Colorectal cancer screening beliefs and general health-seeking behavior among hospitalized adults aged 50–70 years in Türkiye: a cross-sectional study

The study aimed to examine the relationship between colorectal cancer (CRC) screening beliefs and general health-seeking behavior among hospitalized adults aged 50-70 years and to identify factors independently associated with general health-seeking behavior. This cross-sectional study included 435 hospitalized adults aged 50-70 years without prior CRC or colorectal symptoms at a tertiary hospital in western Türkiye. Data were collected using the Health Belief Model Scale for Colorectal Cancer Screening and the Health-Seeking Behavior Scale (HSBS), assessing professional, traditional, and online health-seeking behaviors. CRC screening uptake was not an outcome. Multiple linear regression was performed. Professional health-seeking behavior had the highest mean score. Total HSBS scores correlated moderately with perceived benefits and confidence (r = 0.576, P < 0.001) and weakly with health motivation (r = 0.323, P < 0.001), perceived susceptibility (r = 0.156, P = 0.001), and perceived severity (r = 0.140, P = 0.003). In regression (R2 = 0.375), perceived benefits and confidence (β = 0.451, P < 0.001), educational level (β = 0.119, P = 0.005), and perceived severity (β = 0.099, P = 0.020) were independently associated with general health-seeking behavior. CRC screening beliefs, particularly perceived benefits and confidence, and educational level were independently associated with general health-seeking behavior. General health-seeking behavior should be distinguished from actual CRC screening participation, as higher health-seeking does not necessarily indicate screening adherence. Hospitalization may provide an opportunity for nurses to address screening beliefs; prospective studies are needed to determine whether interventions translate into verified CRC screening uptake.