文章基本信息

标题：Esophageal cancer awareness in Bomet district, Kenya
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作者：V Duron ; J Bii ; R Mutai 等
期刊名称：African Health Sciences
印刷版ISSN：1680-6905
电子版ISSN：1729-0503
出版年度：2013
卷号：13
期号：1
页码：122-128
DOI：10.4314/ahs.v13i1.17
语种：English
出版社：Makerere University Medical School（Uganda)
摘要：Background: Esophageal cancer is the most common malignancy in Western Kenya and patients present with advanced disease. Objective: To determine baseline level of knowledge of esophageal cancer in Bomet District in order to develop targeted and effective educational classes. Methods: A questionnaire with twelve questions testing knowledge about esophageal cancer and eight questions aimed at determining barriers to healthcare was conducted out of Tenwek Hospital from June to July 2010. Results: Eighty-one questionnaires were completed. 33% thought that cancer is a virus and 35% thought that it is contagious. 47% did not think that family history is a risk factor. 79% accurately claimed dysphagia as the most common symptom for esophageal cancer. 40% thought that herbal therapy is the optimal treatment for esophageal cancer. Cost and fear of diagnosis were cited as the most significant barriers to healthcare. Most participants had a monthly income of less than 3000 Kenyan schillings (37.5 US dollars); for 37% of participants, the cost of transport to the hospital represented a third of their monthly income. Conclusion: The questionnaire provided population-specific information on cancer knowledge and aided in targeting barriers to healthcare access. These factors will be incorporated into the cancer education outreach program of Tenwek Hospital.