Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices about colorectal cancer among adults in an area of Southern Italy.
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for both sexes in developed countries. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding CRC of adults in Italy.


METHODS
A random sample of 1165 adults received a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge regarding definition, risk factors, and screening; attitudes regarding perceived risk of contracting CRC and utility of screening tests; health-related behaviors and health care use; source of information.


RESULTS
Only 18.5% knew the two main modifiable risk factors (low physical activity, high caloric intake from fat) and this knowledge was significantly associated with higher educational level, performing physical activity, modification of dietary habits and physical activity for fear of contracting CRC, and lower risk perception of contracting CRC. Half of respondents identified fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) as main test for CRC prevention and were more knowledgeable those unmarried, more educated, who knew the main risk factors of CRC, and have received advice by physician of performing FOBT. Personal opinion that screening is useful for CRC prevention was high with a mean score of 8.3 and it was predicted by respondents' lower education, beliefs that CRC can be prevented, higher personal perceived risk of contracting CRC, and information received by physician about CRC. An appropriate behavior of performing FOBT if eligible or not performing if not eligible was significantly higher in female, younger, more educated, in those who have been recommended by physician for undergo or not undergo FOBT, and who have not personal history of precancerous lesions and familial history of precancerous lesions or CRC.


CONCLUSIONS
Linkages between health care and educational systems are needed to improve the levels of knowledge and to raise CRC screening adherence.
Department of Public, Clinical and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. ale.sessa@hotmail.it
Alessandra
A
Sessa
Rossella
R
Abbate
Gabriella
G
Di Giuseppe
Paolo
P
Marinelli
Italo F
IF
Angelillo
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires