Background of the Study
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a growing incidence in Nigeria due to lifestyle changes, increased urbanization, and dietary factors. Early detection and management of CRC are crucial for improving survival rates, as it is more treatable when caught in the early stages. Nurses play an essential role in CRC prevention through screening, patient education, and supporting follow-up care (Adegoke et al., 2024). Early detection is vital, as symptoms of CRC can often be overlooked, leading to a delay in diagnosis and a worse prognosis.
Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH) serves as a critical healthcare facility for diagnosing and managing colorectal cancer in the region. Nurses at OSUTH are integral to the cancer care team, assisting with patient education, supporting patients during screening procedures, and providing follow-up care. Despite the importance of their role, there is limited research assessing the extent to which nurses at OSUTH contribute to the early detection and management of CRC. Moreover, studies have shown that many healthcare professionals, including nurses, often lack sufficient training and awareness regarding the signs of CRC and the best practices for screening and prevention (Igbinoba et al., 2023).
Given the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer and its high mortality rate, it is crucial to evaluate nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CRC early detection and management. This study aims to assess the role of nurses in CRC care at OSUTH, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Statement of the Problem
Colorectal cancer is becoming an increasing health burden in Nigeria, and early detection is critical to improving patient outcomes. However, there is limited information on the role of nurses in the early detection and management of CRC in Nigerian teaching hospitals, particularly at OSUTH. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating nurses' knowledge and the strategies they employ in detecting and managing colorectal cancer. It will also explore any barriers that limit their effectiveness in contributing to early diagnosis and management.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the level of nurses' knowledge of colorectal cancer early detection and management at OSUTH.
To assess the role of nurses in educating patients and supporting CRC screening at OSUTH.
To identify the challenges nurses face in contributing to early detection and management of colorectal cancer at OSUTH.
Research Questions
What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding early detection and management of colorectal cancer at OSUTH?
How do nurses at OSUTH educate patients and support colorectal cancer screening?
What challenges do nurses face in early detection and management of colorectal cancer at OSUTH?
Research Hypotheses
There is no significant relationship between nurses' knowledge of colorectal cancer and their involvement in early detection and management at OSUTH.
Nurses who have received specialized training in colorectal cancer are more likely to contribute to early detection and management practices.
Institutional factors (e.g., availability of screening tools, support from medical teams) do not significantly affect nurses' role in colorectal cancer detection and management at OSUTH.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working at Ogun State University Teaching Hospital who are involved in the care of colorectal cancer patients. Limitations include the use of self-reported data and the focus on one healthcare institution, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
Colorectal Cancer (CRC): A cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, often characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in stools, and weight loss.
Early Detection: The identification of cancer at an early stage, often through screening tests like colonoscopy.
Screening: The process of testing asymptomatic individuals for diseases such as colorectal cancer to detect early signs before symptoms develop.
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