Knowledge, attitude and practice towards early screening of colorectal cancer in Riyadh

Colorectal cancer screening among the public: knowledge, attitudes, and the perceived barriers

Colorectal cancer (CRC)1 screening tests help in early detection of CRC and improve disease prognosis. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and barriers to CRC screening and the associated factors among the general population in Jordan. A validated self-administered online survey was distributed on 1542 individuals in Jordan. The participants (n = 1542) reported several barriers and demonstrated insufficient knowledge but positive attitude towards CRC screening. Older age (OR = 1.021, 95% CI = 1.010-1.032, P < 0.001), working in medical field (OR = 3.198, 95% CI = 2.499-4.092, P < 0.001), family history of cancer (OR = 1.248, 95% CI = 1.002-1.555, P < 0.05), and knowing someone with CRC (OR = 1.601, 95% CI = 1.186-2.161, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with higher knowledge. Personal history of CRC (OR = 3.157, 95% CI = 1.188-8.387, P < 0.05), and high knowledge of CRC (OR = 2.795, 95% CI = 2.242-3.484, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the positive attitude. Future healthcare programs should devise effective techniques to improve public understanding and perception of CRC screening and overcome the identified barriers.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward glioma of patients with neurological symptoms or diseases in henan, China

Objective

To explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward glioma of patients with neurological symptoms or diseases.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted at two medical centers in Henan Province between January 2023 and April 2023 and enrolled patients with neurological symptoms or diseases. The demographic characteristics of the participants and their KAP toward glioma were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship among KAP dimensions.

Results

The study included 442 valid questionnaires. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 7.65 ± 1.62 (possible range: 0-9), 37.98 ± 3.17 (possible range: 9-45), and 40.16 ± 4.17 (possible range: 10-50), indicating good knowledge, favorable attitude, and active practice. The SEM analysis showed that knowledge directly affected attitudes (β = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.73-1.06, P < 0.001) but not practice (β = -0.08, 95%CI: -0.32-0.14, P = 0.487), while attitudes directly affected practice (β = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.21-0.48, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with neurological symptoms/diseases who had heard of gliomas had good knowledge, favorable attitudes, and active practice toward glioma. Specific knowledge items that would warrant improvements were identified in the specific population of patients with neurological symptoms/diseases who had heard of glioma. Future studies should also examine the general population.

Evaluation of public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes about colorectal cancer screening among the general population in Al-qunfudah

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the colon and rectum. It can be cured if detected in the early stage through established screening programs. CRC screening is the best way to improve cancer morbidity and mortality. Various approaches such as stool tests, virtual colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy are available for early detection. On average, a person after reaching the age of 45 should begin the screening process for CRC periodically for 5 years. Our study aims to measure the population's awareness and knowledge of the effect of CRC screening on CRC outcomes. A cross-sectional study questionnaire was designed and distributed among Saudi residents of the Al-Qunfudah region. A total of 385 participants replied: 55.8% of the participants were males, 78.8% of the study participants mentioned that they had heard about CRC, and 27.3% reported that CRC is common in Al-Qunfudah. In addition, 62.1% knew that CRC is more common in men but only 32.2% had a good awareness level. Moreover, 16.4% of the participants reported that they had received a colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy; 69.9% did not think of the colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy procedure as the main barrier to undergoing early screening for CRC. Good awareness regarding CRC was demonstrated in 34.4% of highly educated participants, which was directly associated with levels of education. In conclusion, much more awareness regarding CRC screening is needed in the Al-Qunfudah region. Educational seminars and programs should be made mandatory, and the healthcare system should focus on high-risk individuals.

Screening Perspectives: The Role of Colorectal Cancer Awareness in Shaping Attitudes Toward Colonoscopy in Palestine

PURPOSE

To assess colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and its influence on attitudes toward colonoscopy in Palestine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to recruit Palestinian adults from hospitals, primary health care centers, and public spaces across 11 governorates. To evaluate the awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors, and mythical causes, the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale were used after translation into Arabic. For each correctly recognized item, one point was given. The total awareness score of each domain was calculated and categorized into tertiles; the top tertile was considered high awareness, and the other two tertiles were considered low awareness.

