Publication: Understanding of Tobacco and Lung Cancer Among Medical Students in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS)
Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Often, lung cancer is diagnosed at terminal stages. Poor awareness about the
symptoms or risk factors of lung cancer among medics may be one of the factors
for delayed diagnosis.
Objective
We explored the knowledge of medical students and their behavior with the
patients of lung cancer.
Method
Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for data collection from
153 medical student of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences from
December 2011 to May 2012.
Results
Among the results, eighty-nine students had over 80% knowledge of the 14
cancer warning signs, among them 83% knew the nine risk factors for lung cancer.
Twenty-three students told lung cancer can be hereditary. Sixty five percent of all
participants believed that lung cancer can be detected at early stage; of them 81%
told that it can be treated. About 24% of the total students were current or ex-
smokers and about half of them believed that lung cancer does not occur in light
smokers. Only 10% have heard of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in
Nepal.
Conclusion
Study finds that all medical students who know about any cancers may not
necessarily have knowledge about lung cancers. Their perception about the cause
of lung cancer may be influenced by their smoking behavior and there was little
knowledge of public health measures for smoking control. Awareness about
national policies needs to be increased.
KEY WORDS
knowledge, lung neoplasm, medical education, smoking, tobacco
Description
Khatiwada P,1 Kayastha SR,2 Pant P,2 Khanal KR,2 Giri A,1 Khatiwoda P,1 Mali A3
1Richa Bajimaya Memorial Foundation Kathmandu, Nepa
2Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences Dhulikhel, Nepal
3Nidan, Kathmandu, Nepal