Knowledge and Practices of Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Examinations in Jordan: A Cross Sectional Study

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

2 Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.

3 Department of Neuroscience, Caring Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Abstract

Background: Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked the third most common cancer among men and the second
in women. The American Cancer Society recommends that starting from the age 50 years, both men and women should
be screened for polyps and for early detection of CRC. In Jordan, CRC is the most common cancer among males and
the second most common cancer among females. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of CRC early
detection tests and the barriers and motivators of screening in Jordan. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire and
face-to-face interviews were conducted with 300 males and 300 females recruited using stratified clustered random
sampling technique from four governorates in Jordan. The participants were aged 30 to 65 years, without a previous
history of CRC. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used to assess knowledge and practices of CRC early detection
tests. Results: Overall, there were poor knowledge and practices of CRC early detection tests. Better knowledge and
practices were significantly associated with previously consulting a doctor due to symptoms and worries from CRC,
receiving a recommendation from a doctor to perform CRC testing, or having more knowledge about CRC signs and
symptoms (p≤ 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicates that there is a need for raising awareness about CRC early
detection tests in Jordan, especially among those aged 50 years and above, and those who have a family history of
CRC. Additionally, it is important to educate and encourage physicians to recommend CRC screening to patients that
are at higher risk of the disease.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 20, Issue 3
March 2019
Pages 831-838

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 August 2018
  • Revise Date: 29 November 2018
  • Accept Date: 05 March 2019

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