RESULTS

A total of 4,623 questionnaires were included. Only 1,849 participants (40.0%) exhibited high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms. High awareness of CRC symptoms was associated with higher likelihood of showing positive attitudes toward colonoscopy (odds ratio [OR], 1.21 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.37]). A total of 1,840 participants (38.9%) demonstrated high awareness of CRC risk factors. Participants with high awareness of CRC risk factors were more likely to display positive attitudes toward colonoscopy (OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.37]). Only 219 participants (4.7%) demonstrated high awareness of CRC causation myths. There was no association between awareness of CRC causation myths and positive attitudes toward colonoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of CRC was poor with less than half of the study participants demonstrating high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms and risk factors, and a minority (<5%) displaying high awareness of CRC causation myths. High awareness of CRC signs/symptoms and risk factors was associated with greater likelihood of demonstrating positive attitudes toward colonoscopy. Educational initiatives are needed to address knowledge gaps and dispel misconceptions surrounding CRC.

Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer in Egypt: a nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines advocate for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in adults who are at risk by using direct visualization methods such as colonoscopy. However, in Egypt, there is a paucity of data regarding the current practice of colonoscopy screening. Moreover, more information is needed about the knowledge and attitudes of potential participants regarding the procedure and possible barriers that can limit their participation.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study using an interview-based survey of patients aged 45 years or above who presented to outpatient clinics of nine university hospitals throughout Egypt. Participants were surveyed to assess their compliance with CRC colonoscopy screening guidelines, their knowledge of and attitude towards colonoscopy screening, and their perspective on potential barriers to colonoscopy screening.

RESULTS

A total of 1,453 participants responded to our survey in the nine study centers. Only a minority of participants (2.3%) were referred for CRC screening. Referral rates were higher among those who knew someone with a history of CRC (5.3% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001) or had a discussion with their physician about CRC (25.8% vs 0.7%, p < 0.001). Few responders (3.2%) had good knowledge regarding CRC screening. After introducing the concept of CRC screening to all participants, most patients (66.7%) showed a positive attitude towards having the procedure. Financial burden and fear of results were the two most frequently cited barriers to undergoing CRC screening (81.1%; and 60.1%, respecteively).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the positive attitude, there is insufficient knowledge about CRC screening among eligible participants in Egypt. This has probably contributed to low compliance with current CRC screening guidelines and needs to be addressed at the national level.

Knowledge and barriers to screening for colorectal cancer among individuals aged 40 years or older visiting primary healthcare clinics in Al-Khobar, Eastern Province

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third as the most common cancer in the world and the 4th most common cause of deaths from cancer. In Saudi Arabia, CRC is the most common cancer in males and the third most common in females. Early screening reduces the risk of CRC and death. However, there is a lack of awareness of CRC screening in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, practices, and barriers to CRC screening using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study enrolled Saudis aged 40 years or older visiting PHCCs in Al-Khobar. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire or a direct interview of the selected participants. Information sought included sociodemographics, past CRC screening, CRC knowledge, and HBM items. Data analysis was done using SPSS; the Chi-squared test and ANOVA were used to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 206 of the individuals approached completed the questionnaire. The average age was 51.1 years, and 51% were males. Only 10% reported that a physician had provided information on CRC prevention or discussed/recommended screening for CRC, and 10% had undergone screening for CRC. Seventy-five percent of respondents had heard of CRC, and 74% said that CRC was preventable. Regarding the HBM, no significant difference in the mean scores for perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, and benefits of CRC screening was found by age groups. The mean score for perceived severity was higher for females than males. About 60% of participants were extremely likely to have a screening test for CRC done on the day if recommended by the doctor.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge and awareness of CRC screening of the targeted sample is inadequate. Individuals with higher perceived susceptibility, severity of CRC, and perceived benefit of the screening tests were more willing to undergo the test. The highest perceived barrier was having no symptoms, and the lowest was "getting a stool test is too much of a hassle." These findings underline the importance of having a national screening program and campaigns to deal with the concerns of people and raise awareness of CRC.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Literacy and Facilitators Related to a Free Screening Program in Thailand

