FACTORS DETERMINING COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN KIRKUK CITY

Study Design: A descriptive predictive design was used to guide this study. Study Objectives: This study to (1) identify the association between teachers age, body mass index, years of employment, and their intention to undergo colorectal cancer screening, and (2) investigate the difference in teachers health beliefs about colorectal cancer screening between the groups of gender, educational qualification, marital status, and family history of having colorectal cancer. Setting: This study was conducted in secondary schools in Kirkuk City. Sample and Sampling: The study included a convenience sample of 397 secondary school teachers. Study Instrument: The study instrument is composed of teachers sociodemographic sheet, the body mass index, and the Health Beliefs Scale for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Data Collection: Data were collected using an online survey Google form. Data were collected for the period from March 6th, 2021 to April 10th, 2021. Study Results: There was a statistically significant positive association between participants age and their Perceived Susceptibility of contracting colorectal cancer. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant inverse association between participants body mass index and their Perceived Susceptibility of contracting colorectal cancer. There was a statistically significant inverse association between participants years of employment and their Perceived Benefits of colorectal screening. Conclusions: The student researcher recommends that there is a need to devote health promotion activities, particularly that encourage older teachers, those who are overweight and/or obese, those who have a family history of colorectal cancer, single, and have lower educational qualification to undergo colorectal screening.