LogoLogoMSF Science Portal
  • My saved items
logo

© Médecins Sans Frontières

MSF Science Portal
About MSF Science Portal
About MSF
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

v2.1.4829.produseast1

Journal Article > Research

Myths and common misbeliefs about colorectal cancer causation in Palestine: a national cross-sectional study

Elshami M, Naji SA, Dwikat MF, Al-Slaibi I, Alser M, Ayyad M, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Qabaja YA, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Albandak ME, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Abu Nemer RM, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Bottcher B, Abu-El-Noor N
Download
Download
Abstract
PURPOSE
To explore public awareness of myths around colorectal cancer (CRC) causation in Palestine and to examine factors associated with good awareness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Convenience sampling was used to recruit adult Palestinians from governmental hospitals, primary health care centers, and public spaces. Recognizing 13 myths around CRC causation was assessed using a translated-into-Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale. Awareness level was determined based on the number of CRC mythical causes recognized: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and displaying good awareness. It adjusted for age group, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, residence, marital status, having chronic diseases, being a vegetarian, knowing someone with cancer, and site of data collection.

RESULTS
Of 5,254 participants approached, 4,877 agreed to participate (response rate, 92.3%). A total of 4,623 questionnaires were included in the final analysis: 2,700 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ) and 1,923 from the Gaza Strip. Only 219 participants (4.7%) demonstrated good awareness of myths around CRC causation. WBJ participants were twice more likely than those from the Gaza Strip to display good recognition (5.9% v 3.1%). Male sex, living in the WBJ, and visiting hospitals were all associated with an increase in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Conversely, knowing someone with cancer was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Having a physical trauma was the most recognized CRC causation myth (n = 2,752, 59.5%), whereas eating food containing additives was the least (n = 456, 9.8%).

CONCLUSION
Only 4.7% displayed good ability to recognize myths around CRC causation. Future educational interventions are needed to help the public distinguish the evidence-based versus mythical causes of CRC.
Countries
Palestine
Subject Area
diagnosticscancer
DOI
10.1200/GO.23.00295
Published Date
01-Jan-2024
PubMed ID
38166235
Languages
English
Journal
JCO Global Oncology
Volume / Issue / Pages
Volume 10, Issue 10, Pages e2300295
Dimensions Badge