Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge to healthcare providers. Spreading awareness, providing preventive measures, and implementing screening programs are essential for detecting and halting the progression of the disease and decreasing the mortality associated with this type of malignancy. This study aimed to assess public knowledge and awareness of colorectal cancer preventive measures and screening programs among residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and also to design better healthcare interventions or policy development. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to participants using a Google survey. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, and occupation), a general understanding of CRC and its prevention, risk factors for developing CRC, barriers to undergoing CRC screening, and a 21-item questionnaire to assess awareness of CRC preventive measures. Results Of the 420 respondents, 301 (71.7%) were female, and 134 (31.9%) were between 18 and 29 years old. The overall mean awareness score was 12.5 (SD 3.05) out of 21 points. Accordingly, 240 (57.1%) were categorized as having moderate awareness, 70 (16.7%) as good, and 110 (26.2%) had poor awareness levels. Being younger, being unmarried, having heard of CRC and screening tests that detect colon cancer, and being aware of the CRC early detection campaign in Saudi Arabia were the factors associated with increased awareness. Conclusion There was modest awareness of CRC preventive measures among residents living in Riyadh. Significant predictors of increased awareness include younger age, being unmarried, having heard of CRC, having heard of screening tests to detect CRC, and awareness of the CRC early-detection campaigns in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare providers have a vital role in increasing awareness of CRC's preventive measures.
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