Risk Factors of Hepatitis Associated With Time to Adopting a New Cancer Screening Model Under Diffusion of Innovation Theory-A 10-Year Cohort Study in Taiwan

• Published in: Public health Nursing 2024-10
• Main Authors: Lien, Angela Shin-Yu, Chiu, Sherry Yueh-Hsia, Fann, Jean Ching-Yuan, Chen, Sam Li-Sheng, Yen, Amy Ming-Fang, Chen, Hsiu-Hsi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0737-1209; 1525-1446; 1525-1446
• DOI: 10.1111/phn.13461

Hepatitis is a serious global health issue. To reduce mortality, early screening for liver disease has been recommended in community health policies, particularly for asymptomatic individuals. This study explored the link between liver function biomarkers and how quickly people adopt a new multiple cancer screening program, using the diffusion of innovation (DOI) Theory. The study included 57,939 participants from a community-based screening program in Keelung, Taiwan, between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2010. Data on demographics and lifestyle habits were collected through questionnaires, and blood samples were analyzed to measure biomarkers related to liver function. On average, participants took 3.48 years to accept the new screening program. People with healthier lifestyles, such as those who drank alcohol less often, were more likely to adopt the screening early. Additionally, those with higher levels of liver-related biomarkers like albumin, total protein, and ALT joined even sooner. In conclusion, using DOI theory, the study found that personal lifestyle and liver function play a role in how quickly individuals adopt a new screening system. These insights can help healthcare providers improve early screening efforts, particularly for people at risk of hepatitis and liver cancer, potentially reducing related deaths.