• Shaista Rehman, Kouthar Sulaiman Al-Alawi, Moon Fai Chan, Said A Al-Busafi, Adhari AlZaabi, Mustafa Al-Hinai, Mohammad Al-Masqari, Asem Shalaby, and Mohammed Al-Azri.
• Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
• J Eval Clin Pract. 2024 Dec 1; 30 (8): 173817591738-1759.

ObjectivesThis review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on exploring various factors that affect knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.MethodsA systematic search across five databases was performed to identify factors influencing KAP scores towards CRC screening. The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct the literature search, and the time spanned is from March to June 2023. The search included observational studies published between January 2000 and June 2023 that met the predetermined review criteria. Data were extracted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal checklist to evaluate the quality of the articles.ResultsOut of 16,904 records, 1174 articles were reviewed in full text, resulting in 43 high-quality studies included based on the JBI checklist. These studies assessed knowledge (42), attitudes (26), and practices (11) related to CRC screening. Key factors to improving KAP towards CRC screening in the general public were sociodemographic, social media influence, and physician recommendations. For healthcare professionals, factors promoting KAP included screening methods, guidelines, qualifications, and understanding of CRC screening. Educators lacked awareness of CRC symptoms and needed training to teach CRC screening and prevention. Pharmacists showed positive attitudes towards early CRC detection but had varying knowledge levels.ConclusionsKAP towards CRC screening is suboptimal among the general public, healthcare professionals, students, educators, and pharmacists worldwide. Routine CRC screening counselling is paramount to improving screening rates. Continuous medical education and training programmes are essential for healthcare professionals to enhance their KAP towards CRC screening. Students and university teachers should be educated and trained about CRC screening to improve their knowledge and foster positive behavioural changes. These comprehensive measures are critical for establishing an effective screening programme.© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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