Assessment of Knowledge and Perceived Barriers About Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Ministry of Health Primary Health Care Physicians in Makkah Al-Mokarramah City, 2016.

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is a widespread and lethal disease; it categorized fourth in the most common causes of cancer death. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and perception of colorectal cancer screening among primary health care physicians of the ministry of health in Makkah Al-Mokarramah city. Method:a cross-sectional descriptive study conduct among primary health care doctors who worked in primary health care centers in Makkah Al-mokaramah during 2016. Results:One hundred fifty doctors accepted to participate in the study of which 83 (55.3%) were female and 67 (44.7%) were male. Eightyone (54%) had a bachelor degree, followed by 36 (24%) had Family Medicine board or equivalent, and 24(16%)had diploma certificates. There was 42 (28%) physicians had less than five years' experience. More than tow third reported that the recommended age to start screening is 50. Regarding the recommendations of the suitable screen test, the majority chose fecal occult blood test(90.7%), then colonoscopy (70.7%) followed by flexible sigmoidoscopy (64.0%). More than half 78 (52%) showed a reduced level of knowledge while only 25 (16.7%) showed the excellent level (more than 75%). The difference was significant, p<0.001. Conclusion:This study shades light on the poor level of knowledge about CRC screening, among primary health care physicians. More educational and training program needs to be conducted for health providers. Further studies need to be carried out on larger sample size on a national base.