The impact of supplementary narrative-based information on colorectal cancer screening beliefs and intention

Background The potential benefits of colorectal cancer screening are limited by low uptake. This study tested whether providing narrative accounts of the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening experience positively affected beliefs about CRC screening and intention to be screened. Methods 4125 adults aged 45-59.5 years, from three general practices in England, were randomised to be sent the standard information on CRC screening or the standard information plus a narrative-based leaflet describing CRC screening experiences. Both groups were asked to complete and return a questionnaire on beliefs about CRC screening after reading the study materials. Between-group differences on responses were assessed with t-tests. A mediation analysis then addressed the mediating role of CRC screening beliefs on the group and intention relationship. Results Relative to the standard information group (n = 590), the standard information plus narrative leaflet group (n = 631) showed higher perceived vulnerability to CRC, higher perceived test response efficacy, a stronger belief that the screening test would provide peace of mind and less disgust with the test procedure. There were no between group differences on perceived self-efficacy or the understanding that the screening test should be done in the absence of symptoms. Respondents who received the additional narrative leaflet reported significantly higher CRC screening intentions than respondents who received the standard information only. Controlling for the CRC screening beliefs reduced the effect of group on intention to non-significance. Conclusions An additional narrative leaflet had a positive impact on beliefs about CRC screening which led to stronger screening intentions

Impact of general practice endorsement on the social gradient in uptake in bowel cancer screening

This is a summary of independent research funded by the National Institute for Health. Research (NIHR)’s Programme Grants for Applied Research Programme (RP-PG-0609–10106

Factors Influencing the Decision to Participate in Bowel Cancer Screening.

Bowel cancer (BC) is a major type of cancer in the UK. Population based bowel cancer screening (BCS) was introduced to the UK in 2006. Bowel screening, via a faecal occult blood test (FOBt), has been speculated to reduce BC mortality by approximately sixteen percent. However, the effectiveness of the screening programme to reduce mortality is reliant upon substantial participation. Prior to the national roll-out of the BCS programme, a UK pilot reported that approximately forty percent of the population declined the invitation to be screened for bowel cancer. Literature to date has identified psychosocial factors and barriers which may result in an individual declining BCS. However, only a limited amount of research was found to be specific to screening via FOBt, and to participation in the new BCS programme. Furthermore, relatively little research was dedicated to the reasons why individuals chose to decline screening. Therefore, within this thesis, three qualitative studies were conducted initially to explore the factors affecting screening participation via FOBt. These studies revealed that there were a number of emotions, beliefs and issues with a FOBt affecting screening participation. To ascertain if any of these factors were more predominant than others, a wider-based quantitative study was conducted. This study indicated that males and older individuals may be more likely to decline routine BCS, and that overall the practical elements of carrying out a FOBt may reduce screening participation. To address this issue, a systematic review identifying the effect of a FOBt on participation was carried out. This revealed that the type of FOBt affected participation rates. Hence, the final study conducted was an intervention to address attitudes towards the practical elements of completing a FOBt, and whether these were altered by seeing a FOBt, or by the type of FOBt. The findings indicated that these factors affected attitudes about BC and BCS. Consequently, implications for further research and future directions for the BCS programme were discussed

Physiotherapy at high amputations as a complication of diabetes mellitus

A topic of this bachelor thesis is "Physiotherapy at high amputations as a complication of diabetes mellitus." Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, etiopathogenically heterogeneous disease. It arises from the lack of an insulin action at its absolute or relative absence and it is accompanied by a complex metabolic disorder of sugars, fats and proteins. Long-term vascular complications, which can lead to an amputation, gradually develop on the basis of this disease. An introductory part of the current state is focused on the characteristic of diabetes mellitus, its classification, risk factors, pathogenesis, course and its complications. The other part is focused on the problem of amputations and the last part of the current state is focused on used examination methods and physiotherapeutic procedures. A goal of the research part was to evaluate a usage of physiotherapeutic methods at patients with the high amputation as a complication of diabetes mellitus and a possibility to integrate these patients into a life in the highest possible quality. I used, for the practical part of the bachelor thesis, methods of the qualitative research, the case study and an analysis of personal documents. The tested sample consisted of two patients with the high amputation, which was indicated because of complications of diabetes mellitus. The patients were monitored during their hospitalization in the rehabilitation ward or in the successive care ward of the hospital in České Budějovice. The results have been worked up in the form of case reports. The health status of all patients was at least partially improved and it came about their better integration into the society. It is therefore possible to say that rehabilitation goals were met. The bachelor thesis can be used in the actual work of physiotherapists or as a basis for their further scientific research. Then it can be used by patients themselves or by their close people in dealing with this handicap