ABSTRACT
To assess the knowledge, perception and screening practices regarding colorectal cancer [CRC] and to analyse related influencing factors. A cross sectional study was conducted among males and females >/= 50 years old, attending GMC hospital, Ajman UAE, using validated pilot tested, self-administered questionnaire. The knowledge was assessed for three domains [risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and screening methods] using a scoring system, the final scores were categorized into quartile [Low, below average, above average, high], having low knowledge is identified if the final score is in the 1[st] two categories. Data was analysed using the SPSS software 21. X[2] test, simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were used. A p value < 0.05 was the significance level. The study included 404 participants, mostly 50-54 years old [60.3%], males [80.2%], Arabs [51.2%], non-nationals [93.6%], married [93.6%], having secondary level of education [45.8%] and health insurance [54.4]. Family history of CRC and personal history of polyp were reported by 26 and 11 participants [6.6% and 2.7%] respectively. The percentage of participants who had lower knowledge scores for CRC risk factors, warning signs and screening were 81.7%, 84.7% and 94.1% respectively. Only 55 participants [13.6%] perceive themselves to be at risk of having CRC. Significant predictors for risk factors and warning signs knowledge scores were; gender, education level and risk perception. An addition significant predictors for warning signs knowledge were family history of CRC and personal history of polyp. Significant predictors of CRC screening methods Knowledge were; Ethnicity, education level and risk perception. Only 28 and 23 participants were screened for CRC by Faecal Occult Blood Test [FOBT] and colonoscopy respectively. Absence of recommendation by doctors was the most frequently barrier [88.7%] for screening. Most participants [94%] believe that CRC is a fatal disease. Significant predictors of screening practices by FOBT and colonoscopy were; personal history of polyp and risk perception. Additional significant predictor for FOBT was lower knowledge scores for CRC risk factors. The knowledge regarding CRC was unsatisfactory. Reported uptake of screening measures was very low. Strategies to increase awareness regarding CRC are highly recommended