148 P - Relationship between educational degree and knowledge/adherence to prevention modalities for colorectal cancer: data from 3738

Abstract

Knowledge and adherence to cancer prevention modalities could be influenced by educational degree. We attempt to prove this possible relationship concerning the prevention of colorectal cancer (rectal exploration, occult blood test, rectoscopy) in an unselected population. <h3>Methods</h3> We distributed a self administered questionnaire to people coming in several health units in Trento district and in Genoa (Italy) <h3>Results</h3> We assessed data from 3738 questionnaires. The educational degree was provided by 3674 people (0.6% had any degree, 2.7% primary, 31.8% secondary, 36.4 high secondary, 6.8% university). Most of the people knew the modalities of prevention: 66% knew the aim of rectal exploration, 65% the aim of occult blood test, 69% the aim of rectoscopy. The educational degree significantly influenced the knowledge, being the groups with lower educational degree characterized by a lower knowledge. Exploring the real adhesion to these modalities, it is to note that the percentages impressively decrease. In addition, we were not able to find a direct relation between educational degree and adhesion to prevention modalities. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The educational level influences the information about colorectal cancer prevention methods, but a high degree is not a predictor for a real adherence to check-ups.