The frequency of experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and screening behavior among first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients in China: The moderating effect of psychological functioning and caregiving role

This cross-sectional study aims to examine the association between the frequency of experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and participation in gastroscopy and colonoscopy among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC; n = 230), and to investigate the moderating effects of psychological functioning (depression, anxiety, and optimism) and primary caregiving role. Among FDRs who were the primary caregivers, higher levels of depression or lower levels of optimism, and more frequent experience of gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly associated with a higher probability of participating in colonoscopy and gastroscopy. In contrast, the opposite patterns were observed for FDRs who were non-primary caregivers. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to examine the interplay of gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological functioning, and caregiver role among FDRs of CRC patients. Tailored health education, with an emphasis on individual emotional needs and the caregiving role, should be specifically designed for FDRs to facilitate cancer screening.