Determining multiple behavioral risk factors for cancer in adults in the community

Objective: This study aims to explore the multiple behavioral risk factors (use of tobacco, obesity and deficient physical activity) that cause cancer and their relationship with demographics and health history. Method: The study is cross-sectional and was conducted in Antalya. The participants were 720 adults selected with the multistage cluster sampling method. The study data were collected in the household environment according to the STEPwise approach of the World Health Organization. Data were collected via demographics and health history forms. Descriptive statistics, t test, chi-square and Kruskal Wallis Analysis of Variance were used in the analysis of the data. Risk behaviors were summed to zero, one, two, or three. Results: Of the adults, 36% were use of tobacco, 39% reported low levels of physical activity, and 45% had a obesity. It was found that 6.8% displayed zero, 46.9% showed one, 42.8% showed two, and 3.5% exhibited three types of risky behavior. It was observed that there were significant differences between the behavioral risk behavior groups and the participants' education, civil status, income, perceived health status and whether or not they knew someone with a history of cancer. The percentage of married individuals was higher among those engaging in one, two or three risky behaviors as compared to those exhibiting zero risky behavior. Among the participants exhibiting two risky behaviors, the percentage of those who perceived their health status as very good was lower than among those with zero risk behaviors; the percentage of those with friends or relatives with a history of cancer was high. Those displaying three risky behaviors were lesser educated and had lower income compared to those exhibiting zero risky behavior. Conclusion: It was found that married individuals, those with lesser education, lower income, a poorer perception of their health status and those who knew people with a history of cancer displayed a higher percentage of risky behavior. It is important that interventional and strategies are developed and implemented for individuals that fall into these categories. Key words: cancer, health behavior, health promotion