants, including senior executives involved in colorectal cancer screening policies, members of the Service Plan working group (Cancer Branch), and personnel from primary health care facilities responsible for conducting colorectal cancer screenings. The research instruments were semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and the reliability of the data was ensured through triangulation.

          The research findings revealed that the perspectives on promoting colorectal cancer screening among the at-risk population in urban communities could be categorized into two main themes: 1) the comprehensive problem conditions, encompassing policy frameworks, human resource capacity, and implementation resources in terms of policies, personnel potential of the area, and resources for implementation, and 2) identified needs and strategies for promoting colorectal cancer screening among the at-risk population in urban communities.

            Recommendations for promoting colorectal cancer screening in the risk population in urban communities are as follows: 1) Regular training programs should be implemented to develop the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals involved in colorectal cancer screening; 2) Efforts should be made to broaden the reach of screening initiatives to include a larger segment of the at-risk population; and 3) Strategic approaches for promotion include (1) public relations using social media and using networks in communication at all levels;      (2) Enhancing the intention of at-risk populations to participate in screening to improve the overall effectiveness of the screening program; and (3) reaching out to the working-age risk group through the agency's personnel department.