Assessing Knowledge Gaps in Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Physicians in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia: Implications for Targeted Education Programs

Almughamsi, Asim M.; Ban, Ahmad M; Mohammed, Mohammad A; Seraj, Abdurrahman S; Domlo, Hamza A; Alayoubi, Hamza M; Aloufi, Hussam K; Taha, Inass

doi:10.21608/svuijm.2024.333396.2008

Assessing Knowledge Gaps in Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Physicians in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia: Implications for Targeted Education Programs

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

¹ Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia

² Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.

10.21608/svuijm.2024.333396.2008

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly fatal disease. Its incidence is increasing in Saudi Arabia. Early detection through screening programs effectively reduces mortality rates, but the lack of updated physicians’ knowledge favors CRC.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess physicians’ knowledge about CRC screening in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah (Western KSA) and help health authorities define the need for awareness campaigns directed toward physicians concerned with CRC screening.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involving various specialties, including primary healthcare physicians, internists, general physicians, and general surgeons, using an electronic questionnaire. 327 physicians participated, and the responses were carried out using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). Frequencies and percentages expressed the categorical variables. A Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to assess the statistical differences in knowledge levels. Regression analysis results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
Results: 73.7% of the participants correctly identified inflammatory bowel disease as a CRC risk, and (85.9%) identified positive family history of CRC as a risk factor. 84.4% of participants identified colonoscopy as a screening modality and 50.4% answered correctly that it should be repeated every 10 years. 52,1% of consultants and 62.4% of general practitioners had updated knowledge on CRC screening. 55% of general practitioners, 75% of gastroenterologists, and 62% of radiologists had updated knowledge regarding CRC risk stratification.
Conclusion: More updated knowledge is needed and our findings provide valuable insights for healthcare authorities to develop strategies to update physicians' knowledge on CRC screening to reduce CRC burden.

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