Knowledge levels of male agricultural workers about colorectal cancer, health belief levels and determination of cancer risk

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths worldwide and ranks among the top 3 cancer types in Turkey. Methods: This cross sectional study aimed to determine the knowledge, health beliefs, risk levels, and related factors of colorectal cancer among male agricultural workers in a western Turkish city with intense agricultural activities. During the data collection period, from November 2020 to January 2021, 205 male agricultural workers volunteered to participate in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0. Results: Confidence-benefit-health motivation scores of male agricultural workers differ significantly according to the status of undergoing colonoscopy in the past ten years (p < 0.05). Confidence-benefit-health motivation scores of male agricultural workers also differ significantly according to the presence of occult blood in the stool within the last year (p < 0.05). When examining the correlation analyses between Confidence/Benefits/Health Motivation, Susceptibility and CRC knowledge level, a positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between CRC knowledge level and Confidence/Benefits/Health Motivation scores. Male agricultural workers showed low participation in CRC screenings, with a significant link to their level of health belief. The study aimed to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding CRC screenings. Only 21.5% received information from health professionals, and 10.7% underwent FOBT in the last year, suggesting information alone is insufficient to boost screening rates. Conclusions: Comprehensive strategies, including addressing smoking, alcohol use and physical inactivity, along with enhancing health beliefs, may improve screening rates and reduce cancer risk.

Colorectal cancer; Health beliefs; Male agricultural workers; Knowledge level

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