Motivating factors associated with receipt of asymptomatic colonoscopy screening

Background: colonoscopy is the preferred screening method for colorectal cancer (crc). this study aimed to identify factors motivating a beneficial health behavior,that is,the decision to complete a colonoscopy. methods: we surveyed 91 primarily urban minority health care workers who were ineligible for a large randomized controlled trial due to self‑reported asymptomatic colonoscopy screening. participants were asked an open-ended question about what made them get screened. responses were classified as external or internal motivations. results: the most commonly reported external motivation was a primary care physician’s recommendation (n = 60,65.9%). other external motivations were familiarity with crc or polyps through family or work (n = 16,17.6%) and pressure from relatives or friends (n = 8,8.8%). seventeen respondents were deemed self‑motivated; these individuals were more likely have income over $50k/year (p < 0.05) and to be us born (p = 0.05); they were more likely to mention being age‑appropriate for screening (p < 0.05); knew more people who had colonoscopies (p < 0.001); they were less likely to believe that most of the age‑appropriate population in new york city has been screened (p < 0.01) and less likely to be deterred from colonoscopy by work schedule (p < 0.001) or by having to take a powerful laxative (p < 0.001). conclusions: a primary care physician’s recommendation may be the most prevalent motivating factor in patients’ decisions to receive a colonoscopy,but a subgroup seeks crc screening on their own. analysis of the motivations of individuals who have sought colonoscopy screening may offer useful insights into motivating those who have not. © 2015 basch ch.