Table 2 Item loadings for the factor analysis and questionnaire items (Social Ecological Scale)

.39

.54

I feel comfortable talking to my GP about my own health

.79

I get the emotional help and support I need from my family

.69

I can count on my friends when things go wrong

.84

I can talk about my problems with my family

.83

My family is willing to help me make decisions

.66

I can talk about my problems with my friends

.46

There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows

.65

-.32

My family will support me if I decide to screen for bowel cancer

.46

-.30

People from my background would support my decision to screen for bowel cancer

.60

I am unable to see a GP every time I need to because I am disabled and there is no one to take me there

.33

My family thinks people with my background should not screen themselves for bowel cancer

.43

I have a chronic disease so don't think about bowel cancer

.36

People from my background think you can't do anything about cancer

.73

It is difficult for me to visit my GP because I do not speak English very well

.67

My GP lives very far from me so I cannot see him as often as I need

.73

In my religion, cancer is a punishment and I cannot do anything about this

.61

I think it is suspicious that the government supports screening for bowel cancer

.51

It is difficult to get to the hospital from my home

-.32

I can get to the pharmacy easily from my home

.42

-.38

It is difficult for me to see my GP regularly because I do not have a car

-.50

I am unable to see a GP every time need to because it is too expensive

.55

I generally trust doctors

-.63

I do not often visit doctors because they make me anxious

.49

I have access to the health care provider who can answer the questions I have about bowel cancer

-.62

It is difficult for me to find time to see a GP