Feasibility of encouraging participation in colorectal cancer screening campaigns by motivating people through the social network, Facebook. (9th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koïvogui, A.; Levi, S.; Finkler, M.; Lewkowicz, S.; Gombeaud, T.; Sabate, J. M.; Duclos, C.; Benamouzig, R.
• Is Part Of: Colorectal disease. Volume 22:Number 10(2020)
• Page Start: 1325
• Page End: 1335
• Publication Date: 2020-06-09
• Subjects: Colorectal cancer screening -- Facebook -- awareness campaign -- participation rate; Colon (Anatomy) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Rectum -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.34
• DOI: 10.1111/codi.15121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-8910

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To describe the results of a feasibility phase and the expected results of a new approach to increase the participation rate in a Colorectal Cancer Organized Screening Program (CRCSP) through Facebook awareness messages. Method: This approach targets people aged 50–74 years, who reside in an urban deprived area and regularly connect to Facebook. The feasibility phase ran over 2 months (December 2018 and January 2019) in six municipalities (Seine‐Saint‐Denis, France). The full provisional campaign will run over a year. The approach consists of sending electronic awareness messages on the importance of screening for colorectal cancer using a specific Facebook module. Subjects who consent to screening complete a test‐kit application form. The eligibility of each subject to participate in screening is determined by a doctor before the kit is sent out. Results: A total of 39 900 people were reached by the feasibility phase campaign, and 9200 were able to watch at least one Facebook message/video. Of those, 4450 people logged to learn more about the CRCSP, 298 applied for a test kit, 160 test kit applicants were eligible to participate and the test completion rate was 41.9%. According to these feasibility results, 366 120 targeted people would connect regularly in the tested area, 141 541 of whom would be interested in a specific promotional message posted on Facebook. Requests could be made for 9770 kits, with 5246 people being eligible to participate in screening. The expected test‐completion rate is estimated at 42%–89%. This would represent 5%–11% of the tests carried out in the area during the same period by 'classical' CRCSP. Conclusion: Implementation of the Facebook strategy would significantly improve the rate of participation in the CRCSP by mobilizing people with no previous participation, including younger subjects.