DOI: 10.20518/tjph.1833899 ISSN: 1304-1088

Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals aged 50-70 regarding colorectal cancer screening

Bahar Ürün Ünal, Burcu Gök Erdoğan, Emine Nur Onaran Uluırmak
Show PDF Cite
Objective: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and awareness levels of individuals aged 50-70 regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) risk factors, symptoms, and screening methods, and to examine the factors influencing their attitudes and behaviors on this issue.Methods: A 29-question survey and a 16-question CRC Attitude Belief Scale were administered to individuals aged 50-70 who presented to the Family Medicine outpatient clinic of our University's Faculty of Medicine Hospital for any reason via face-to-face interviews. 514 patients were included in the study.Results: The mean age of the participants was 59.7±6.7 years, and 58.8% (n=302) were female. 84.8% (n=436) of the participants stated that CRC can be prevented with screening tests. However, the rate of knowledge about screening tests was found to be 13.6% (n=70). Participants' total mean score on the CRC Screening Attitude Belief Scale was 56.2±8.4. The total score and the perceived susceptibility subscale mean score were statistically higher in those with relatives diagnosed with CRC than in those without ( p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). The total score, the importance consistency, and the social impact subscale mean scores of those who had undergone FOB were statistically higher than in those who had not undergone FOB (p=0.004, p=0.001, p=0.006, respectively).Conclusion: The level of knowledge about CRC screening was found to be low. Healthcare professionals, especially those providing primary care, should inform the public about screening tests and encourage their participation in screening.

More from our Archive