Screening intention of MTs-DNA test for Colorectal Cancer screening and associated factors among hospital-based populations in southeastern China

Abstract

Abstract Background Multi-target stool DNA (MT-sDNA) test can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality as a simple, noninvasive screening method. It is crucial to understand people's willingness to accept and willingness to pay for MT-sDNA test for CRC screening. Methods A hospital-based study was conducted in the affiliated hospital of medical school of Ningbo University in southeastern China between June 2021 to March 2022. Individuals aged ≥ 40 years from outpatient department, endoscopy center and inpatient department were included. All participants completed a questionnaire to collect detailed information by a face-to-face interview. Characteristics of individuals were described using frequency and percentage. Group comparisons were performed with chi-square test for categorical variable. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the associations of social-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, CRC risk and medical history with screening intention. Results Of the 977 participants who completed the interview, 85.06% were willing to accept MTs-DNA test for CRC screening, 82.29% were willing to pay for it. Individuals came from non outpatient source (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 2.14, 4.68), with moderate risk of CRC (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.52) were more likely to accept MTs-DNA test for CRC screening. Those came from non outpatient source (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.79, 3.67), with moderate risk of CRC (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.91), with history of polypectomy (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.68) and with middle/high school education and graduated from college or above (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.46, OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.27, 5.60, respectively) were more willing to pay for MTs-DNA test for CRC screening. Conclusion The present study found that individuals from non outpatient source, with moderate risk of CRC, with higher education and history of polypectomy were more likely to accept MTs-DNA test or pay for it. It is worth noting that individuals with high risk of CRC were less likely to accept MTs-DNA test and pay for it. Health education interventions should be developed to emphasise the significance of screening and introduce the simple, noninvasive MT-sDNA test to the public, especially those with above characteristics.