Behavioural risk factors of cancer among the general population in Manipur: Findings from the monitoring survey of cancer risk factors and health system response in North East Region.

CONTEXT

Cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Manipur and shares common modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol use.

AIMS

This study aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of behavioural risk factors of cancer among the general population in Manipur.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey conducted in Manipur, India.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

This study is prepared from the findings of the Monitoring survey of Cancer Risk Factors and Health System Response in North East Region conducted between November 2019 and December 2020 in Manipur wherein 2771 adults from a target of 2880 households participated. The prevalence of behavioural risk factors for cancer was estimated.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of current tobacco use was 52.1% (63% among men and 41.4% among women), while for alcohol use, 32% of men were current alcohol users as compared to only 1% among women. The average number of servings of fruits or vegetables per day was 1.9, and red meat was consumed on an average of 1.8 days in a week. 8.5% of the participants performed insufficient physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of current use of tobacco and alcohol was high among men. Current tobacco use was also high among women, while vegetable and fruit consumption was low.