To Estimate the Experience of Medical Practitioners in the prevention and Control of Gastric Cancer
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/GBMN.2025.01.01.144Keywords:
Descriptive analyses, gastric cancer, Georgia, KAP surveyAbstract
Background: Among all types of cancer, gastric cancer ranks fifth in both morbidity and mortality. Public knowledge about cancer is as important as early detection, screening, prevention, and treatment. Objectives: The study aimed to estimate medical practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding gastric cancer and its prevention. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving medical practitioners from Tbilisi and Senaki (Georgia) in 2024. Data was collected through self- completed questionnaires. We performed a descriptive analysis of the data, including estimation of proportions and mean values. In bivariate analyses, study participants' knowledge was estimated by age group and other characteristics. We calculated the Odds ratio (OR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and p-value; a p- value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of 80 study participants, the most significant proportion was women (80%), and 65% were under 40 years of age. More than 80% of respondents were medical doctors. About 90% of respondents believe that Helicobacter pylori infection, gastrointestinal ulcer disease, long-term tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are risk factors for stomach cancer. Over 85% of medical practitioners are well aware of high-risk groups and early symptoms of stomach cancer. Eighty percent of medical practitioners demonstrated a positive attitude toward gastric cancer screening and prevention, while participation of respondents in gastric cancer management and prevention was low (45%). Conclusions: According to the study results, knowledge about gastric cancer among study participants is high, and their attitude towards gastric cancer screening and prevention is positive; however, their participation in public awareness activities about the disease and risk factors is low.References
Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics (sex, age, profession);
Knowledge regarding gastric cancer symptoms, possible risk factors, and preventive measures.
Participants' attitudes toward primary and secondary prevention of gastric cancer.
Involvement of participants in activities for primary and secondary prevention of gastric cancer.
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