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate CRC screening literacy and to determine the association between demographic characteristics and levels of CRC screening literacy and facilitators motivating participation.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out with 1,272 Thai citizens aged 50-70 years consenting to complete the screening protocol. Data were collected at the final visit by a self-reported questionnaire which was developed and validated using I-CVI=1. Difficulty of CRC screening knowledge dimension was tested by KR20, Cronbach's alpha 0.49.

RESULTS

The majority of participants, 834 (65.6%) had sufficient CRC screening literacy and association between characteristics and levels of CRC screening literacy was not different. Comparing between characteristics and facilitators showed significant differences in trusting healthcare providers, perceiving harmless procedures, having constipation and time available. By married and own income participants exhibited lower trust in healthcare providers, 68% (OR 0.32, 95%CI 0.14 - 0.73) and 59% (OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.19 - 0.95), respectively. Married individuals perceived the procedures of screening involved higher harm, 32% (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.45 - 0.99). Female and age over 60 with constipation constituted higher screening, 1.9 fold (OR 1.93, 95%CI 1.44 - 2.60) and 1.4 fold (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.09 - 1.90). Though time available, age over 60 was lower screening 56% (OR 0.44, 95%CI 0.24 - 0.80), while own income and income more than 30,000 THB/month participants constituted higher screening 15 fold (OR 15.14, 95%CI 4.72 - 48.56) and 2.5 fold (OR 2.50, 95%CI 1.50 - 4.18), respectively.

CONCLUSION

CRC screening literacy of participants was high. The association between characteristics and CRC screening literacy levels did not differ while characteristics and facilitators differed in some aspects. The free program promoted CRC screening equity; however, multilevel facilitators must be concerned, prioritized and intervened to motivate participation.

Outcomes and appropriateness of colonoscopy referrals at King Khalid University Hospital, Saudi Arabia: An opportunity to expand the colonoscopy screening

OBJECTIVES

To examine the colonoscopy referrals in an open-access system and determine the outcome and factors associated with appropriate referral.

METHODS

A retrospective study of colonoscopy referrals used patients' medical records at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during 2020-2022. Fisher's exact or Pearson's Chi-squared test were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 365 patients, 95.1% were referred from family medicine clinics with a mean age of 56.2±15.7 years. Men account for 53.2% of patients. The most common symptoms were change in bowel habits (35.6%), abdominal pain (30.4%), and anemia (20.1%). A family history of colorectal cancer was positive in 12.1%, while a personal history was positive in 4.4%. Most referrals (86.0%) were appropriate based on the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines. However, approximately 89.1% of patients aged ≥45 years had neoplasia and 40.0% had inflammatory bowel disease (p=0.019). The rank of the physicians (p=0.558) or the gender of the patients (p=0.665) did not influence the appropriateness. The inappropriate referrals were lower in patients with neoplasia (1.6%) than in patients with other lesions (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The colonoscopy referrals were appropriate. The incidence of neoplasia was higher among those aged ≥45. Low inappropriate referrals and a high neoplasia detection were found based on ASGE guidelines. Future research should involve prospective multicenter referrals from family physicians outside hospitals and investigate patients' hesitancy to proceed with colonoscopy and cost-effectiveness.

Practice of colorectal cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates and factors associated - a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite the implementation of CRC screening guidelines, the uptake of screening among adults in the UAE remains low. This study aimed to assess the practice, factors associated, barriers, and knowledge gaps among adults in the UAE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2100 residents of the UAE, aged > = 40 years, participated in the study. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was collected through online platforms and face-to-face interviews in healthcare settings. Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The study revealed a low CRC screening rate of 9.1%. Factors analyzed included age groups, health insurance coverage, regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, awareness of CRC, and knowledge levels about CRC and its signs and symptoms. Participants in the 50-59 age group showed a slightly higher likelihood of CRC screening, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, individuals in the 60-69 and > = 70 age groups were more likely to undergo screening. Regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, prior knowledge of CRC, and knowledge about the disease and its signs and symptoms were associated with a higher likelihood of screening, with statistically significant OR.

CONCLUSION

A low CRC screening rate of 9.1% among adults. Barriers to screening included not being offered a test by physicians, fear of positive results, discomfort with the screening process, perception of pain, and lack of knowledge. Identifying particulate barriers and developing targeted measures requires larger-scale research.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemia and Its Determinants Among the Adult Population of the Jazan Region

Purpose

To assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its determinants among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This data was collected during interviews utilizing a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire measured the demographics, diagnosis with dyslipidemia, and distribution of dyslipidemia determinants among the sample, including dietary habits and lifestyle practices. A chi-square test was used to examine the statistical difference between the characteristics of individuals who had reported checking their lipid profile to those who reported never performing a lipid profile check-up among participants not diagnosed with dyslipidemia.

Results

The current study included a total of 244 participants. The median age of the participants was 27 years, most participants were female (66.8%), and about 59% had a university education or above. Approximately 40% of the participants had ever had their lipid profile checked, 20.1% of the participants had been diagnosed with dyslipidemia, and 20.9% had family history of dyslipidemia. Most of the undiagnosed participants (79.9%) had more than one risk factor for developing dyslipidemia. All the participants without a dyslipidemia diagnosis had not been meeting the recommended levels of physical activity, and more than half consumed a high-fat diet. The results of the inferential analysis indicate that among those who had not been diagnosed with dyslipidemia, participants who were older than 27 years, male, unemployed, married, had a university education or above, and a minimum monthly income of 5000 Saudi Arabia Riyals were more likely to check their lipid profile compared to other groups (p-values <0.05).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that most of the participants who had not been diagnosed with dyslipidemia are at high risk of developing dyslipidemia. About 60% of the participants had never checked their lipid profile, suggesting a need to promote routine lipid profile check-ups among individuals at high-risk for dyslipidemia.

Oncological outcomes of elective versus emergency surgery for colon cancer: A tertiary academic center experience

Background

In this study, we aimed to identify the oncological outcomes in colon cancer patients who underwent elective versus emergency curative resection.

Methods

All patients who underwent curative resection for colon cancer between July 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presentation into elective and emergency groups.

Results

A total of 215 patients with colon cancer were admitted and underwent curative surgical resection. Of those, 145 patients (67.4%) were elective cases, and 70 (32.5%) were emergency cases. Family history of malignancy was positive in 44 patients (20.5%) and significantly more common in the emergency group (P = 0.016). The emergency group had higher T and TNM stages (P = 0.001). The 3-year survival rate was 60.9% and significantly less in the emergency group (P = 0.026). The mean duration from surgery to recurrence, 3-year disease-free survival, and overall survival were 1.19, 2.81, and 3.11, respectively.

Conclusion

Elective group was associated with better 3-year survival, longer overall, and 3-year disease-free survival compared to the emergency group. The disease recurrence rate was comparable in both groups, mainly in the first two years after curative resection.

Knowledge and belief of fecal occult blood screening: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a high incidence and mortality rate. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is effective in the prevention of CRC.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess knowledge and beliefs regarding FOBT-based screening.

METHODS

This study used PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE Complete, and Web of Science to search for articles. Original full-text studies in English language focusing on knowledge and beliefs of FOBT screening were included.

RESULTS

A total of 32 articles were included. This study indicated that the population in most studies had inadequate knowledge and lacked beliefs toward FOBT-based screening. Most of the extracted studies showed that less than half of the participants had heard of FOBT-based screening. Six studies showed that less than 50% of participants had knowledge of FOBT age. Three studies found that less than 40% of participants were aware of the screening interval. Some participants perceived the benefits of FOBT-based screening, while others perceived many barriers to the test.

CONCLUSION

Participants' knowledge and belief in FOBT-based screening were insufficient. This review highlights the importance of educational programs to increase knowledge and beliefs regarding FOBT-based screening. It is important to include FOBT-based screening in the health care system to promote the secondary prevention of CRC.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers on early gastrointestinal cancer in China

Objective

Gastrointestinal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in China, and its early screening is largely recommended by healthcare workers. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers on early gastrointestinal cancer (EGC).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on healthcare workers who volunteered to participate from 30 hospitals in China between September and December 2022. A self-administered questionnaire including 37 questions was developed.

Results

A total of 545 completed questionnaires were finally obtained. Healthcare workers had moderate knowledge level [9.22 ± 1.80 (65.88±12.89%), total score: 14], positive attitude [21.84 ± 2.67 (91.01 ± 11.14%), total score: 24], and excellent practice level [19.07 ± 4.43 (79.47 ± 18.44%), total score: 24] on EGC. Pearson's correlation analysis suggested that knowledge score was positively correlated with attitude (r = 0.264, P < 0.001) and practice score (r = 0.140, P = 0.001), and higher attitude score was significantly correlated with higher practice score (r = 0.380, P < 0.001), which were supported and reinforced by structural equation modeling. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that knowledge scores might be influenced by sex, age, education, type of hospital, type of occupation, professional title, and years of working (all P < 0.05); attitude scores might be influenced by years of working (P < 0.05); and practice scores were statistically distinct among groups of different sex, department, and years of working (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Healthcare workers have moderate knowledge level, positive attitude, and excellent practice levels on EGC. Good knowledge and positive attitude might be correlated with excellent practice. KAP level might be influenced by sociodemographic characteristics.

Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme in Southern Iraq: Challenges, Knowledge Gaps and Future Potential

Data on current colorectal cancer screening practices in Iraq are limited. This study aimed to better understand the current colorectal cancer screening practice and perceived barriers. The project also aimed to use UK expertise to introduce Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) in Basra, Iraq. The study consisted of two parts: A pre-visit online survey of clinicians to test the project's feasibility. A public survey was conducted to understand and gauge the general knowledge and perceived barriers to having colorectal cancer screening. The second phase included a short visit to Basra and the delivery of a multidisciplinary meeting for bowel screening colonoscopists. Fifty healthcare providers completed the survey. Basra has no established bowel cancer screening programme, let alone the country. Opportunistic colonoscopy surveillance is done on an ad hoc base. A total of 350 individuals completed the public survey. The survey showed that more than 50% of participants were not familiar with the concept of a BCSP and less than 25% were aware of "red flag" symptoms of bowel cancer. The short visit to Basra included a roundtable discussion and delivered a training workshop for screening colonoscopists using UK training materials in conjunction with the Iraqi Medical Association. Feedback from the course was extremely positive. Several potential barriers were identified to participate in BCSP. The study highlighted potential barriers, including a lack of public awareness and insufficient training resources to be addressed in future screening programmes. The study has identified several potential areas for future collaboration to support the development of a BCSP centre in Basra.

Public Knowledge, Practice, and Attitude Regarding Cancer Screening: A Community-Based Study in Saudi Arabia

