Disposición para la prevención del cáncer colorrectal en población de riesgo de un hospital de Guayaquil, 2025.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a preventable health problem when its risk factors are identified early and protective behaviors are strengthened in the exposed population. The objective of this study was to determine the readiness for colorectal cancer prevention among individuals aged 18 to 64 years attending the coloproctology outpatient clinic of a secondary-level hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The IMB CRC questionnaire was used. A non-experimental, descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data from surveys using the IMB-CRC questionnaire from a sample of 47 people. Of the sample, 59.6% had a high level of readiness for prevention, while 40.4% had a low or inconsistent readiness. Regarding knowledge, gaps were identified in the recognition of colorectal cancer risk factors, with between 34.0% and 38.3% of participants falling into negative categories. In the assessment of objective skills, the greatest challenge was in evaluating risk behavior, at 55.3%, while recognition, symptom identification, and clarifying the reliability of information were at 48.9%. In the self-efficacy dimension, the least consolidated aspect was the regular maintenance of screening tests, with 51.5% expressing neutrality or disagreement. In the area of motivation, the least influential factor was family and friends, at 48.9%. It was concluded that preventive attitudes were generally favorable, although cognitive and behavioral gaps remained that limited their practical consistency.