High-risk population's knowledge of risk factors and warning symptoms and their intention toward gastric cancer screening in Southeastern China

Background As the incidence of gastric cancer (GC) increases sharply in adults aged over 40 years, screening of this high-risk population is important. This study aimed to explore knowledge level of GC related risk factors and symptoms, and to identify influencing factors associated with intention toward GC screening among people aged 40 years old and above in China. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among people aged 40 years old and above between October 2021 and March 2022 in Southeastern China. The participants' knowledge was assessed by a series of questions about risk factors (24-item scale) and warning symptoms (14-item scale). Results A total of 2547 complete responses were received. The mean age was 47.72 (±7.20) years and near 60% were male. Respondents had a moderate level of knowledge about risk factors and warning symptoms of GC. The total mean knowledge score was 23.9 (±9.8) out of a possible score of 38. Majority (80%) of respondents reported intention to be screened for GC in the next 5 years. The most influential predictors of screening intention were income level (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.36–3.32), perceived benefits (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.33–2.73), perceived severity (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.20–2.34), ever took GC screening (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.28–2.08), perceived poor overall health (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.19–2.11), and perceived barriers (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.17–2.09). Other significant factors were ever diagnosed with chronic gastric diseases, total knowledge score, and cues-to-action. The major reasons for not willing to take screening were “endoscopy is uncomfortable” (29.6%), “worry about screening results” (23.6%), and “have no symptoms” (21.3%). Conclusion High-risk population aged 40 years and above expressed high intention to receive GC screening. Intervention to improve health promotion and reduce the barriers to uptake of GC screening among high-risk populations in China is warranted.