Exploring the validity of the Continuum of Resistance model for discriminating early from late and no-uptake of colorectal cancer screening: Implications for the design of invitation and reminder letters: Implications for the design of invitation and reminder letters

Tess Gregory, Stephen Cole, Carlene Wilson, Ingrid Flight, Ian Zajac, Deborah Turnbull, Graeme Young

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    6 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background: The continuum of resistance model contends that respondents lie at one end of a continuum and non-respondents at the other with respect to factors demonstrated to impact on screening participation. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the validity of this model for the prediction of participation in colorectal cancer screening. Method: People aged 50 to 74 years were asked to complete a survey (n = 1,250). Eligible respondents (n = 376, 30 %) were invited to complete a faecal occult blood test (FOBT). The cutoff period for the determination of participation rates was 12 weeks, with a reminder sent at 6 weeks. Results: FOBTs were returned by n = 196 people (132 within 6 weeks, 64 following a reminder). Participation was generally influenced by the same variables in both the first 6 weeks and the second 6 weeks, consistent with the continuum of resistance model. These variables were having known someone with bowel cancer and the social cognitive factor, perceptions of barriers to screening. There is a suggestion, however, that other factors may be differentially associated with early, late and non-participants. Conclusion: Participation in screening appears somewhat consistent with the continuum of resistance model in that early and late participants respond to some of the same factors. This suggests that the same messages are relevant to early, late and non-screeners, but further consideration of what other factors may be influencing discrete stages of readiness to participate is necessary.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)572-581
    Number of pages10
    JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine
    Volume20
    Issue number4
    Early online date2013
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2013

    Keywords

    • Colorectal cancer
    • Health belief model
    • Intention
    • Screening
    • Social cognition
    • Social ecological models

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