TITLE:
Cancer-Related Knowledge and Risk Perception among Secondary School Students in Central Uganda
AUTHORS:
Ivan Chemos, Stephen Kiwuwa Mpugu
KEYWORDS:
Cancer, Knowledge, Risk Perception, Students, Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.9 No.2,
February
18,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Globally, it was estimated that there were 14.9 million new cases of cancer, 8.2 million deaths, and 196.3 million disability-adjusted life years due to cancer annually. Most of the risk factors for cancer increase rapidly during adolescence and these risk factors can be reduced through school-based interventions. In this research, we explored the level of knowledge, and risk perception among secondary school students concerning cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used in which 500 students from five schools in Kampala, Uganda answered the questionnaires. Structured questionnaires were self-administered to advanced level students who consented to participate in the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The majority (97.8%) of the students had heard about cancer, most of them didn’t know the symptoms of both prostate and cervical cancer, and the most common cancer cases. Only 22% answered that cancer is hereditary. 91.2% knew that cancer can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. 72% identified unhealthy eating behavior as a risk factor for cancer. 74.8% knew that cervical cancer is preventable. 90.2% knew that evil spirits can’t cause cancer. Conclusion: The respondents had good knowledge and positive perception about the different cancers though there were several gaps. Incorporation of cancer knowledge in school curricula and with regular updates depending on the prevailing conditions should be done to improve on these gaps.