DOI: 10.1177/10732748261500286 ISSN: 1073-2748

Development and Pilot-Testing of an Educational Intervention to Promote Concurrent Hepatitis C Virus and Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Community Health Clinic Patients

Oyedolapo A. Anyanwu, Emily P. Courtney, Wenyi Fan, Richard R. Reich, Rania Abdulla, Margaret M. Byrne, Mark Friedman, Susan T. Vadaparampil, Anna R. Giuliano, Elizabeth Lawrence, Diana Lopez, Cathy D. Meade, Clement K. Gwede, Shannon M. Christy
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Introduction

We aimed to develop an educational intervention booklet for promoting hepatitis C virus (HCV) and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening; and to assess intervention satisfaction, screening intentions, and changes in individuals’ HCV/CRC knowledge and health beliefs in a pilot test of the educational booklet.

Methods

We developed a preliminary HCV/CRC education booklet informed by the Preventive Health Model with input from a community advisory board. During Study 1, feedback about the booklet was gathered through qualitative methods using individual interviews (n=13) with participants recruited from two community health centers. Interview questions addressed education material attraction, clarity, preferred delivery channels, and ability to promote action. Rapid qualitative analysis was utilized, and the booklet was revised based on feedback. For the pilot trial (Study 2), 26 participants were recruited, completed baseline quantitative surveys assessing HCV/CRC knowledge and health beliefs, and were provided the booklet to review. Approximately 7-14 days later, participants (n=19) completed a follow-up survey which assessed knowledge, health beliefs, screening intentions, and intervention satisfaction, which were examined using descriptive statistics.

Results

In Study 1, a theory-informed booklet was produced and utilized in Study 2. From baseline to follow-up in Study 2, there was an increase in participants’ objective CRC/HCV knowledge ( p <0.05 and p <0.005, respectively) and there were changes in several CRC/HCV health beliefs. Most participants agreed that they learned new information (90%), and that the information was easy to follow (89.5%) and understand (89.5%). All participants (100%) reported that the information was very/somewhat helpful. Participants’ reported intentions to complete CRC screening and HCV screening in the next 6 months were 71% and 40%, respectively.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the team was able to produce a theory-informed educational intervention booklet which led to changes in health beliefs and knowledge.

Practice Implications

Bundling education about multiple cancer screening behaviors is feasible.

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