Investigation on the status of high-risk dietary habits and cognition of esophageal cancer among rural residents in Yanting County and Qingzhen City

Abstract

Objective To compare the dietary habits and the differences of esophageal cancer cognition of rural residents in Yanting County and Qingzhen City, and provide evidences for early diagnosis, early treatment and prevention of esophageal cancer. Methods Dietary habits and cognition of esophageal cancer were surveyed among rural residents of Yanting County in Sichuan Province where incidence of that cancer is high, and Qingzhen City in Guizhou Province with low incidence of esophageal cancer. Statistical analysis was also performed on the results. Results There were 200 residents in Lianghe Town, Yanting County, including 103 males (51.5%) and 97 females (48.5%). There were 165 residents in Maige Town, Qingzhen City, including 83 men (50.3%) and 82 women (49.7%). There was no significant difference in the age and gender composition between the two areas (P>0.05). But there was a statistically significant difference in the source of drinking water between the two areas (P<0.05). The utilization rate of tap water in area with low incidence of esophageal cancer was significantly higher than that in high-incidence area. There was a statistically significant difference in dietary habits between the two areas in 2016 and the past 10 years (2006-2016) (P<0.05). In the investigation of esophageal cancer cognition, residents in Qingzhen City had a more clear understanding of esophageal cancer and its common causes (P<0.05). Conclusions The dietary structure and cognition level of rural residents in the area with high incidence of esophageal cancer have been improved, but the knowledge on the cancer prevention is still very low. Key words: Esophageal cancer; Dietary habits; Cognition