A Study to Determine the Impact of a Colorectal Education Program on an Asymptomatic Industrial Population

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a colorectal cancer education program in an asymptomatic industrial population. The variables high-risk, age 40 and over, and personal perception of risk were analyzed on the basis of knowledge. A Pre and Posttest questionnaire was administered on a self-selected basis via interdepartmental mail. A thirteen item knowledge test comprised the major portion of the questionnaire consistent with the American Cancer society's publications. A Reliability Analysis demonstrated extremely acceptable Alpha Levels on the knowledge items. The educational programs consisted of a thirty (30) minute lecture, movie and discussion on colorectal cancer and distribution of Hemoccult Test Kits. Some fifty (50) such presentations were conducted at all Company branch offices. The major findings included the following: Knowledge increased significantly in the participants who attended the educational program, the relationship between positive or negative risk perception and mean test scores proved insignificant, the overall trend of the relationship between age and knowledge was as age increased knowledge decreased in both pretest and posttest samples, and the variable last physician visit was the only demographic variable demonstrated to be significant in relation to risk perception. Those who attended the educational program represented 32% (728) of the total population. Of those who attended the program 33% (237) participated in the screening. Three (3) or (1.3%) Hemoccult tests were positive. All three cases were evaluated by private physicians with Barium Enema and Sigmoidoscopy revealing normal findings. A cost analysis was undertaken to evaluate educational and screening program expenditures. Per employee it cost $9.24 to attend the program (778) and participate in the screening (237). The total cost was $6727.25. A cost analysis was undertaken to compare the cost of one (1) case of localized colorectal cancer for an in-hospital diagnostic evaluation and treatment. The total cost was $4073.50.