The Open Gastroenterology Journal

2009, 3 : 8-10
Published online 2009 March 12. DOI: 10.2174/1874259900903010008
Publisher ID: TOGASJ-3-8

Increased Willingness to Undergo Colorectal Cancer Screening When Offered a Paid Day Off from Work Among Inner City Hospital Employees

Kavitha Kumbum , Kalyan Kanneganti , David Widjaja , Steve Blum , Prospere Remy , Mariela Glandt and Sridhar Chilimuri
Department of Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY 10457-7606, Affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, USA

ABSTRACT

Background:

Though several modalities are available for colorectal cancer screening, only about half of adults are being screened. Barriers to compliance include fear of diagnosis, lack of motivation and logistical difficulties, including taking time off work. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether offering a paid day off from work would motivate more patients to undergo screening.

Methods:

A questionnaire was administered to employees at the the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in 2007

Results:

Of the 916 surveys returned, we focused on the 438 responders who needed a screening test due to age greater than 50, or less than 50 but with a family history of colon cancer. Of the 438, fifty responders were not sure or not willing to undergo screening. The remainder were willing or had been screened and were excluded from the analysis. Among the fifty, 17 (34%) were more willing to undergo screening when they were offered a paid day off from work. Six out of ten men (60%) changed their mind based on this incentive while only 11 out of 40 women (27%) did so (p= 0.05).

Conclusions:

A paid day off from work may increase screening compliance. This effect was more pronounced in men.