Knowledge, attitude and practice among the Moi university college of health sciences finalists undergraduate students at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on environmental carcinogens in eldoret, Uasin Gishu county, kenya

Abstract

This study aimed to bridge the gap between cancer and environmental causes, push for improved prevention, early screening, and better surveillance on indicators of poor health linked to cancer. The objective assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice among Moi University College of Health Sciences finalist undergraduate students on environmental carcinogens in Eldoret, Kenya. The study site was MTRH, with a cross-sectional study design. The study population was the adult finalist undergraduate students in the College of Health Sciences at MTRH. Inclusion criteria: adult finalist undergraduate students in the College of Health Sciences willing to share information and consenting to participate. Sample Size was determined after the census of all the participants and meeting inclusion criteria. Mixed sampling was used. Data collection tools were a pre-validated structured questionnaire, observation checklist, and secondary data. Data collection was done using Google forms. Data were cleaned and checked for completeness. Statistical analysis and cross-tabulation for variables were done using SPSS version 26. Data Presentation was through tables, graphs, and prose formats. The results of the study were as follows: There were 40 males and 22 females, ratio-1.82:1. Modal age was 22years (19.67%). Prior to joining the university, 61.29% had encountered cancer cases. 36% agreed that they were not aware of predisposing factors, while 32% and 12% agreed that tobacco users and factory workers were predisposed, respectively. 28 respondents used plastic containers, 1.61% used tobacco, and 21 took alcohol. 92% were never screened for cancer, though 17 females and 26 males did self-examination at least once a month.