| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
|
| Year : 2021 | Volume
: 13
| Issue : 1 | Page : 18-22 |
|
|
Screening for colorectal cancer in Nigeria: A survey of gastroenterology practitioners
Uchenna Okonkwo1, Charles Onyekwere2
1 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Uchenna Okonkwo
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/njgh.njgh_22_20
|
|
|
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common in Africa including Nigeria contrary to popular opinion. Screening for CRC is cost-effective and reduces morbidity and mortality.
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the practice of CRC screening among gastroenterology practitioners in Nigeria.
Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among gastroenterology practitioners attending their annual conference in 2016. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 65 respondents completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 37.68 years. Majority (95%) of the respondents practised in tertiary hospitals. Screening for CRC was practised by 54% of the respondents, with colonoscopy and guaiac fecal occult blood test being the preferred screening modalities. Indications for screening were mostly symptom based with varied protocols and outcomes.
Conclusion: The practice of CRC screening among gastroenterology practitioners in Nigeria is variable. There is a need to formulate national guidelines and colonoscopy quality control tools to improve awareness and standardize practice.
|
|
|
|
| [FULL TEXT] [PDF]* |
|
 |
|
