DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC15.24
Authors: K.A.D. Hansini Isurika and T. D. de Silva
Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess the awareness of Lung Cancer and the possible environmental factors that may associated with Lung cancer among Non-smokers in a suburban population in the Western province of Sri Lanka. The prevalence of tobacco smoking is being high according to WHO Global Tobacco Report in Sri Lanka. Furthermore it is increasingly being exposed to environmental risk factors for lung cancers. It is important to identify the extent of this exposure and the knowledge of the public in this regard. And evidence suggests that the awareness should be commencing from the age of 35 years as it is most common to get Lung Cancer and also it should be done among non-smokers. Objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of Lung Cancer and some selected risk factors among a suburban population in the Western province, Sri Lanka and assess their knowledge regarding risk factors.
A descriptive cross sectional study among people in suburban area was done. A sample of 150 people was conveniently chosen of the age group of 35-65 from a suburban area in Western Province of Sri Lanka. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Smoking prevalence was 37.3{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} in ages between 35-65yrs. 22{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of people smoke more than 5 cigarettes per day and 26{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of them for more than 10 years. 11.3{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were female passive smokers and 40.2{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were male passive smokers. 53.3{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were exposure to asbestos daily.42.9{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of smokers’ exposure to asbestos.2{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} had TB, 13.3{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} had asthmatic conditions and 19.6{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} of smokers had a history of asthma. 54{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were aware that smoking causes lung cancer. 44.7{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were not aware about passive smoking. 68{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were aware that exposure to asbestos cause lung cancer. 58.7{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were not aware that the exposure to radiation causes lung cancer. 65.3{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} were not aware that history of respiratory condition cause lung cancer.The study revealed that in general there is a poor awareness about the risk of tobacco smoking and environmental factors among the low socioeconomic populations. Further it revealed that general knowledge on complications may arise with tobacco smoking and environmental factors were poor and the recommended level of risk associated with smoking. Results emphasize the need to develop health education and awareness programs that enhance lung cancer knowledge among people who currently smoke and are in low socioeconomic groups.
Keywords: Lung cancer, Passive smokers, TB- Tuberculosis, Sri Lanka, Radiation
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