Colorectal cancer screening in Korean workers: Using a stage model approach to examine the ecological predictors of behavior

BACKGROUND:: Early detection is important for reducing mortality by colorectal cancer. Workplaces have access to a large number of people, approximately half of the Korean population. For cancer prevention, it is necessary to approach cancer screening through the workplace. OBJECTIVE:: In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) stages and to predict factors that affect the respective stages. METHODS:: Data were collected from 314 manual workers at 32 medium-sized and small workplaces located in Korea. The dependent variable was the stage of CRCS, and independent variables were intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels. RESULTS:: At the intrapersonal level, workers who increased work hours per week or who felt stress were less likely to be in the acting/maintenance stage than in the decided to act stage of CRCS. At the organizational level, workers in medium-sized workplaces, those whose administrators secured health checkup and cancer screening budget for their workplace, and those considering health checkup and cancer screening were more likely to be in the acting/maintenance stage, compared with the decided to act stage. CONCLUSIONS:: Our findings suggest that the respective stages are affected by different intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational factors. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE:: The workplace environment and organizational predictors before the implementation of CRCS promotion programs may produce better results.