Experience and Attitude of Colorectal Screening Pilot Program Participants Regarding Screening and Screening Programs in Hungary

Background: in 2015, in csongrád county (hungary), a general practitioner based colorectal screening model program was implemented by the financial support of the european union. our aim was to evaluate the indica-tors of screening program and to analyze the experiences and attitude of participants of colorectal screening pilot program.methods: the colon cancer screening pilot programme was carried out in 2015 involving an average-risk pop-ulation aged 50-69 in csongrád county, hungary (invited 22 130 persons). the screening method was ifobt, the attendance rate was 51.2%. overall, 5580 patients out of the 10374 participants completed the self-compiled questionnaire concerning socio-demographic data, current screening programs, stool sampling problems, invita-tion letters, information sources and future willingness of participation. results: the response rate was 53%. 46.7% of the respondents had not heard about colorectal screening prior to the screening program. participants with elementary education level mostly indicated physicians as primary information sources [or: 2.72 (ci: 1.59-4.66)] than patients higher education level. 67.5% of patients decided alone about participation on screening. among women, decisions supported by acquaintances were specific [or: 2.05 (1.06-3.95]. 82.6% determined the ifob test as an entirely accepted screening method. medical advice is an important predictor of screening participation. if respondents were to receive an invitation after two years, 91.5% would be involved in the screening.conclusion: the respondents were satisfied with the screening program. awareness raising of men, lower ed-ucated patients, those living in major cities, and recommendation of the family physician may increase the par-ticipation rate in the future.