T Seth1, A Kotwal, R Thakur, P Singh, V Kochupillai. 1. Department of Medical Oncology, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Room No 13, 2nd Floor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. tuliseth@yahoo.com
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTIONS: What is the level of knowledge and awareness of common cancers? What are the prevalent attitudes and behaviours relating to common cancers? OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding common cancers amongst urban slum dwellers in New Delhi. STUDY DESIGN: Field-based cross-sectional survey of an urban slum cluster. SETTING: Slum clusters along Pankha Road, West New Delhi. PARTICIPANTS: Slum dwellers of selected slums. STUDY VARIABLES: Independent variables were sociodemographic factors. Dependent variables were knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding preventive and curative aspects of common cancers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Proportions, confidence intervals, tests of significance and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Only 13% (10.6-15.7%) of the study participants were aware of Pap smears, and only 2% (1.1-3.3%) were able to identify all the common signs of cancer. However, 87% (84.4-89.5%) of the study participants knew that tobacco is a risk factor for cancer. Overall, 51% (47.2-54.7%) had some knowledge pertaining to cancer. CONCLUSION: A focused, concerted and effective information, education and communication drive is urgently needed for all aspects of common cancers in India.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS: What is the level of knowledge and awareness of common cancers? What are the prevalent attitudes and behaviours relating to common cancers? OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding common cancers amongst urban slum dwellers in New Delhi. STUDY DESIGN: Field-based cross-sectional survey of an urban slum cluster. SETTING: Slum clusters along Pankha Road, West New Delhi. PARTICIPANTS: Slum dwellers of selected slums. STUDY VARIABLES: Independent variables were sociodemographic factors. Dependent variables were knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding preventive and curative aspects of common cancers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Proportions, confidence intervals, tests of significance and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Only 13% (10.6-15.7%) of the study participants were aware of Pap smears, and only 2% (1.1-3.3%) were able to identify all the common signs of cancer. However, 87% (84.4-89.5%) of the study participants knew that tobacco is a risk factor for cancer. Overall, 51% (47.2-54.7%) had some knowledge pertaining to cancer. CONCLUSION: A focused, concerted and effective information, education and communication drive is urgently needed for all aspects of common cancers in India.