Level of colorectal cancer awareness: a cross sectional exploratory study among multi-ethnic rural population in Malaysia.
BACKGROUND
This paper presents the level of colorectal cancer awareness among multi-ethnic rural population in Malaysia.


METHODS
A rural-based cross sectional survey was carried out in Perak state in Peninsular Malaysia in March 2011. The survey recruited a population-representative sample using multistage sampling. Altogether 2379 participants were included in this study. Validated bowel/colorectal cancer awareness measure questionnaire was used to assess the level of colorectal cancer awareness among study population. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to identify socio-demographic variance of knowledge score on warning signs and risk factors of colorectal cancer.


RESULTS
Among respondents, 38% and 32% had zero knowledge score for warning signs and risk factors respectively. Mean knowledge score for warning signs and risk factors were 2.89 (SD 2.96) and 3.49 (SD 3.17) respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge score of warning signs and level of confidence in detecting a warning sign. Socio-demographic characteristics and having cancer in family and friends play important role in level of awareness.


CONCLUSIONS
Level of awareness on colorectal cancer warning signs and risk factors in the rural population of Malaysia is very low. Therefore, it warrants an extensive health education campaign on colorectal cancer awareness as it is one of the commonest cancer in Malaysia. Health education campaign is urgently needed because respondents would seek medical attention sooner if they are aware of this problem.
Centre for Population Health (CePH), Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia. tintinsu03@yahoo.com
Tin Tin
TT
Su
Jun Yan
JY
Goh
Jackson
J
Tan
Abdul Rahim
AR
Muhaimah
Yoganathan
Y
Pigeneswaren
Nasirin Sallamun
NS
Khairun
Abdul Wahab
AW
Normazidah
Devi Kunasekaran
DK
Tharisini
Hazreen Abd
HA
Majid
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires