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ABSTRACT: Background/aims
The aim of this study was to investigate colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness in healthy individuals in Saudi Arabia in order to identify segments of the population that would most benefit from targeted education programs.Setting and design
Survey/questionnaire.Patients and methods
Random, healthy individuals from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were approached to participate in a 10-question multiple choice survey about CRC. Data were analyzed by demographic criteria, including age, gender, marital status, and level of education, to determine if members of these groups displayed differential knowledge.Statistical analysis
Differences in responses by demographic data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results
In total, 1070 participants completed the survey. Most respondents believe that screening for colon cancer should begin at symptom onset (42.9%). Less than 20% of all respondents believe that polyps are a risk factor for CRC, which varied significantly according to level of education; however, even the most educated answered correctly less than 50% of the time. Similarly, only 34.8% of all respondents knew that a family history of CRC imparted a personal risk for CRC.Conclusions
Although older individuals and those with higher education tended to answer questions correctly more often, there were some misconceptions regarding universally accepted screening protocols, symptoms, and general understanding of CRC in Saudi Arabia. A national education/screening program in Saudi Arabia is recommended to improve CRC knowledge.
SUBMITTER: Zubaidi AM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4392579 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar-Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Zubaidi Ahmad M AM AlSubaie Noura M NM AlHumaid Areej A AA Shaik Shaffi A SA AlKhayal Khayal A KA AlObeed Omar A OA
Saudi journal of gastroenterology : official journal of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association 20150301 2
<h4>Background/aims</h4>The aim of this study was to investigate colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness in healthy individuals in Saudi Arabia in order to identify segments of the population that would most benefit from targeted education programs.<h4>Setting and design</h4>Survey/questionnaire.<h4>Patients and methods</h4>Random, healthy individuals from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were approached to participate in a 10-question multiple choice survey about CRC. Data were analyzed by demographic criteria, ...[more]