Table 3 Medical student-reported barriers related to patients and healthcare systems, with regards to CRC risk factors and screening (N = 581)
Barrier statement | Major Barrier N (%) | Minor Barrier N (%) | Not a Barrier N (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Patient-related | |||
Fear of finding cancer | 329 (56.72) | 186 (32.07) | 65 (11.21) |
Belief that screening is not effective | 230 (39.66) | 244 (42.07) | 106 (18.28) |
Embarrassment /anxiety | 308 (53.10) | 194 (33.45) | 78 (13.45) |
Colorectal cancer not a serious health threat | 225 (38.79) | 224 (38.62) | 131 (22.58) |
No symptoms of a health problem | 297 (51.21) | 176 (30.34) | 107 (18.45) |
lack of knowledge about colorectal cancer | 306 (52.76) | 209 (36.03) | 65 (11.20) |
Procrastination of the procedure | 265 (45.69) | 240 (41.38) | 75 (12.93) |
Healthcare system-related | |||
High cost and lack of coverage | 327 (56.38) | 184 (31.72) | 69 (11.90) |
No available recommendations in Primary Healthcare | 261 (45.00) | 224 (38.62) | 95 (16.38) |
Shortage of trained providers to conduct screening other than fecal occult blood testing | 245 (42.24) | 240 (41.38) | 95 (16.38) |
Shortage of trained providers to conduct follow-up with invasive endoscopic procedures | 239 (41.21) | 268 (46.21) | 73 (12.59) |
Lack of knowledge about colorectal cancer guidelines | 335 (57.76) | 163 (28.10) | 82 (14.14) |