Socio-economic disparities in behavioural risk factors for cancer and use of cancer screening services in Korean adults aged 30 years and older: the Third Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 (KNHANES III)

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the current status of cancer-related health disparities in cancer risk factors and the use of cancer screening services by Korean adults.

Study design: Cross-sectional survey study.

Methods: The disparities of behavioural cancer risk factors and use of cancer screening services according to equivalent monthly household income were evaluated, using multivariate logistic regression analysis, among 6466 subjects aged ≥30 years and who completed the health promotion knowledge, attitude and practice survey, which is part of the Third Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results: In men, smoking (P for trend = 0.05) and physical inactivity (P for trend = 0.05) were more common in the lower-income group, while high-risk drinking (P for trend <0.01) was more common in the higher-income group. In women, physical inactivity (P for trend <0.01) was more common in the lower-income group, while smoking and high-risk drinking showed no income disparities. Income disparities were also found in the degree of participation in cancer screening programmes. Men in the highest income quintile underwent more screening for both colorectal and gastric cancer than men in the lowest income quintile and men in the second to fourth income quintiles (P for trend <0.01 for both). Women in the highest income quintile underwent more screening for cervical (P for trend <0.01) and gastric (P for trend = 0.04) cancer, while income disparities were not seen for participation in colorectal or breast cancer screening.

Conclusions: In order to decrease behavioural risk factors and promote participation in cancer screening programmes, more targeted efforts are needed for cancer prevention among lower-income Koreans.