This study investigated factors affecting delay in seeking medical care services in colorectal cancer patients.
On the bases of patients retrospective report, the total time from first noticing an illness symptom to visiting a physician was divided into two sequential stages : 1) appraisal delay ? the time the patients takes to apraise a symptom as a sign of illness: and 2) utilization delay ? the time taken from deciding one is ill until the patient goes to a clinic or hospital.
The variables used to predict the length of delay for each of the two stage and for total delay included health belief variables consist of perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefit, perceived barriers, health concern and knowledge.
The subjects for this study were made up of 37 colorectal cancer patients, who are aged from 20 to 80 pitalized in three general hospital in Seoul. The patient known about diagnosis name.
The study method used, was a questionnaire. The period for data collection was from October 17th to November 16th, 1994. The instruments used for?this study were questionnaire to measure health belief of colorectal cancer patients which is developed by Champion, was midified and implementted by the investigator from literature review. Analysis of the data was done using percentages, T? test, General Linear Models Procedure and Stepwise Multiple Regression.
The results of analysis can be summarized as follows:
1. In colorectal cancer patients the average length of delay was 10.7 months for appraisal delay, 3.7 months for utilization delay, and 11.84 months for total delay.
2. Sex (P = 0.0001), Family member number (P=0.0001) and past history (P=0.0007), percevied cause of first sign (P=0.0095) of general characteristics in colorectal cancer patients and utilization delay time was statistically significant difference. Sex of general characteristics in colorectal difference. Health belief variances and appraisal delay time, utilization delay time and total delay time in colorectal cancer patients were not statistically significant difference.
3. Stepwise Multiple Regression portray that following factors influence delay in seeking care in order named. ①barriers(R2=0.1127) ② Sex(R2=0.2019) ③ perceived first sign(R2=0.2020) ④ Job(R2=0.2636)
I submit following suggestions ending this study.
1. Continuous study of the factors affecting delay in seeking medical care in colorectal cancer patients must be carried on.
2. The proper health education program needed for early seeking medical care of colorectal cancer is required to be developed.
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