Knowledge about gastric carcinoma in North of Iran, a high prevalent region for gastric carcinoma: a population-based telephone survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The most northern and northwestern regions of Iran are at a high risk for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the general population's awareness about risk factors, symptoms and signs, preventive methods and management of gastric carcinoma in a high prevalence city in the North of Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional population-based telephone survey which was conducted on 3,457 residents of Rasht, the capital city of Guilan Province, to assess their awareness regarding gastric carcinoma. The questionnaires contained demographic data and statements on respondents' knowledge about risk factors, symptoms and signs, prevention and management of gastric cancer which were filled by general practitioners after asking the subjects. Data were analyzed in SPSS14. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 5.05±1.37 regarding risk factors of gastric carcinoma, 4.39±1.99 regarding symptoms and signs, 6.0±1.22 regarding preventive strategies, and 1.6±1.16 regarding management. Totally the mean knowledge level of the respondents toward gastric carcinoma would be 17.1±3.97 from the maximum grade of 29. The age group of 45-55 y/o, bachelor degree and higher, physicians and nurses, those who had cancer history in friends or had the history of gastrointestinal diseases showed significantly higher knowledge scores (P=0.001). CONCLUSION There is a general lack of awareness of cancer risk factors, symptoms and signs, methods of prevention, and importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Educational programs should be developed to promote adherence to recommended screening guidelines.