Knowledge, Perceptions, andAwareness of CRC Screening, Diagnoses, and Riskfactors Among Nurses working in Private Hospital a located in Sandton, South Africa
Abstract
Ramatsimele Lerato Makgatho, Pheyiye Mapungwana and Martha Chadyiwa
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health concern on a global scale, and this includes South Africa. It ranks as the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with 1,931,590 new cases and 935,173 fatalities reported in 2020 alone. Early detection through screening plays an indispensable role in mitigating mortality rates associated with CRC. The objective of this study is to evaluate the perceptions, knowledge base, and awareness regarding CRC screening protocols, diagnoses and risk factors among nurses employed at Private in Sandton, South Africa.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 nurses employed at Private Hospital A in Sandton, South Africa. The data pertaining to the nurses' perceptions, knowledge and awareness of CRC screening, diagnoses and risk factors were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The strengths of each relationship were analyzed using SPSS software, while an assessment of the association between these relationships was conducted through both univariate and multivariate binary logistic analysis. In univariate analysis, variables with a p value of 0.1 or less were included in multivariate logistic regression model. Statistical significance was set at a p value of 0.05 or less. Logistic regression results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Result: The findings of this study revealed that a significant proportion of the participating nurses had insufficient knowledge about standard colorectal cancer (CRC)screening tests recommended by WHO guidelines. Specifically, many were unaware of the optimal frequency for colonoscopy or how occult blood tests should be administered. The absence of oncology-related CPD in this research was linked to inadequate understanding among nurses regarding CRC diagnoses and screening protocols. However, a satisfactory number of nurses demonstrated sufficient knowledge about CRC risk factors. The data derived from this research on assessing the receipt or availability of oncology-related CPD indicated that only a small percentage (6.5%) received such training in the last six months, while an overwhelming majority (93.5%) never did so during that period. Regarding what influences nurses' interest in conducting CRC screening and its overall impact on colorectal cancer screening results, it was found that those who feared having cancer had higher odds than others ('fear that I might have it'). This belief proved statistically significant at 95% CI (AOR:2.602, 95% CI 0.547 -12.368). Overall, the study results suggested that many nurses across different categories reported receiving no training in oncology, which negatively impacted their perception, knowledge and awareness about CRC screening procedures as well as diagnoses and risk factors associated with this disease.
Conclusion: There is currently a notable lack of knowledge pertaining to CRC screening and diagnosis among nurses employed at Private Hospital A in Sandton, South Africa. The study's findings highlight the pressing necessity for comprehensive training programs that are specifically tailored towards oncology, with an emphasis on CRC screening and diagnosis. It is crucial for both governmental bodies and educational institutions within South Africa to advocate for such initiatives in order to combat the concerning increase of CRC cases, as well as enhance nurses' awareness and understanding in this vital area.