Assessment of the awareness and knowledge of cancer survivors regarding the components of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the level of knowledge and awareness of its related conditions in a sample of cancer survivor patients. In this cross-sectional survey, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to outpatients aged >20 years with a diagnosis of cancer. This self-reported questionnaire on patient demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, and knowledge and awareness of metabolic syndrome was used as an instrument to assess patient’s knowledge of metabolic syndrome. A total of 88 participants were included; of these 34.1% had metabolic syndrome, although only 6.8% of participants were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Over half of the participants had heard about metabolic syndrome; however, 70% of the participants did not know about the blood tests for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome although they were aware of the physical measurements, such as weight, blood pressure, and waist circumference. The highest proportion of correct answers for questions about metabolic syndrome was related to stroke, while the lowest was about cholesterol levels. The proportions of correct answers for selected parameters were as follows: diabetes, 39.1%; adiposity, 47.2%; hypertension, 46.8%; cholesterol levels, 36.7%; arteriosclerosis, 45.5%; myocardial infarction, 37.8%; and stroke, 62.8%. The results suggest that the level of knowledge of metabolic syndrome among the cancer survivors in our sample was poor, although more than one-third of them had metabolic syndrome. Thus, it is essential to educate cancer survivors about metabolic syndrome and its related conditions to improve their overall health and quality of life.