A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG AVERAGE RISK MALAY PATIENTS ATTENDING SELISING HEALTH CLINIC

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2011
Authors
IDORA, IBRAHIM
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is rapidly increasing in Asia. Despite the rising trend in incidence and mortality, colorectal cancer screening rates are still low in most Asian countries. The acceptability of CRC screening is influenced by people’s knowledge and attitude. This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of Malay people toward CRC screening. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, practice and their associated factors on colorectal cancer screening among average risk Malay patients. It also to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude score, and knowledge and practice score on colorectal cancer screening. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross sectional study conducted from October 2009 to December 2009 at Selising Health Clinic. The study used a self administered questionnaire which involved 262 Malay participants aged 50 years and above. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts, which dealt with knowledge, attitude and practice on colorectal cancer and screening. RESULTS: There were only 6.1% respondents had good knowledge and 31.7% of the respondents had good attitudes on colorectal cancer screening. Consequently, colorectal cancer screening uptake was extremely poor with only two out of 262 of the respondents had CRC screening. There was moderate to good positive correlation between knowledge and attitude score. In addition, the results show male gender, low education level and nonprofessional group are the associated factors for low level of knowledge on colorectal cancer screening. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that average risk Malay patients had inadequate knowledge, poor attitude on colorectal cancer screening together with extremely poor practice on colorectal cancer prevention. This study also concluded that increasing knowledge on colorectal cancer screening may encourage less negative attitudes about colorectal cancer screening. Other than that, educational level appears to be the major determinant on the level of knowledge and attitudes. While, type of occupation affects the level of knowledge and practice on colorectal cancer screening.
Description
Keywords
Family Medicine
Citation