Cancer Literacy Among Youth University Students and Motivations for Volunteering

Abstract

Cancer literacy is essential for promoting preventive behaviors and making informed decisions for a healthier lifestyle. There are significant gaps in the knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable cancer risk factors among university students. The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of cancer literacy, characterize motivations for volunteering, and explore possible associations between the variables, relating them to sociodemographic data. The sample comprised 308 higher education students aged 18 or above. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Students Knowledge and Perceptions about Cancer test, and the Volunteer Functions Inventory were administered. The findings indicated higher levels of cancer literacy among females, students involved in volunteering, and those in the Medical and Health Sciences. Women placed more importance on experi- ence, values, and growth functions in volunteering. The correlation between cancer literacy and motivations for volunteering proved to be significant for the experience and values functions. The findings of this study are particularly pertinent to the field of education, highlighting the need for strategies aimed at the prevention of the disease and the training of young adults in cancer literacy.