Awareness of Cancer among Adolescents Studying in Secondary School in Pokhara, Nepal

Résumé fourni par la source

Introduction: Cancer is the major global health problem which has currently become the most important barrier to increasing life expectancy worldwide in the 21st century. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide while in adolescents it accounts as the fourth leading cause of death globally. The burden related to cancer incidence and mortality is also in increasing trend in Nepal. Thus, this study aimed to assess the awareness of cancer among adolescents in Pokhara. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 adolescents studying in class XI and XII in Pokhara Aadarsha Secondary School, Pokhara using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected after informed consent through self- administered structured questionnaires on10th and 11th Sept 2023. Descriptive and inferential (chi square) statistical tests were performed for the data analysis. Result: The results showed that 84.3% of the adolescents had low level of awareness regarding cancer. Majority of the respondents knew cancer is non-communicable disease (93.9%) followed by lung cancer is caused by excessive smoking (91.8%). There was statistically significant association between level of awareness and gender (p=0.04), stream (p<0.001) as well as educational status of mother (p=0.01) and father (p=0.03). Conclusion: The study concludes that more than three-quarters of the adolescents had low level of awareness regarding cancer. There is statistically significant association of level of awareness with gender, stream as well as educational status of mother and father. This study highlights education is essential for adolescents regarding cancer awareness to promote healthy lifestyles and also for the application of preventive measures on time.

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