Table 1 Factor loadings based on maximum likelihood extraction with direct oblimin rotation for the EBBS

1

Collecting a sample of my own faeces/poo on a swab stick is really nasty

2

The idea of posting a sample of my faeces to my doctor or a laboratory is embarrassing

3

The idea of putting anything, even diagnostic equipment into my anus is disgusting

4

I am afraid that giving a stool sample might lead to discovering I have cancer

5

I would be so concerned about being diagnosed with bowel cancer that I would avoid testing

6

The idea of having to gather a sample of my own faeces makes me feel sick

7

Having anything guided up my bottom and into my bowel is disgusting

8

Holding a container of my own faeces (poo) is disgusting

9

I would worry that stool testing would find something wrong with me

10

Giving a stool/faecal sample for testing is really embarrassing

11

The idea of having a short, lighted tube inserted into my anus is gross

12

Imagining that other people know I am collecting stool samples for testing would be embarrassing

13

Collecting my own faeces/poo is so disgusting I think I would gag

14

I feel uncomfortable when a doctor or nurse describes bowel screening

15

I feel anxious when I think about conducting a stool test

16

Imagining the feeling of having a screening instrument inserted into my rectum makes me feel ill

17

I would feel humiliated if someone found a faecal collection kit I had been given

18

The possibility that collecting faeces for a bowel test might be a bit messy is revolting

19

I am afraid that I might hurt myself somehow during stool collection

20

Having to insert preparatory medications into my bottom before a bowel cancer test is disgusting