Evaluation of the Knowledge Levels of 50-Year-Old and Older Individuals Regarding Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Our aim was to determine some risk factors for colorectal cancer and evaluate the knowledge levels about it among individuals aged 50 and over. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1161 patients aged 50 and over in 2014. The data were collected by a questionnaire form consisting of 46 questions. The chi square test and the logistic regression analysis were performed in the data analysis. The mean age of the participants was 57.9 ± 5.6, 60; 4 % were women, and 77.7 % were married. It was determined that 23.0 % of the elderly people were smokers, and 46.5 % did not do regular physical exercises. It was detected that 29.8 % had fatigue, 27.5 % had abdominal pain, 14.9 % had melena, and 10.3 % had constipation or diarrhea in the last 3 months. The mean colorectal cancer knowledge score was 6.84 ± 2.46. It was determined that the socio-demographic variables and the risk factors that were based on self-report of the elderly influenced the knowledge scores on colorectal cancer and its early diagnosis (p < 0.05). Consequently, it has been determined that the elderly people have the risk factors of colorectal cancer; however, they do not have adequate knowledge about this disease.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer screening; Knowledge level; Risks; The elderly.