Author:
Alsaad Latifa Nabeel,Sreedharan Jayadevan
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite the implementation of CRC screening guidelines, the uptake of screening among adults in the UAE remains low. This study aimed to assess the practice, factors associated, barriers, and knowledge gaps among adults in the UAE.
Materials and methods
2100 residents of the UAE, aged > = 40 years, participated in the study. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was collected through online platforms and face-to-face interviews in healthcare settings. Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis.
Results
The study revealed a low CRC screening rate of 9.1%. Factors analyzed included age groups, health insurance coverage, regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, awareness of CRC, and knowledge levels about CRC and its signs and symptoms. Participants in the 50–59 age group showed a slightly higher likelihood of CRC screening, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, individuals in the 60–69 and > = 70 age groups were more likely to undergo screening. Regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, prior knowledge of CRC, and knowledge about the disease and its signs and symptoms were associated with a higher likelihood of screening, with statistically significant OR.
Conclusion
A low CRC screening rate of 9.1% among adults. Barriers to screening included not being offered a test by physicians, fear of positive results, discomfort with the screening process, perception of pain, and lack of knowledge. Identifying particulate barriers and developing targeted measures requires larger-scale research.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Reference17 articles.
1. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2022 [Internet]. International Agency for Research on Cancer - World Health Organization. World Health Organization. 2022 [cited 2023 Apr 8]. Available from: https://www.iarc.who.int/featured-news/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-2022/.
2. Shelapi W. Cancer incidence in United Arab Emirates annual report of the UAE - National Cancer Registry – 2019 [Internet]. United Arab Emirates - Ministry of Health and Prevention. Statistics and Research Center - MOHAP; 2019 [cited 2023Apr8]. Available from: https://mohap.gov.ae/assets/download/bc820447/CANCER%20INCIDENCE%20IN%20UNITED%20ARAB%20EMIRATES%20ANNUAL%20REPORT%20OF%20THE%20UAE%20-%202019.pdf.aspx.
3. Al Abdouli L, Dalmook H, Akram Abdo M, Carrick FR, Abdul Rahman M. Colorectal Cancer risk awareness and screening uptake among adults in the United Arab Emirates. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2018;19(8):2343–9. PMID: 30141313; PMCID: PMC6171396.
4. ADPHC revises recommendations for early colorectal cancer screening [Internet]. Dubai Government Media Office. Department of Health; 2019 [cited 2023Apr8]. Available from: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/news/ADPHC-revises-recommendations-for-early-colorectal-cancer-screening.
5. Fayadh MH, Sabih SA, Quadri HA. 8 years observational study on Colorectal cancer in UAE. J Coloproctology (Rio De Janeiro). 2019;39:394–5.