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CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Coloproctology 2024; 44(03): e180-e186
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788914
Original Article

Evaluation of Employees' Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening at a Reference Oncology Centre

Karina Quely Andrade de Souza
1   Department of Research Methodology, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, BA, Brazil
,
Paulo André Lago Silva
3   Centro de Coloproctologia da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
,
Dan Perdiz Fucs Machado
1   Department of Research Methodology, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, BA, Brazil
,
Gabriel Cury Andari David 
1   Department of Research Methodology, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, BA, Brazil
,
Glicia Estevam de Abreu
1   Department of Research Methodology, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, BA, Brazil
2   Centro Estadual de Oncologia (CICAN), Salvador, BA, Brazil
3   Centro de Coloproctologia da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
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Abstract

Introduction Despite the high prevalence and severity of colorectal cancer (CRC), the public is mostly unaware of its prevention and screening.

Objective To determine the level of knowledge regarding CRC prevention and screening among staff at a reference cancer center.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a reference cancer center. Employees aged 18 and up who had worked at the oncology center for at least one year were given a questionnaire containing sociodemographic and evaluative questions about CRC prevention and screening.

Results The sample comprised 266 employees, with a median age of 45 (53.00–35.75) years of age. Most of the staff (76.3%) were female, had at least a year of experience at the health facility (74.1%), and agreed on the definition of CRC. Inflammatory bowel illness was the least commonly recognized risk factor (67.6%). Most of the sample (56%) recognized all 5 warning flags. Colonoscopy was the most popular screening test (98.7%). Although the health center does not offer official CRC education, most of the staff (42.1%) reported learning about CRC while working.

There was no difference in perceptions of the optimal age to begin screening between employees 45 years or older and those younger (p = 0.729). Higher-educated employees were more knowledgeable about CRC (p = 0.001).

Conclusion In a reference cancer center, the staff members who work directly with patients as well as those with higher levels of schooling have a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding CRC prevention and screening.

Keywords

colorectal cancer - screening - prevention - risk factor - knowledge

Authors' Contributions

Karina Quely Andrade de Souza: contributed to conception or design, contributed to acquisition, analysis, or interpretation, drafted the manuscript.

de Abreu, GE: contributed to conception or design, contributed to acquisition, analysis, or interpretation, drafted the manuscript.

Paulo André Lago Silva: contributed to conception or design, critically revised the manuscript.

Dan Perdiz Fucs Machado: contributed to acquisition, analysis, or interpretation.

Gabriel Cury Andari David: contributed to acquisition.

All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of work ensuring integrity and accuracy.




Publication History

Received: 14 May 2024

Accepted: 11 June 2024

Article published online:
04 September 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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