Knowledge and beliefs of Jordanians toward colorectal cancer screening.

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a significant health problem; it is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Colorectal cancer is closely related to the clinical and pathological stage of the disease at diagnosis, which can be detected early through screening tests.

OBJECTIVE

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the knowledge and beliefs of Jordanians toward colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using the Health Belief Model.

METHODS

One hundred sixty participants, 50 years and older, were identified in the outpatient clinics at the 2 largest Jordanian hospitals located in the north of the country; the King Abdullah University Hospital and the Princess Basma Hospital.

RESULTS

Data analyses revealed that most participants are not well informed about CRC and screening. Less than half perceived themselves as susceptible to developing CRC. Half comprehended the seriousness of CRC, the majority understood the benefits of CRC screening, and one-third realized the barriers of CRC screening. Moreover, most understood the importance of preventative medicine and was highly motivated.

CONCLUSION

Most Jordanians treated at outpatient clinics comprehend the benefits from CRC screening, understand the seriousness of CRC, and perceive barriers, and more than half of the patients perceive the general health motivation beliefs and outcomes.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

The healthcare system and the decision makers must develop strategies to increase the general population's awareness about CRC and the accompanying screening tests.