Choice, Implementation Intentions and Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background: African-Americans are more likely than other racial groups to develop and die from colorectal cancer (CRC). These disparities are largely due to lower rates of CRC detection among African-Americans. At-home CRC screening using a recommended screening tool - including fecal immunochemical testing (FIT Kit) and stool DNA testing (sDNA) ¬- could aid in reducing disparities. Yet, at-home screening remains underutilized, and little is known about preferences for specific at-home screening alternatives, despite that options present tradeoffs that likely influence uptake. Another challenge, including among African Americans, is that at-home screening suffers from low conversion - full completion of screening by individuals who are issued at-home screening kits. Implementation intentions may be an effective psychological tool for overcoming low conversion among African Americans.

Objective/Hypothesis: This study proposes to evaluate preference for and conversion rates associated with colonoscopy, FIT Kit and sDNA testing among low income Africans Americans, and will evaluate use of implementation intentions to promote uptake and conversion across these screening modalities.

Specific Aims: (1) To identify and compare preferences for colonoscopy versus annual FIT KIT testing versus stool DNA testing once every three years in a community sample of CRC screening-eligible African-Americans; (2) To identify and compare conversion of at-home CRC screening over three years among participants who elect to complete FIT Kit versus stool DNA testing for at-home CRC screening; (3) To determine the effectiveness of utilizing culturally targeted Implementation Intentions to promote conversion of colonoscopy and at-home CRC screening in screening eligible African-Americans.

Study design: In collaboration with clinical and community experts, the investigators will develop video materials to educate CRC screening eligible individuals about colonoscopy FIT Kit and sDNA as options for at-home CRC screening. In partnership with two Federally Qualified Health Center - one in Detroit, MI and one in Flint, MI - the investigators will provide access to these screening options and evaluate preferences for and conversion associated with each screening modality in a sample of screening eligible low-income African Americans. To consider strategies for enhancing conversion, the investigators will also evaluate a culturally-targeted approach to implementation intentions for use with CRC screening.