Diet and colorectal cancer: knowledge assessment among Malaysian university students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of dietary habits related to colorectal cancer (CRC) in a university students’ population. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among students from different schools and grades of studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) (n = 385), regarding knowledge of CRC and dietary habits. Only (34.8%) of students could correctly define CRC as cancer of colon and rectum and (55.3%) of them could not define diet as a risk factor for CRC. The overall score of knowledge was low (Mean ± SD = -4.27 ± 0.4). Majority of students showed lack of knowledge (71.9%). Inferential analysis revealed significant association and difference in knowledge among different sociodemographic subgroups.