Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most popular cancers according to the World Health Organization at the moment. Its effects are greatly felt across the world but mostly by developing countries across the world. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia has been on the rise in recent years. This systematic review aimed at determining the awareness, attitude, and knowledge of colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: This systematic review was conducted using 5 different electronic databases. These are Scopus, Google scholar, CINAHIL, Medline, and PubMed. Articles published between 2014 to 2020 were included in the study. They must have been published in English language. All the relevant articles were reviewed and a data extraction sheet was made for the analysis.
Results: 13 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the studies focused on both male and female participants. All the articles had participants aged 18 and above. All the articles illustrated that there was low knowledge of colorectal cancer and its effects. Most of the studies utilized female participants as the majority. Men were better informed about CRC compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, level of education appeared to be crucial for one to be knowledgeable on CRC. Those with a medical background were more likely to have more knowledge and attitude.
Conclusion: The results of the study illustrated that there was very little knowledge available about CRC and its tests. Its effects were not well known. The tests that are done to confirm its presence were also minimally known amongst the participants of the study and by extension the citizens of Saudi Arabia. These results will aid in the formulation of a public health strategy to address CRC knowledge, awareness, and improve the attitude of the citizens of Saudi Arabia.
KeywordsColorectal cancer; Awareness; Knowledge; Attitude; Saudi Arabia
Published Date: 2023-07-31; Received Date: 2023-07-02
