Awareness of Risk Factors, Awareness of Warning Signs and Associated Factors of Colorectal Cancer among Thai Population: An Online Survey Questionnaire
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Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer in men and second most common cancer in women in Thailand. CRC screening could detect cancer at early stage and reduce mortality rate. Studies about awareness of CRC in Thailand are still limited.
Method: This cross-sectional study aimed to survey the level of risk factor awareness, warning sign awareness and associated risk factors of CRC. Data were collected by using Thai version of Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure, online questionnaire. Sample group was population in Thailand, aged eighteen or older. Data were collected from 1 May 2021 to 20 September 2021 by recruiting samples those who meet the inclusion criteria. Four hundred and sixty-one respondents were included in this study. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the collected data.
Results: Results showed that ninety-nine percent (99%) and 86% of participants were not aware of risk factors and warning signs of CRC, respectively. Married people were 82.5% less likely to have a higher score of CRC warning signs awareness than unmarried people (married status: Adjusted OR (aOR)=0.175; 95%CI:-0.17 to 0.52; p<0.001). People having close friends or relatives with CRC were 91.5% less likely to have a higher score of CRC warning signs awareness than people not having close friends or relatives with CRC (having close friends or relatives with CRC: aOR=0.085; 95%CI:-0.50 to 0.33; p<0.001). No factors were found to be associated with score of risk factors of CRC. Sixty-one percent (61%) reported that they were not confident in detecting a CRC symptom. Sixty-eight percent (68%) reported that they would not go see the doctor if they noticed symptoms of CRC. Eighty-four percent (84%) did not know that there was a government CRC screening programme.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the level of awareness of risk factors and warning signs of CRC among sample group was low. Therefore, there should be more health promotions to educate the public and to raise the awareness of CRC. Health campaigns should also promote CRC screening programme.
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