Knowledge and attitudes of pharmacists towards colorectal cancer health education in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

Colorectal cancer screening among the public: knowledge, attitudes, and the perceived barriers

Colorectal cancer (CRC)1 screening tests help in early detection of CRC and improve disease prognosis. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and barriers to CRC screening and the associated factors among the general population in Jordan. A validated self-administered online survey was distributed on 1542 individuals in Jordan. The participants (n = 1542) reported several barriers and demonstrated insufficient knowledge but positive attitude towards CRC screening. Older age (OR = 1.021, 95% CI = 1.010-1.032, P < 0.001), working in medical field (OR = 3.198, 95% CI = 2.499-4.092, P < 0.001), family history of cancer (OR = 1.248, 95% CI = 1.002-1.555, P < 0.05), and knowing someone with CRC (OR = 1.601, 95% CI = 1.186-2.161, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with higher knowledge. Personal history of CRC (OR = 3.157, 95% CI = 1.188-8.387, P < 0.05), and high knowledge of CRC (OR = 2.795, 95% CI = 2.242-3.484, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the positive attitude. Future healthcare programs should devise effective techniques to improve public understanding and perception of CRC screening and overcome the identified barriers.

Assessment of pharmacy students' knowledge about breast cancer and colon cancer in Northern Cyprus universities

BACKGROUND

Colon and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer in cancer patients worldwide. Therefore, health students, especially pharmacy students, should be well-educated about colon and breast cancer. Adequate education and knowledge provide significant benefits from early diagnosis to treatment.

METHODOLOGY

This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study for 3 months between 1 November 2022, and 31 January 2023, in Northern Cyprus. The aim of this study was to assess pharmacy students' knowledge of breast cancer and colon cancer in North Cyprus Universities.

RESULT

A total of 494 pharmacy students participated in this study. Twenty-three incompletely filled questionnaires were excluded from the study. Regarding Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students' knowledge of colon cancer, 298 out of 494 had good knowledge and 196 out of 494 had poor knowledge. Regarding Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students' knowledge of breast cancer, 317 out of 494 had good knowledge and 177 out of 494 had poor knowledge. The total score of knowledge of Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students about breast cancer was 10 ± 3.43 and 11.40 ± 3.67, respectively. The total score of knowledge of Near East University and Cyprus International University pharmacy students about colon cancer was 7.54 ± 3.67 and 9.19 ± 4.08, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study indicate that most of the pharmacy students have good knowledge about the risk factors and symptoms of breast and colon cancer, but are not at the ideal knowledge level expected in the fight against cancer after graduation.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices toward Colorectal Cancer and Its Dietary and Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors among Jordanian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising, and it is a leading cause of mortality, with greater death rates pronounced in developing countries, including Jordan. Understanding knowledge and awareness of etiologic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, and dietary patterns is crucial for combating ailments. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the level of knowledge and awareness of CRC-related risk factors, practices, and possible associations of studied variables among young Jordanians. Methodology. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using an online self-reported assessment of anthropometrics, knowledge, awareness, and dietary and lifestyle practices toward CRC and its related risk factors.

Results

A study of 795 Jordanian university students found that 93.8% were Jordanians, 73.0% were female, aged 18-24, and single. Most participants were from medical and science schools (69.4%). The vast majority (about 84%) were found to have good knowledge and awareness of CRC and its risk factors, but this was not reflected in their dietary practices. There are significant differences in physical activity, smoking, vegetable consumption, and serving sizes of red meat and processed meats between the sexes. Academic study specialties significantly impact knowledge and awareness.

Conclusion

The study reveals that while young Jordanian university students have good knowledge and awareness about CRC and its risk factors, these levels are not reflected in their dietary behaviors and food choices for CRC prevention, highlighting the need for national programs to improve these practices, particularly in the younger population.

Community Pharmacy Staff's Knowledge, Educational Needs, and Barriers Related to Counseling Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors in Denmark

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine Danish community pharmacy staff's knowledge, educational needs, and barriers when communicating with cancer patients/survivors. Furthermore, the study investigated whether pharmacy staff was interested in participating in education about cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among community pharmacy staff (pharmacists and pharmaconomists) in Denmark. Descriptive and bivariate (t-test and chi-square) statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

In total, 134 staff members responded to the questionnaire. Their self-reported knowledge of cancer-related topics was between 'very little knowledge' and 'some knowledge'. The most well-known topics concerned risk factors for cancer and side effects from cancer treatments. The importance of learning more about the same topics was rated between 'important' and 'very important'. The largest barriers identified in counseling cancer patients/survivors were a lack of knowledge about cancer, a focus on healthcare problems other than cancer, and a traditional view of community pharmacies as a place to pick up medication. Pharmacy staff expressed interest in participating in educational programs about cancer treatment (91.0%), communication with cancer patients (88.1%), and late effects of cancer (93.3%).

CONCLUSION

Community pharmacy staff show interest in participating in education regarding cancer, but need more knowledge to properly counsel cancer patients and survivors at the community pharmacies. This important barrier should be addressed in future educational programs for community pharmacy staff.

Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: Self-Reported Knowledge and Attitude of Physicians in Jordan

Prostate cancer (PC) screening aims to detect PC in early stages, amenable to curative treatment and reduction in disease morbidity and mortality. However, PC screening may be associated with overdiagnosis and complications of unnecessary treatment for indolent disease. Therefore, careful patient selection for PC screening is critical to avoid overestimation and missed diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess physicians’ knowledge and attitude towards early detection of PC in Jordan and whether their knowledge is an important predictor of their attitude. An electronic, self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, and attitude of physicians regarding early detection of PC. The participants’ responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Around 296 physicians agreed to participate in this study. Most respondents were males (75.7%), residents (34%), practiced medicine more than 15 years (29%) and graduated (81.4%) from local universities. Surprisingly, only 28.4% recognized PC as a non-self-detected disease and less than one-half (48.6%) were aware that PC screening tests are not enough to exclude a diagnosis of PC. The median knowledge Percent of Maximum Possible (POMP) score was 59%. Around two-thirds of participants showed a positive attitude towards early detection of PC (median attitude POMP score was 66%). Higher attitude scores were significantly associated with younger age, those working in private hospitals, and those having higher knowledge POMP score (P < .05). This study highlighted that most physicians demonstrated a positive attitude towards PC screening but with moderate level of knowledge that is considered an important predictor of their attitude towards PC early detection. Thus, improving knowledge and awareness of physicians should be considered as a strategy to improve their attitude towards prostate screening practices and informing men of the importance of regular screening.