Evaluation of the colorectal cancer knowledge level, attitude and behavior of patients applied to family health centers in Aydin Efeler

Introduction and purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Colorectal cancers are the third most common in men and the second most common in women all over the world. According to the data of the World Health Organization, 1.8 million people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2018, and 862 thousand deaths developed due to colorectal cancer. CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Mortality and morbidity decreases with the implementation of effective screening programs. In our study, it was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of individuals between the ages of 50-70 about colorectal cancer screening and to determine the effect of health beliefs on screening behaviors related to colon cancer. Materials and Methods: We conducted our study in four family health centers in Aydın between September 2019 and February 2020. 227 people between the ages of 50-70 registered with Family Health Centers were included in the study. In order to question the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about CRC, we applied the questionnaire accompanied by the literature and the CRC Healthy Belief Model Scale to evaluate the effect of participants' health beliefs on screening behaviors related to colon cancer using face-to-face interview technique. The analysis and evaluation of the data was done with SPSS 21.0. Statistically significant value was accepted as p <0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants (standard deviation) was 60.64 (6.29). 58.6% of the participants were women and 41.4% were men. 49.3% of the participants had a diagnosis of cancer in their family, and 12.5% had a family history of CRC. 63.5% of the participants had heard about the CRC screening test, 92.6% required CRC screening test, 36.6% stated that the best center for CRC screening test was ASM, 70.5% previously He stated that he had a CRC screening test. Trust benefit sub-dimension score in those with family history of cancer, Sensitivity sub-dimension score in those with high school or above education, income above expenses, those who had bowel cancer screening test, Obstacle subscale score in those who did not have bowel cancer screening test, Health motivation sub-dimension score below high school level The severity sub-dimension score was statistically significantly higher in those with a family history of cancer in those with education and family history of cancer. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the majority of the participants heard about the colorectal cancer screening test and had it done. We saw that those who had information about CRC screening had more scans. We saw that those who had information about CRC screening had more scans. The majority of the participants stated that CRC screening test is required, and one third of them stated that the most appropriate center for CRC screening test is ASM. The role of FHCs, which play an important role in health service delivery, in CRC screening test should be increased. Physicians and other healthcare professionals should assume the roles of trainers and consultants more so that the society can gain healthy living behaviors. Separate training programs can be created especially for individuals who are in the risk group but develop denial behavior. Qualitative studies should be conducted to determine the health beliefs of individuals for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Keywords: colorectal cancer, health belief, screening