Contributions
Abstract: PB1752
Type: Publication Only
Session title: Quality of life, palliative care, ethics and health economics
Background
Given the increasing blood cancer incidence in Tunisia and recent discoveries proving the involvement of environmental factors, the empowerment of youths to the complexity and multi-causality of this disease constitute an essential objective of health promotion and education.
Aims
This study examined the eco-health literacy of Tunisian secondary school students concerning blood cancer, their interest in knowing about it, and their emotional and behavioral attitudes towards leukemia risk.
Methods
This is a quantitative study; a cross-sectional survey was conducted among Tunisian youths. Data collection took place in five representative public secondary schools in the north, center, and south of Tunisia. Students completed a paper and pencil questionnaire and described their literacy level about blood cancer, as well as their attitudes and interest in the disease. Statistical software (SPSS, v.25.0) was used to analyze the data.
Results
The results indicate low eco-health literacy scores concerning leukemia. Lack of knowledge and confusion about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of leukemia is a common finding at all school levels surveyed. Most youths failed to identify all the carcinogenic (except tobacco) and non-carcinogenic risk factors. Pesticide use and exposure to electromagnetic radiation are not considered risk factors. Living in a polluted urban area or near a roadway in high traffic does not constitute a real risk situation for youths. The leukemia risk perception and the fear level differed according to gender, with higher sensitivity among teenage girls. Despite these low scores, most participants were interested in having more information about leukemia and cancers in general.
Conclusion
This investigation shows a lack of knowledge about leukemia and these environmental factors. Low scores, interest, and an information need for expressed by youths who should incite educational actors and curriculum designers to optimize content and innovate ICT adapted to this eco-health challenge.
Keyword(s): Adolescents, Epidemiology, Leukemia, Risk factor
Abstract: PB1752
Type: Publication Only
Session title: Quality of life, palliative care, ethics and health economics
Background
Given the increasing blood cancer incidence in Tunisia and recent discoveries proving the involvement of environmental factors, the empowerment of youths to the complexity and multi-causality of this disease constitute an essential objective of health promotion and education.
Aims
This study examined the eco-health literacy of Tunisian secondary school students concerning blood cancer, their interest in knowing about it, and their emotional and behavioral attitudes towards leukemia risk.
Methods
This is a quantitative study; a cross-sectional survey was conducted among Tunisian youths. Data collection took place in five representative public secondary schools in the north, center, and south of Tunisia. Students completed a paper and pencil questionnaire and described their literacy level about blood cancer, as well as their attitudes and interest in the disease. Statistical software (SPSS, v.25.0) was used to analyze the data.
Results
The results indicate low eco-health literacy scores concerning leukemia. Lack of knowledge and confusion about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of leukemia is a common finding at all school levels surveyed. Most youths failed to identify all the carcinogenic (except tobacco) and non-carcinogenic risk factors. Pesticide use and exposure to electromagnetic radiation are not considered risk factors. Living in a polluted urban area or near a roadway in high traffic does not constitute a real risk situation for youths. The leukemia risk perception and the fear level differed according to gender, with higher sensitivity among teenage girls. Despite these low scores, most participants were interested in having more information about leukemia and cancers in general.
Conclusion
This investigation shows a lack of knowledge about leukemia and these environmental factors. Low scores, interest, and an information need for expressed by youths who should incite educational actors and curriculum designers to optimize content and innovate ICT adapted to this eco-health challenge.
Keyword(s): Adolescents, Epidemiology, Leukemia, Risk factor