Health Beliefs of First-degree Relatives of Individuals With Colorectal Cancer and Participation in Health Maintenance Visits: A Population-based Survey

The occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in two or more close relatives by chance is relatively common, and a family history of CRC is recognized as a risk factor for CRC. The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with participation of first-degree relatives (FDRs) of individuals diagnosed with CRC in health maintenance visits with healthcare providers. Data were collected from a survey mailed to patients (n = 1081) diagnosed with CRC under age 60 years who were identified by the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry. An enclosure was also included in the mailing for their FDRs. Of the 1,081 people contacted, 174 registry patients and 90 FDRs agreed to participate in this study. A logistic regression model was built, and constructs of the Health Belief Model and selected sociodemographic variables (age, gender, level of education) were entered with participation in health maintenance visits as the dependent variable. The analysis revealed 2 Health Belief Model variables (perceived barriers and perceived seriousness) and 1 sociodemographic variable (level of education) as predictive of an FDR's participation in health maintenance visits. The findings from this study suggest that FDRs of individuals with CRC do not perceive that they are at risk for CRC, despite their family history. These data also provide the foundation for future studies aimed at the development of interventions to increase awareness of the importance and benefits of screening for relatives of individuals with CRC.