A Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge and Awareness of Lung Cancer and Screening in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed Ali Madkhali; Essam Alhazmi; Faisal Hakami; Hussam Darraj; Sulaiman Hamdi; Khalid M Hakami; Wala H Gadi; Raghad Mohammed Sharahily; Anwar Hassan Hufaysi; Luai Alhazmi; Omar Oraibi; Sameer Alqassimi; Mostafa Mohrag; Erwa Elmakki

doi:10.2147/JMDH.S435129

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge and Awareness of Lung Cancer and Screening in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

J Multidiscip Healthc. 2023 Dec 5:16:3857-3870. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S435129. eCollection 2023.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
² Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
³ Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. With lung cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages, understanding the local population's awareness levels is crucial for designing effective preventive strategies. By identifying gaps in knowledge, the research aims to inform targeted health education efforts, optimize resource allocation, influence policy development, and contribute to the limited body of research on lung cancer awareness in the region, ultimately fostering improved public health outcomes.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, from July 2022 to June 2023, 671 participants over 18 years old, encompassing both genders, were gsurveyed. Data was collected through a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and LC-related awareness. SPSS 23 was used for analysis. Factors associated with knowledge scores were explored using independent t-tests and ANOVA, with the Tukey post-hoc test identifying specific group differences.

Results: The study included 671 participants, most participants were between 18 and 35 years (73.5%), with 38.5% males and 61.5% females. Lung cancer (LC) awareness was high (95.1%), with 4.9% reporting a family history. Knowledge assessment revealed a mean score of 14.66, with 41.6% having low, 49.5% moderate, and 8.9% high knowledge levels. Correct responses were notable for recognizing LC as a common cancer, a leading cause of death, and associating smoking and shisha with risk. Symptoms were well identified. Screening awareness was at 63.5%, with 78.8% willing to undergo tests if at risk. Age, marital status, and occupation were associated with knowledge, while factors like gender, nationality, residency, education, income, and smoking status showed no significant associations.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that there are knowledge gaps related to LC and its screening in Jazan region in Saudi Arabia. Effective awareness programs targeting specific sociodemographic groups are needed to improve the early detection and outcomes.

Keywords: awareness; health education; health literacy; knowledge; lung neoplasms; preventive medicine; public health; risk factors; shisha; smoking; student health.