Colorectal cancer screening: assessment of physicians’ knowledge, attitude and practice in tertiary healthcare centers of plateau state, Nigeria

Akpa PO; Kwaghe BV; Emmanuel I; David NP; Adedeji BK; Ibeanu CN; Onota PO; Othman IA; Ben JE; Emmanuel JA; Bahaushe NZ; Agabus NM; Dauda AM; Silas OA; Mandong BM; Nantok D

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i1.935

Authors

Akpa PO Department of Pathology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Kwaghe BV Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Emmanuel I Department of Pathology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
David NP Department of Internal Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Adedeji BK Department of Histopathology, Federal University of health sciences Otukpo, Oturkpo, Benue State, Nigeria
Ibeanu CN Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Onota PO Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Othman IA Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Ben JE Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Emmanuel JA Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Bahaushe NZ Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Agabus NM Department of Pathology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
Dauda AM Department of Pathology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
Silas OA Department of Pathology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
Mandong BM Department of Pathology, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria
Nantok D Department of Community Medicine, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i1.935

Keywords:

Attitude, Colorectal cancer, Practice, Physicians knowledge, Screening

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death and third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. The incidence is projected to rise steeply in the nearest future with a high burden in low- and middle-income countries. Screening for colorectal cancer is not widely practiced in low- and middle-income countries despite its proven cost-effectiveness and benefit in reducing cancer related mortality. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge of colorectal cancer screening, attitudes towards screening and screening practices among physicians in tertiary health care centers in Plateau state.

Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 183 physicians from the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital returned appropriately filled self-administered questionnaires. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Data obtained was analysed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Product and Service Solutions.

Results: About 14(7.7%) and 16(8.7%) of responding physicians had good knowledge of colorectal cancer screening using fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy respectively. A significant proportion of responding physicians 138(75.4%) agreed that colonoscopy is very effective in reducing cancer mortality while 43(23.5%) felt the same about fecal occult blood test. Almost all responding physicians 180(98.4%) considered screening for colorectal cancer worthwhile, while 73(39.9%) routinely screen patients for colorectal cancer.

Conclusion: This research revealed a poor level of knowledge of colorectal cancer screening and a low level of screening recommendations among physicians despite a positive attitude towards screening.