Table 1 Item loadings for the factor analysis and questionnaire items (Social Cognitive scale)

I feel confidence that I wouldn't find the test overly distasteful or embarrassing

I think that giving a sample of faeces to another person for bowel cancer screening is embarrassing

I feel confident that I would be able to find time in the day to complete the test

Screening for bowel cancer can pick it up early when cancer can be treated

I think that having a faecal occult blood test would be reassuring

I believe that testing faeces for the purpose of bowel cancer screening is unhygienic

It is quite convenient that I can screen myself for bowel cancer at home

Fear of cancer would put me off having a faecal occult blood test

I think that faecal occult blood tests are inconvenient

Screening for bowel cancer is time consuming

There are things I care about more than my health

My family has a lot to do with my becoming sick or staying healthy

No matter what I do, if I'm going to get sick, I will get sick

My good health is largely a matter of good fortune

When I am sick, I just have to let nature run its course

When I recover from an illness, it's usually because other people have been taking good care of me

Having regular contact with my doctor is the best way for me to avoid illness

Regarding my health, I can only do what my doctor tells me to do

If you don't have your health, you don't have anything

When I get sick, I am to blame

I am in control of my health

If I become sick, I have the power to make myself well again

If I take the right actions, I can stay healthy

Most things that affect my health happen to me by accident

There is a good chance that I will get bowel cancer

I worry a lot about getting bowel cancer

My chance of getting bowel cancer is high

People who get bowel cancer usually die soon

I believe I know a lot about bowel cancer

I know a lot about screening for bowel cancer