Colorectal cancer screening knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intention among Indigenous Western Australians

Abstract

Background Indigenous Australians are significantly less likely to participate in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening compared to non-Indigenous people. This study aimed to identify important factors influencing the decision to undertake screening using Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) among Indigenous Australians. Very little evidence exists to guide interventions and programmatic approaches for facilitating screening uptake in this population in order to reduce the disparity in colorectal cancer outcomes. Methods Interviewer-administered surveys were carried out with a convenience sample (n = 93) of Indigenous Western Australians between November 2009-March 2010 to assess knowledge, awareness, attitudes and behavioural intent in regard to CRC and CRC screening. Results Awareness and knowledge of CRC and screening were low, although both were significantly associated with exposure to media advertising (p = 0.008; p < 0.0001). Nearly two-thirds (63%; 58/92) of respondents reported intending to participate in screening, while a greater proportion (84%; 77/92) said they would participate on a doctor’s recommendation. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression demonstrated that independent predictors of screening intention were, greater perceived self-efficacy (OR = 19.8, 95% CI = 5.5-71.8), a history of cancer screening participation (OR = 6.8, 95% CI = 2.0-23.3) and being aged 45 years or more (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.2-16.5). A higher CRC knowledge score (medium vs. low: OR = 9.9, 95% CI = 2.4-41.3; high vs. low: 13.6, 95% CI = 3.4-54.0) and being married or in a de-facto relationship (OR = 6.9, 95% CI = 2.1-22.5) were also identified as predictors of intention to screen with FOBT. Conclusions Improving CRC related knowledge and confidence to carry out the FOBT self-screening test through education and greater promotion of screening has the potential to enhance Indigenous participation in CRC screening. These findings should guide the development of interventions to encourage screening uptake and reduce bowel cancer related deaths among Indigenous Australians.

Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital: An Epidemiological Study.

“…4 Previous studies assessing the awareness of CRC in several aspects, including epidemiology, symptoms/signs, and risk factors have revealed a poverty in the knowledge of the public, which is disconcerting given the fact that CRC still remains largely a topic of confusion in the general population.This has contributed significantly to the deleterious consequences on time of presentation and, therefore, on overall survival. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] These findings were also consistent with the data of another study, which showed that the level of CRC knowledge among the Saudi general public was low, thus signifying the necessity of continuing public education and screening programs. 12 Furthermore, the lack of awareness was not only reported among the general public, but even more among patients following up in thegastroenterology clinics and the peripheral colorectal surgical unit.…”

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors: A Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…In comparison to other countries, similar low levels of knowledge about prevention of CRC have been reported [17,[20][21][22]. For example in Italy, a target population of adults identified colonoscopy and FOBT as main screening tests for prevention of CRC at 62% and 52% respectively [24].…”

“…CRC are easily prevented through CRC screening which can detect the disease during its early stages when the survival rates are high [17]. In order to create targeted messages and educational material aimed to booster participation in screening, it is required to understand the levels of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of the target population [18].…”

“…Poor knowledge of CRC risk factors and the benefits of screening programs are potential barriers towards active participation in screening campaigns [19]. Previous researches suggested that the level of knowledge of CRC was poor both in developed and developing countries; with even lower levels of knowledge about the well-established screening tools and their benefits [17,20,21]. The current work aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of CRC and its risk factors among mall adult visitors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.…”

Understanding Perceived Benefit of Early Cancer Detection: Community-Partnered Research with African American Women in South Los Angeles

“…10,11 A woman's belief in the benefit of screening may be influenced by her social network, her health care providers, and the media. 12,13 Women who have a regular health care provider and who undergo routine checkups may discuss the benefit of early detection with their providers, who usually recommend screening. Media can have a positive influence by reporting women's success stories in which cancers are detected early and successfully treated or a negative influence by reporting conflicting recommendations regarding screening guidelines or by casting doubt about the value of screening.…”