The barriers to colorectal cancer screening tests among adults attending Seremban health clinic in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Malaysia, with most cases diagnosed at late stages, leading to poor survival. Stool-based screening methods, like the immunological faecal occult blood test (iFOBT), can reduce CRC mortality, but national uptake remains below 3%. This study explores barriers to CRC screening and their association with sociodemographic factors among adults aged 50 and above attending Seremban Health Clinic.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 at Seremban Health Clinic, Negeri Sembilan, involving 400 adults aged 50 and above. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and completed a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 28.0, with statistical methods including multiple linear regression.
The most frequently reported barriers included low self-efficacy, unfamiliarity with screening procedures, emotional concerns, and negative perceptions of screening. Age, gender, education level, employment status, and previous experience on cancer screening were found to have significant associations with barriers to cancer screening. Respondent's belief in early detection, a sense of health responsibility, and encouragement from healthcare providers and family were identified as facilitators to cancer screening. Prior screening experience was linked to fewer barriers.
Findings indicate the need for targeted interventions to improve awareness, confidence, and attitudes toward screening.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 at Seremban Health Clinic, Negeri Sembilan, involving 400 adults aged 50 and above. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and completed a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 28.0, with statistical methods including multiple linear regression.
The most frequently reported barriers included low self-efficacy, unfamiliarity with screening procedures, emotional concerns, and negative perceptions of screening. Age, gender, education level, employment status, and previous experience on cancer screening were found to have significant associations with barriers to cancer screening. Respondent's belief in early detection, a sense of health responsibility, and encouragement from healthcare providers and family were identified as facilitators to cancer screening. Prior screening experience was linked to fewer barriers.
Findings indicate the need for targeted interventions to improve awareness, confidence, and attitudes toward screening.
Authors
Sein Sein, Tay Tay, Chong Chong, Lee Lee, Naliena Naliena, Sonakshi Sonakshi, Zainal Zainal, Elhariri Elhariri, Theingi Theingi
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