Effect of WhatsApp Messenger on Uptake of CRC Screening Study

It is estimated that there are about 1.4 million patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide, with a rising trend in CRC incidence in many Asian Pacific countries1. In Hong Kong, colorectal cancer ranks first in cancer incidence and second in cancer mortality based on data from 20142.

Recent guidelines from USA, Europe and Asia Pacific region recommend CRC screening for average-risk asymptomatic individuals starting at age 503-5. Modalities such as guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests (gFOBT), fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), and colonoscopy are among the acceptable options for CRC screening3-5.

Department of Health of Hong Kong launched a Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot Program in late 2016. This is a subsidized program offering primary care consultation with FIT. For those subjects with FIT positive, colonoscopy specialist consultation and colonoscopy will be arranged.

The local uptake rate of CRC screening was reported to be 24.5%8 , which is relatively low when compared to other developed county9.

In recent years, social media (SM) has become an increasingly popular source of health information10. By providing an easily accessible and interactive channel of communication between reviewers and information providers, it has potential values for affecting public health. However, the effects of SM on uptake of CRC screening has not yet been studied.

WhatsApp Messenger, is the most popular social media messaging app worldwide. This randomized controlled study will investigate the effect of WhatsApp vs telephone intervention on the uptake of CRC screening.

Background It is estimated that there are about 1.4 million patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide, with a rising trend in CRC incidence in many Asian Pacific countries1. In Hong Kong, colorectal cancer ranks first in cancer incidence and second in cancer mortality based on data from 20142.

Recent guidelines from USA, Europe and Asia Pacific region recommend CRC screening for average-risk asymptomatic individuals starting at age 503-5. Modalities such as guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests (gFOBT), fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), and colonoscopy are among the acceptable options for CRC screening3-5.

Department of Health of Hong Kong launched a Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot Program in late 2016. This is a subsidized program offering primary care consultation with FIT. For those subjects with FIT positive, colonoscopy specialist consultation and colonoscopy will be arranged.

The local uptake rate of CRC screening was reported to be 24.5%8 , which is relatively low when compared to other developed county9.

In recent years, social media (SM) has become an increasingly popular source of health information10. By providing an easily accessible and interactive channel of communication between reviewers and information providers, it has potential values for affecting public health. However, the effects of SM on uptake of CRC screening has not yet been studied.

WhatsApp Messenger, is the most popular social media messaging app worldwide. This randomized controlled study will investigate the effect of WhatsApp vs telephone intervention on the uptake of CRC screening.

Hypothesis Delivery of information of CRC screening program via SM can encourage uptake of CRC screening.

Aim To investigate the effectiveness of Delivery of information of CRC screening program via WhatsApp on the uptake of CRC screening

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 50 - 70
* Asymptomatic

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lack of access to WhatsApp messenger