| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2015 | Volume
: 21
| Issue : 2 | Page : 78-83 |
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Public awareness of colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia: A survey of 1070 participants in Riyadh
Ahmad M Zubaidi1, Noura M AlSubaie1, Areej A AlHumaid1, Shaffi A Shaik2, Khayal A AlKhayal1, Omar A AlObeed1
1 Department of Surgery, Colorectal Research Center, General Surgery Division, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2 Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Ahmad M Zubaidi
General Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 7805 (37), Riyadh 11472
Saudi Arabia
 Source of Support: This study was funded by the College of Medicine Research Center; Vice Deanship for Scientific Affairs, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.153819
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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. |
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