Financial incentives and motivational intervention to improve gastric cancer screening in China: a randomized controlled trial study protocol

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant global health challenge, with high mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, like China. Early detection through screening is crucial for improving prognosis and reducing mortality. However, uptake of GC screening remains suboptimal, highlighting the need for effective interventions to promote screening participation. This study employs an experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of two interventions, financial incentives and motivational interventions, in promoting GC screening uptake at the individual level. A large sample size will be recruited from high GC-burden provinces in China, and participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Statistical analyses, including the χ² test and interrupted time series analysis, will be used to assess the impact of interventions on screening uptake and adherence. The research protocol was reviewed by the ethical review committee of the Peking University Health Science Center (2024097) and registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov. Findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and engagement with stakeholders to inform evidence-based strategies for improving GC screening and reducing GC-related morbidity and mortality.