Self-Rated Health and Colorectal Cancer Screening Intentions and Behaviours among U.S. Men (aged 45-75)

Background: Our study examined the relationship between self-rated health (SRH) and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening intention and behaviors among United States men aged 45 to 75 years. In addition, we assessed whether educational attainment modified these relationships and the presence of an intention–behavior gap. Methods: Using data from a 2022 cross-sectional survey ( n = 501), we assessed CRC screening intentions, history, and current status. Multivariable logistic regression models explored associations between SRH and the outcomes of interest, adjusting for confounding. Results were stratified by educational attainment to examine potential effect modification. Cochran's Q test and McNemar's tests evaluated differences and discordance among outcomes. Results: While most participants planned to undergo CRC screening (82.2%) and had been screened before (65.9%), fewer than half (44.9%) were up to date with screening. Good or better SRH was associated with higher odds of planning to get screened (aOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.97). The relationships between SRH and screening behaviours were not statistically significant. We found limited evidence that educational attainment modified these relationships. There was significant heterogeneity among the outcomes ( p < 0.0001). The only characteristic associated with discordance between intention and participation was age ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Men with positive SRH are more likely to intend to undergo CRC screening; however, this intention often does not translate into action. Future research should meticulously investigate barriers preventing men from following through with CRC early-detection screening efforts .