Colorectal Cancer Knowledge and Awareness Among University Students in a Caribbean Territory: a Cross-sectional Study
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Colorectal Cancer Knowledge and Awareness Among University Students in a Caribbean Territory: a Cross-sectional Study Kern D. Rocke 1
# American Association for Cancer Education 2019
Abstract Introduction The burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been on the rise globally over the last decade. Several studies point to the fact that there is a lack of knowledge and awareness for CRC which may be attributed to the increase in the burden over time. Therefore, we aimed to assess the level and predictors for knowledge of CRC and its risk factors. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on the student population of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad. We assessed CRC knowledge using scales examining their level of knowledge for CRC and its risk factors. Lifestyle behaviors (smoking, physical activity, dietary behaviors, and alcohol consumption) and perceived risk for developing CRC were also collected using a standard survey. Predictors for CRC knowledge were assessed using forward stepwise linear and logistic regression models. Results The overall CRC knowledge was 54.740% ± 19.721%. Poor knowledge levels were seen among 36.23% while satisfactory/good knowledge was seen among 63.77%. Predictors of poor CRC knowledge were males (OR = 1.559; p = 0.003), frequent/excessive alcoholic drinkers (OR = 1.924; p = 0.029), and low physical activity (OR = 1.331; p = 0.042). Predictors of satisfactory/good CRC knowledge were those with higher scores for the prudent dietary pattern (OR = 0.893; p = 0.016), and compared with those who reported no risk, participants reporting low risk had an increased likelihood of obtaining good CRC knowledge scores (OR = 0.526; p = < 0.001) and high risk (0.310; p = < 0.001). Conclusion The level of awareness/knowledge on CRC and its risk factors is low. Improvement of CRC awareness and healthy lifestyle campaigns among young adults is needed for the Caribbean region. Keywords Colorectal cancer . Risk factors . Knowledge . Caribbean . University students
Introduction The global incidence of colorectal cancer has been estimated to increase twofold by the year 2025 [1–3]. Currently, in the Caribbean, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third most common type of cancer among both men and women [1, 4]. It was reported specifically in the country of Trinidad and Tobago that CRC remains as the most prevalent and incidental cancer among both genders. A report from the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Registry reported that the incidence rate for colon cancer among the country’s population was 10.3 per 100,000 [5]. As a result of this rising burden, preventive strategies are paramount in reducing the number of new cases in * Kern D. Rocke [email protected] 1
The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago and the wider world. Such strategies include reducing the prevalence and incidence of risk factors associated with the disease. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has identified th
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