Abstract
Abstract only
e17528
Background: Enrollment of patients in CR may be impacted by their levels of awareness and attitude toward participation. Our study aims at assessing the awareness and willingness to participate in CR and identifying the barriers and influencing factors for participation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using an interview-based questionnaire composed of close-ended questions conducted by trained research coordinators. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses were applied. Results: A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study with a median age of 53.6 (42.2 - 64.0), and 188 patients (62.67%) were females. The majority of patients 289 (97.31%) were not aware of what is institutional review board. On the other hand, 226 (75.33%) showed interest in CR participation, if offered. The trust in treating physician (88.33 %) and the belief that participation in CR offers a better chance of cure (73.14%) were the two most important influencing factors to participate, while the preference of receiving standard treatment (43.13%) and the unknown efficacy of treatment (40.32%) were the top two barriers to participate. In univarate analyses, patients younger than 45 years (p<0.015) and those with higher education (more than middle school) (p<0.022) were significantly more interested in CR participation. However; in a multivariate analysis, higher education was the only significant predictor of interest to participate (p<0.023). Conclusions: There is an apparent gap in cancer patients’ awareness about CR. However, there is an obvious interest in participation in CR especially in patients with higher education level. Enhancing public awareness is crucial to improve CR participation.