Health Belief Model-Based Education for Colorectal Cancer Screening

This randomized controlled experimental study evaluated the effect of a Health Belief Model-based colorectal cancer education, screening, and prevention program among adults aged 50-70 years. A total of 176 participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received individual face-to-face education supported by a video and an informational brochure. The control group received no structured education before the immediate post-intervention assessment and was subsequently provided with the brochure. Colorectal cancer knowledge, health beliefs, and attitudes toward cancer screening were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, and screening behavior was evaluated one month later. It was hypothesized that participants receiving the structured educational program would demonstrate greater improvements in colorectal cancer-related knowledge, health beliefs, screening attitudes, and screening uptake than participants in the control group.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 50-70 years * Residing in Bartın city center * No history of colorectal cancer * Willing to participate in the study * Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous diagnosis of or treatment for colorectal cancer * Communication difficulties that prevented completion of the questionnaires * Cognitive impairment that prevented completion of the questionnaires