Assessment of Practice of screening, Knowledge about Risk Factors, Perceived Barriers and Attitude of Colorectal Cancer among Tabuk Population, Saudi Arabia-2018

Abstract

Background: In Tabuk region, colorectal cancer (CRC) ranked the first among male and the third among female. Therefore, the current study was carried out to investigate the extent of both knowledge and attitude toward CRC risk factor and screening among specific age group (31 and above) from both males and females through conducting self-administrated questionnaire. In addition, the study aimed at identifying the practice of CRC screening tests through fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) and colonoscopy, which are the main tests in cancer screening programme in Saudi Arabia. The study also identified perceived barrier of CRC screening of those who aged 51 year and above. Methods: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Tabuk city population, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire, about colorectal cancer was filled by participants. A 33-item instrument was developed based on an earlier studies and instruments used in other prior studies. Results: Participants were classified to three categories according to age. Male and female groups contributed to (26.3%) and (73.6%) respectively. Mostly noticed perceived barriers for doing FOBT were: because of no symptoms and because I do not know if I have to do it, and the similar results documented for doing flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Participants were more likely not to be familiar with CRC screening. Conclusion: Many misconceptions regarding cancer and its development were evident in the discussions. Collective efforts are needed to broadcast this knowledge through media and public schools, with a hope that it will alter the current aggressive disease presentation in Saudi Arabia.