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
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.
How to cite this article:
Okonkwo U, Onyekwere C. Screening for colorectal cancer in Nigeria: A survey of gastroenterology practitioners.Niger J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021;13:18-22
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How to cite this URL:
Okonkwo U, Onyekwere C. Screening for colorectal cancer in Nigeria: A survey of gastroenterology practitioners. Niger J Gastroenterol Hepatol [serial online] 2021 [cited 2022 Jun 30 ];13:18-22
Available from: https://www.njghonweb.org/article.asp?issn=2251-0079;year=2021;volume=13;issue=1;spage=18;epage=22;aulast=Okonkwo;type=0 |
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