title: Cross-sectional survey on awareness of colorectal cancer and a screening programme for primary health care professionals in Catalonia, Spain.
abstract: This study aimed to assess whether primary health care professionals have accurate information regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening procedures, surveillance recommendations and referral strategies. This cross-sectional descriptive study was based on a survey conducted among primary health care professionals in Barcelona, Spain. The questionnaire was used to gather information regarding CRC screening procedures as well as demographic and professional characteristics of the study subjects. A CRC and screening awareness score (ranging from 0 to 12) was created based on the survey questions. The response rate was 58.9% (206/305). The estimated mean score (standard deviation) was 8.43 (SD: 1.30). For four questions, more than 60% of the answers were incorrect: one related to risk factors, two concerning follow-up colonoscopy, and one related to surveillance. Only 30.8% of the participants believed that they were responsible for determining the appropriate surveillance intervals and for scheduling colonoscopies. Although the professionals had sufficient knowledge of CRC screening, professional knowledge of some aspects related to the major non-modifiable risk factors for the disease and surveillance colonoscopy procedures could be improved. Frequent communication with professionals is necessary to maintain updated screening-related information. Possible methods for facilitating communication could include continuous briefings, regular message reminders or educational websites.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.|IDIBELL, Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.|Fundamental Care and Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, School of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Benito
authors.affiliation: Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain. mgarcia@iconcologia.net.|IDIBELL, Institute of Biomedical Research, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain. mgarcia@iconcologia.net.
authors.forename: M
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3437-3185
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: García
authors.affiliation: Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Binefa
authors.affiliation: Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mila
authors.affiliation: Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vidal
authors.affiliation: Public Health, Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing (Barcelona), School of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Lluch
authors.affiliation: Public Health, Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing (Barcelona), School of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Spain.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Puig
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000523:psychology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: colorectal cancer; general practitioner; nurse; primary health care; screening