Level of Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Among Patients Attending Primary Care in Single Center: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer deaths
OBJECTIVES: this study aims to evaluate the knowledge level of colorectal cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening modalities among patients attending Primary Care Center to identify the population that might benefit from targeted future health education programs
METHOD: This was a cross-sectional survey study that has been conducted at the primary care centers at Security Forces Hospital (SFH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study participants were patients attending the primary care center at Security Forces Hospital during the study period from January 1st, 2020 To April 30th,2020
RESULTS: A total of 384 patients participated in the study, 57.6% of them were females, the highest percentage (40.6%) were in the age group of 30-39 years old, and 60.9% were married. Almost half (49.2%) of the participants reported having educational level as college and above. A 49.1% of the respondents correctly know what is the colon, Only 12.8% correctly know that screening for colorectal cancer is at the age of 50, 83.5% of the respondents know that family history of CRC is a risk factor, 56% scored colonoscopy as the screening tool, while only 6.5% scored the microscopic stool examination. the mean (±SD) of the overall knowledge score was 4.63(±2.26) out of 10, The results revealed no significant differences (P>0.05) in the total knowledge score by gender, age, or marital status, being higher among females, those aged 50-59 years, and single participants. In contrast, lower educational level subjects are almost four folds at increased risk of poor knowledge about CRC, with OR=3.84, and a P-value of <0.001.
CONCLUSION: this study indicate gaps in the awareness of CRC Among Patients Attending Primary Care Canters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Increasing patient knowledge may promote lifestyle changes and appropriate screening behavior that could reduce individual risk of CRC.