Implementing strategies at the workplace level to increase colorectal cancer screening uptake in Argentina: a controlled interrupted time-series study

BARDACH, ARIEL ESTEBAN; PICHÓN RIVIÉRE, ANDRÉS; GIBBONS, LUZ; ALONSO, JUAN PEDRO; VIRGILIO, SACHA ALEXIS; BELIZÁN, MARÍA; COMOLLI, MARIANA; GONZALEZ, LUCAS ANGEL

CANCER PREVENTION RESEARCH

AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH

Año: 2022

1940-6207

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common neoplasm. The Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT) is recommended for screening. The worksite setting has great potential to deliver preventive interventions. We aimed to design and evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of a multicomponent strategy in a workplace (ARBA) in Argentina.We used a quasi-experimental research design, a controlled interrupted time-series (ITS). The study involved: (1) a pre-intervention period (July 2015-September 2018); and (2) an intervention period (October 2018-February 2019). We used semi-structured interviews and focus groups to design the intervention and to ensure feasibility and implementability. We fitted segmented linear regression models to evaluate changes in the monthly rates per 10,000 tests done in ARBA employees and controlling for the proportion of tests done in non-ARBA workers. A total of 1552 ARBA employees aged 50 or more participated. Overall, iFOBT mean uptake rates were 16 times higher in the intervened during the five-month intervention period, remaining statistically significant after adjusting by the proportion of tests done in the control group