Cancer Screening and Consumption of Leafy Vegetables Among a Peri Urban Community of Nairobi Metropolis

Abstract

Cancer is an increasing health burden in the developing world. Diet and early cancer screening have been shown to be among the few measures that could either prevent or enable early detection hence higher chances of cure. Consumption of at least five servings of vegetables per day has been recommended in order to combat cancer and other non-communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the consumption of green leafy vegetables and cancer screening. This study was cross-sectional in design which used a structured questionnaire to get quantitative information. Random sampling was used to get 439 households which participated through one respondent. The method used was interviewer administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) over a week’s period and a demographics and economics questionnaire. Data was computed using the SPPS V. 16 software. Association was done using chi-square analysis individuals were interviewed on cancer screening. Significance level was at 95% or a P=0.05.The prevalence of cancer in the area was at 4%. More females (23%) than males (14%) went for cancer screening. There was a significant association between gender and cancer screening (χ28.034, df=1, P=0.005). There was also a significant association between occupation and cancer screening (χ228.158, df =6, P=0.000). The most daily consumed leafy vegetables were kales (18.72%), spinach (16.44%) and cabbages (5.71%). Consumption frequency of vegetables that were associated with cancer screening include: broccoli (P=0.00,Cl(0.000-0.001), kales(P=0.01,Cl(0.009-0.015), mushroom P=0.02,Cl(0.014-0.021), Spinach P=0.00,Cl(0.001-0.003) and pumpkin P=0.02Cl(0.019-0.027).The demographics associated with cancer screening were found to be gender and occupation. The vegetable consumption frequency that was associated with cancer screening includes: broccoli, kales, mushroom, spinach and pumpkin leaves.