(1) Background: Cancer screening tests discover cancer at early stages, even before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissues or a malignant mass is found early, treatment and cure rates are improved. In late stages, the cancer may have grown and metastasized. This can negatively affect cancer treatment and reduce the overall survival rate. Screening tests are performed when a person is asymptomatic. Public awareness about cancer screening is crucial for the success of cancer screening programs and for consequently decreasing the morbidity and mortality rate due to cancer. (2) Aim: Assess the knowledge and perception of the community regarding cancer screening in Saudi Arabia. (3) Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study targeting the general population of Saudi Arabia was conducted from January to June 2022. The data were collected using a structured validated electronic questionnaire. The study questionnaire covered participants' personal data, medical history, source of data, and participants' knowledge, attitude, and practice items. The questionnaire was used as a digital survey and was distributed electronically to the target population. (4) Results: A total of 1313 participants completed the study questionnaire. The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 67 years, with a mean age of 28.3 ± 11.4 years old. Overall, 60.4% of the study participants knew about cancer screening. Regarding the benefits of cancer screening, 91.8% of the participants reported knowing that the early detection of cancer helps treatment, and 81.1% knew that the early detection of cancer improves treatment outcomes. Moreover, 441 (33.6%) of the participants had good knowledge regarding cancer and cancer screening, while 872 (66.4%) had poor levels of knowledge. Furthermore, 106 (8.1%) of the participants underwent cancer screening. (5) Conclusions: The study results revealed that participants' awareness regarding cancer and cancer screening was low, especially for approaches to reduce cancer risk. Additionally, the study participants' practice regarding cancer screening was low. The health care authority should plan for population-based efficacious cancer screening programs. In addition, cancer screening information and the benefits of early detection can be disseminated through social media to target the desired populations.

Patterns and grades of presentation of colon cancer in Northern Saudi Arabia

Introduction

The primary concern related to colon cancer in Saudi Arabia is the presentation of many patients with advanced disease stages.

Aim

To determine the patterns and grades of colon cancer presentation in Northern Saudi Arabia.

Material and methods

Retrieved data and tissue blocks related to 50 colorectal patients from King Khalid Hospital, Hai'l province, Northern Saudi Arabia were used. The sample represented all available colorectal specimens (full coverage of cancer cases within 10 years). The retrieved data included a full histopathology report, gender, and age. All tissues were retrieved in the form of formalin-fixed paraffin wax processed blocks. The tissues were found to be obtained in the form of colonoscopy or/and biopsy.

Results

The diagnosed colon cancers included conventional adenocarcinoma 36 (72%), mucinous adenocarcinoma 4 (8%), carcinoma-in-situ 4 (8%), and invasive adenocarcinoma 6 (12%). Moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated stages were confirmed in 46 (92%) and 4 (8%), respectively.

Conclusions

Conventional adenocarcinoma is the most common presenting colon cancer at and relatively younger age. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is frequently presented in female patients of a somewhat more youthful generation. Most patients are diagnosed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, followed by poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The findings necessitate the urgent intervention of national policies for early detection by implementing sustainable screening programs.

Knowledge & Awareness regarding colorectal cancer among health and allied students of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the pivotal public health issues in Saudi Arabia currently. There is a need to examine the knowledge and awareness of the health professions’ students who are going to be the caretakers of the public in years to come.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and awareness of CRC in health and allied students of our Health Sciences University in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

An online predesigned and validated and self-administered Survey/Questionnaire was dispensed to all health and allied students. Descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS. Data were analyzed by demographic distributions to determine if students of these groups displayed any differential awareness and knowledge for CRC.

Results:

A total of 372 of students answered the online questionnaire with a mean age of 20 + 7.3 (SD) years. There was almost an equal distribution of male (47.8%) and female (52.2%) students and majority of them were single (97.3%). In this study, we found that the students were not having any knowledge of the epidemiology of CRC in Saudi Arabia. The knowledge about the various risk factors of CRC was also very dismal; only a minority of them (34.4%) was able to identify 5 out of 12 CRC risk factors correctly. However, 59.7% of students had no idea about the test/examination methods that are used in screening and detection of CRC, but majority (76.1%) of them were aware that people should get screened for CRC.

Conclusions:

A very low level of awareness and knowledge about CRC was observed in this study among all health and allied students. We strongly recommend that there is a dire need of proactive aggressive preventive medicine campaigns, educational programs, and curricular modifications for the students to prepare them for the challenges posed by increasing burden of cancer in the kingdom.