Health Behavioral Assessment among the Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

The current study sought to evaluate the health-seeking behavior and related factors among head and neck cancer patients who were visiting a cancer treatment center. A total of 150 patients with head and neck cancer in the age range of 20–65 years were included in the study. A pretested, structured questionnaire with 20 closed-ended questions was used to cover topics like sociodemographics, personal vices, the patient’s medical history, events after diagnosis, and knowledge of cancer. Patients who were unemployed were more likely to put off seeking medical attention than those who were employed. This finding was statistically significant. More initiative and creative action should be made by government and non-government organizations to provide ongoing periodic screening, counseling, and health education to the general public.

Keywords

• behavioral assessment
• counseling
• head and neck cancer
• health assessment