Awareness of Colorectal Cancer and associated Factors among Adults in Bahir Dar City, Northwest, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by abnormal cancerous division of cells in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess awareness of colorectal cancer and its associated factors among adults in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023.

METHODS

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar City from April 17 to May 23, 2023. A total of 845 participants were selected using stratified multi-stage sampling. Interviewer administered questionnaire and validated cancer awareness Questionnaire were used to measure awareness of colorectal cancer in adults.

RESULTS

In this study, a total of 845 individuals were approached, and 839 participated, with a response rate of 99.2%. Out of 839 respondents, 314 (37.4%) of them had a high awareness of colorectal cancer. Being female (AOR (4.6) 95% CI (3.19-6.63), living in urban areas [AOR = 4.74; 95% CI (3.14-7.15)], educational level secondary school [AOR = 2.1 times; 95% CI (1.02-4.32)] and college and above [AOR =22.9; 95% CI (1.13-6.47)], and heard about colorectal cancer [AOR = 4.29; 95% CI (2.96-6.22)] had high awareness of colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The current study revealed that awareness of colorectal cancer was low. Sex, residency, level of education, and hearing about CRC, were associated factors of the awareness of CRC. Therefore, community-based education should be promoted about awareness of colorectal cancer.