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Table 3 Stages of Change, Kin (N = 9)

From: Examining intrafamilial communication of colorectal cancer risk status to family members and kin responses to colonoscopy: a qualitative study

Pt ID, Gender

Relative w/ CRC

Current Age

Time Since PB dx

Ready to Take Action?

GP Letter?

Stage of Change

Beliefs about Colonoscopy

Key Barriers to Colonoscopy

Kin#8, Female

Brother

52

2.5 yrs

Noc

Yes

PRE-CONT

− Not a pleasant procedure

− Requires extensive preparation

− Similar to pap smear

− Preventative

− GP recommended stool test based on age (> 50)

− Negative beliefs about colonoscopy

− Spouse had bad experience

− Misinformation (no need for colonoscopy b/c asymptomatic)

Kin#9, Male

Sister

44

3 yrs

No

No

PRE-CONT

− Not worried about procedure

− Preventative BUT

− Ignorance is bliss

− No GP

− Lack of info/unsure where to find reputable info

− Desire for more info on risk

− No motivation (self-described laziness)

Kin#14, Female

Mother

42

4 yrs

No

Yes

PRE-CONT

− Preparation “often worse than procedure itself”

− Preventative

− HCPs have not recommended colonoscopy (mother did)

− Scheduling

− Negative beliefs about colonoscopy

− Misinformation (no need for colonoscopy b/c asymptomatic)

− Privacy concerns

Kin#19, Female

Son

83

4 yrs

No

No

PRE-CONT

− Not convinced it is necessary

− Not appealing (enema)

− Risks do not outweigh benefits

− HCPs have not recommended colonoscopy

− Perceived risk is low (“generation removed”)

− Negative beliefs about colonoscopy

Kin#25, Female

Sister

54

4 yrs

Noc

Yes

PRE-CONT

− Stool test first

− Preparation unappealing: drink beforehand “biggest reason” for not undergoing

− GP recommended stool test based on age (> 50)

− BUT “if [GP] told me I had to do it, I would do it.”

− Misinformation (stool test sufficient)

− Mimicking screening behaviors of FDRs

− Desire for more info on risk

− Negative beliefs about colonoscopy

Kin#2, Male

Father

41

4.5 yrs

Maybe

Yes

CONT

− Preventative

− Colonoscopy “on the radar”, needs to do it

− Fear of CRC

− Scheduling (previously in PREP stage)

− Practical (i.e. bad weather)

− GP not informed of risk/family history

Kin#18, Female

Brother

53

1.5 yrs

Maybea

No

CONT

− Preventative BUT

− Big time commitment (preparation and recovery)

− High priority, keeps thinking about it

− Scheduling

− Does not understand risk and desires more specific info

Kin#1, Male

Daughter

65

4 yrs

Yes

Yes

PREP

− Proactive and part of a healthy lifestyle

− Offers peace of mind

− Preparation unappealing: drink beforehand

− Negative beliefs about colonoscopy preparation

− Perceived risk on spouse’s side

Kin#26, Male

Brother

70

4 yrs.

Yesb

No

ACTION

− Preventative measure: removes polyps, can improve bowel function

− Previously “disgusted” by idea of colonoscopy

− N/A

  1. aunderwent colonoscopy prior to family member’s diagnosis
  2. bunderwent colonoscopy post-family member’s diagnosis
  3. chas had stool test
  4. Note: Pt Participant, w/ with, yrs years, CRC Colorectal Cancer, GP General Practitioner, PRE-CONT Precontemplation, CONT Contemplation, PREP Preparation, dx diagnosis