Abstract
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 A 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
the 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.
V
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.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancer.
Diagnoses.
Screening.
Risk factors.
Nurses.