Knowledge of colorectal cancer and associated factors among the general population in Malaysian

Redhwan A. Al-Naggar, Yuri V. Bobryshev, Muhamed T. Osman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of colorectal cancer among the general population in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. A total number of 300 subjects participate in this study. The mean age of the study participants was 31.38+/-11.07. The majority of the participants were female, less than 50 years of age, Malay, single and with no history of colorectal cancer (56.7%, 90.3%, 71.0%, 59.0% and 83.3%; respectively). Regarding the eating habits, 60.3% eat vegetables regularly, 45.0% eat green salad regularly, 29.3% took supplements regularly, 55.7% eat fruits regularly, 64.7% eat meat regularly, 46.3% eat fast food regularly and only 29.0% drink sufficient amount of water regularly. For lifestyle, 43.3% of the participants reported that they exercise regularly. Univariate analysis showed that sex, marital status, smoking cigarettes and shisha were significantly influence the knowledge of colorectal cancer (P=0.006, P=0.022, p<0.001, P<0.001; respectively). Multiple linear regression identified smoking and family history of colorectal cancer significantly associated with knowledge about colorectal cancer prevention (p<0.001, p=0.044; respectively). Conclusions: The population survey showed low awareness of colorectal cancer. Therefore importance of continuing public education, particularly about the link between lifestyle behaviors and colorectal cancer is urgently needed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)135-143
Number of pages9
JournalWorld Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Malaysia
  • cancer
  • colon (anatomy)
  • health surveys

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