THE KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF OBESITY AND ITS RISK OF CANCER AMONG INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is characterized as a condition of excessive accumulation of fat tissues on localized or entire parts of the body. Multiple studies have elucidated that obesity has been a common risk factor in many types of cancers. Thus, this study intended to examine the level of knowledge and awareness of obesity and its risk of cancer among undergraduate students at IIUM Kuantan Campus, identifying sociodemographic factors that contribute to the level of knowledge and awareness and determining the correlation between knowledge and awareness on obesity and its risk of cancer. Methods: Through convenience sampling, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed via an online platform to 133 respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Package Software for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. Results: Both knowledge and awareness of obesity and its risk of cancer among respondents were moderate. Significant differences were identified using Kruskal-Wallis test in regards to knowledge between respondents’ gender (p=0.017) and Kulliyyah or faculty (p<0.001).  A fair positive correlation between knowledge and awareness on obesity and its risk of cancer among respondents was found by Spearman coefficient (r=0.463, p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggested that significant difference between students of health-science and non-health science disciplines have significant impact on their knowledge level of the link between obesity and cancer. A moderate knowledge on the topic also contributes to moderate level of awareness.