KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARD COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING AND ITS BARRIERS AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION OF HAFR AL-BATIN, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Raed Nahar Almutairi, Salem Mutair Matar Alsulaimani, Mohammed Abdulaziz Aldaw, Mohammed Mathkar Alharbi, Hussam Owaydhah Alharbi, Omar Mana Aldhafeeri, Abbas Taher Hassan Alowa, Abdullah Nasser Mohammed Alharbi, Saif Mamdouh Aldhafeeri, Abdulaziz Nahar Almutairi, Faisal Sulaiamn Alanzei, Bader Mubarak Almutairi and Ashfaq Ahmad*

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death and incidents worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the preventable cancers through the adoption of healthier lifestyles and diets. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CRC among the population of Hafr Al-Batin and identify the barriers that hinder the participant from participating in colorectal cancer screening.

Methods: The study included 787 participants from the population of Hafr Al-Batin. Data were collected through a self-administered, validated questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27 to derive key insights.

Results: The study results indicate that 207 individuals (26.3%) had a high level of knowledge about colorectal cancer screening, 312 individuals (39.6%) had a medium level of knowledge, and 268 individuals (34.1%) had a low level of knowledge. A significant majority,490 individuals (62.2%), strongly agree on the importance of knowing about colorectal cancer, and 533 individuals (67.7%) strongly agree that CRC diagnosed at an early stage can be treated more effectively. Regarding barriers to colorectal cancer screening, the primary issue reported was fear or anxiety about discovering colorectal cancer, with 516 respondents (65.6%) expressing this concern. Education level and gender were statistically associated with knowledge about colorectal cancer (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion: The study highlights the low participation in early colorectal cancer screening, despite its recognized importance, due to barriers like fear, anxiety, and logistical challenges. It calls for targeted solutions, including awareness programs, improved access to services, and financial support, to overcome these obstacles and boost screening rates.