Objective: The study was conducted to examine the relationship between the beliefs of health locus of control and their participation in colorectal cancer screening programs of individuals aged 50-70 years.
Methods: The study was conducted with 493 individuals between the ages 50 and 70 years at a family health center in Turkey. The tools used for data collection were Demographic Information Form, Colorectal Cancer Knowledge Level Form, and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control A Form.
Results: The participation rate in colorectal cancer screenings was determined as 35.7%. Participants who had colorectal cancer screening had a higher mean score from the internal health locus of control subdimension than those who did not (P < .05). It was determined that a 1-unit increase in the internal health locus of control subdimension score increased the screening test status by 1.239 times (P=.001; P < .01).
Conclusion: Internal health locus of control was found to be an important indicator for participation in colorectal cancer screening programs. It is suggested that training and counseling should be provided by health-care professionals regarding the investigation of health locus of control and increase self-control for their health to increase participation in colorectal cancer screening programs.
Cite this article as: Özkan I, Taylan S, Öncel S. Examining the relationship between health locus of control and participation in a colorectal cancer screening program: a cross-sectional study. Arch Health Sci Res. 2023;10(3):224-230.