Survey Reveals Colonoscopy Preparation Concerns Among U.S. Patients

Salix Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bausch Health Companies Inc., in collaboration with The Harris Poll, disclosed the results of their inaugural colonoscopy awareness survey. This survey highlights insights from U.S. residents on the awareness and perceptions surrounding colonoscopies and their preparation processes, released during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The study included 506 participants aged 45 and above, with 302 having undergone a colonoscopy within the past 5 years and 204 who had not. A significant finding is the reported hesitancy towards colonoscopy procedures due to the daunting preparation involved. Over half (58%) of past patients wished for more information prior to their procedure, especially regarding preparation and medication options.

Among respondents, 78% rely on healthcare providers for colonoscopy-related information, yet only 34% discussed different preparation medications with their provider. Nicola Kayel, Senior Vice President, Marketing, emphasizes the importance of improving patient-provider communication to enhance awareness and readiness for colonoscopy procedures, highlighting its critical role in colorectal cancer detection and prevention.

The survey also uncovered that 65% of past colonoscopy patients found the preparation more challenging than the procedure itself, with 58% of individuals harboring negative sentiments towards the preparation process. Furthermore, the importance of the quantity of prep medication was noted by 84% of adults aged 45 and older surveyed.

Further research by The Harris Poll indicated that 77% of U.S. adults aged 18 and over, who have not had a colonoscopy in the past five years, seek more information before considering the procedure.