Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was designed to identify the factors that influenced the decision to have a colonoscopy.
METHODS
The sample was one hundred ninety four subjects who completed a self administrated survey. The survey posed questions of self-efficacy scale, fatalism scale and an intention scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics including t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis.
RESULTS
There were statistically significant differences among the intention of having a colonoscopy and age, educational background, occupation and income. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between self-efficacy and intention of having a colonoscopy. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between fatalism and decision to have a colonoscopy. Self-efficacy, income and age were significant predictors of the decision to have a colonoscopy; accounting for 44.3% of the total variance.
CONCLUSION
Self-efficacy and fatalism were influence the decision to have a colonoscopy. As a result of these, it may be useful to develop strategies to foster decision making to have a colonoscopy utilizing the findings from this study.