Knowledge and Practices of Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Examinations in Jordan: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked the third most common cancer among men and the second in women. The American Cancer Society recommends that starting from the age 50 years, both men and women should be screened for polyps and for early detection of CRC. In Jordan, CRC is the most common cancer among males and the second most common cancer among females. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of CRC early detection tests and the barriers and motivators of screening in Jordan.Methods:A semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 300 males and 300 females recruited using stratified clustered random sampling technique from four governorates in Jordan. The participants were aged 30 to 65 years, without a previous history of CRC. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used to assess knowledge and practices of CRC early detection tests.Results:Overall, there were poor knowledge and practices of CRC early detection tests. Better knowledge and practices were significantly associated with previously consulting a doctor due to symptoms and worries from CRC, receiving a recommendation from a doctor to perform CRC testing, or having more knowledge about CRC signs and symptoms (p≤ 0.05).Conclusions:This study indicates that there is a need for raising awareness about CRC early detection tests in Jordan, especially among those aged 50 years and above, and those who have a family history of CRC. Additionally, it is important to educate and encourage physicians to recommend CRC screening to patients that are at higher risk of the disease.

Knowledge and attitudes of pharmacists towards colorectal cancer health education in Jordan: A cross‐sectional study

“…Most of the recent studies in Jordon have focused on the knowledge and attitude of CRC early detection among elderly people, university students, physician and nurses. [29][30][31] Other studies have evaluated the Knowledge and attitudes pharmacists towards other cancer types such as breast cancer. 32 In the present study, assessment of pharmacists' knowledge and attitude towards early detection of Several recent studies have addressed the role of pharmacists in the early detection of all cancer types and particularly in recommending a medical referral for patients with suspected CRC symptoms.…”

Awareness of risk factors and warning symptoms and attitude towards gastric cancer screening among the general public in China: a cross-sectional study

“…For the second and third sections, each correct answer was scored one point, with the total scores ranging from 0 to 22 points. The respondents’ knowledge was then categorised according to the total scores: high knowledge, 15–22 points; moderate knowledge, 8–14 points; and low knowledge, 0–7 points 27…”

Knowledge, attitude, preventive practices and perceived barriers to screening about colorectal cancer among university students of newly merged district, Kpk, Pakistan – A cross-sectional study

“…Moreover, colonoscopy should be performed if any of these tests is positive. 17 The possible barriers to the implementation of CRC screening are related to the health system, the individual, or to the test itself. 18 Primary healthcare provider (PHPs) perceived barriers to CRC screening are inability to access patient medical records concerning family CRC history, shortage of time and increased patient turnover.…”

“…It has been seen that poor knowledge about CRC screening recommendations and non-adherence to screening guidelines are the major barriers to CRC screening by PHPs. 16,19–23…”

“…The populations with higher literacy levels were more inclined towards CRC screening. 16,17,24,26,27 A study from Saudi Arabia reported that large number of PHPs did not adhere to CRC screening recommendation even though, they know that screening is effective. 23 A study from Nigeria showed that in terms of CRC, the urban population had more knowledge regarding preventive practices than rural population.…”