Applying the Social Ecological Model to Evaluate a Demonstration Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Louisiana

Objective. Lack of health insurance is correlated with noncompliance in colorectal cancer screening. Louisiana ranks 48th among all states in residents with health insurance. This paper describes initial results of Louisiana's first statewide colorectal cancer screening program. Methods. The program enhanced screening capacity of state hospitals by providing fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), colonoscopes, and funded patient navigators. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) was used as the framework for the program. Results. Patient navigators distributed 975 FITs to adults 50 to 64 years (21% men, 78% women).The overall return rate was 66%. There was no association among return rates, race, or gender. Participants who were previously screened (10.7%) were more likely to return their FIT. Discussion. The combination of patient navigation and providing patients with an easy-to-use CRC screening option proved to be an effective method that potential colorectal cancer screening programs can deploy in similar populations of un- and under-insured adults.