COVID-19 Anxiety and Colorectal Cancer Screening Attitudes Among Adult Men in Turkey

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between levels of anxiety about COVID-19 and attitudes toward colorectal cancer screening in adult men in Turkey.SAMPLE & SETTING: The participants in this study were 188 adult men, aged 50-70 years, who were not diagnosed with cancer, and who could use social media. The researchers shared the link to the study forms through social media, and data were collected between February 2021 and May 2021.METHODS & VARIABLES: A personal information form, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening were used to collect descriptive research data.RESULTS: Participants had mean scores of 1.04 (SD = 2.12) for the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and 95.28 (SD = 16.91) for the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening. There was no significant correlation between the scores (p > 0.05). Family structure and the reasons for applying for colorectal cancer screening were significantly related to participation in colorectal cancer screening programs (p < 0.05).IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Individualized screening models can be used to prevent the deferral of cancer screenings. To ensure early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, nurses should be encouraged to use telehealth applications and help individuals perform immunochemical tests at home.

Automated summary

This study examined the relationship between levels of anxiety about COVID-19 and attitudes toward colorectal cancer screening in adult men in Turkey. The results showed no significant correlation between the two, but family structure and reasons for screening were significantly related to participation in screening programs. Therefore, personalized screening models and telehealth applications may help prevent screening deferral and promote early diagnosis.