Informed participation in the Valencian Community Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme from a gender perspective

Abstract

Objective: To examine the factors that influence informed participation in a Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (CRCSP) from a gender perspective.

Methods: Cross-sectional telephone survey directed to men and women invited to participate (2009-2010) in the Valencian Community CRCSP (Spain).

Sample size: 785 subjects.

Outcome variables: participation in CRCSP and being informed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis using logistic regression models (95% confidence interval [95%CI], p <0.05).

Results: Being a woman (odds ratio [OR]: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.06-2.19), receiving information from a general practitioner (OR: 1.64; 95%CI: 1.05-2.55) and being informed (OR: 1.54; 95%CI: 1.08-2.21) are related to participation. Men are more likely to participate if they live with a partner (OR: 6.26; 95%CI: 1.82-21.49); and are more informed if they have family responsibilities (OR: 2.53; 95%CI: 1.39-4.63).

Conclusion: Information about CRCSP, involving primary health care professionals and including specific actions directed at men and at women, could contribute to improve informed participation with a gender equity perspective.

Keywords: Colorectal neoplasm; Cáncer colorrectal; Detección precoz del cáncer; Early detection of cancer; Gender identity; Género; Informed decision making; Participación; Patient participation; Toma de decisión informada.