Health Belief Model-Based Interventions to Improve Participation of PoorIndividuals in Colorectal Cancer Screenings: A Review of Literature for Nurses

Abstract

Colorectal Cancers is the third type of cancer in the world among men, second among womenand third among both sexes. Despite Colorectal Cancer early diagnosis practices, which aremet free of charge by national cancer screening programs, the participation rates of indivi duals in screening programs are insufficient; these rates are even lower in poor individuals.Various models have been developed by behavioral scientists to identify and evaluate thefactors that affect individuals' participation in cancer screenings. Health Belief Model is oneof the most effective models in explaining behaviors towards cancer screening. In the litera ture, there are studies that try to define the factors that lead individuals to perform colorectalcancer screening on the basis of Health Belief Model. The aim of this review is to show thevarious applications used on the basis of Health Belief Model to increase the participation oflow socioeconomic level individuals in colorectal cancer screening. Nurses should also play amore active role in model-based interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening ratesin poor individuals.