Consumption of Fast food, Fruits, and Vegetables; and Physical Activity in Relation to Cancer in Tonkabon County, Iran

Maryam  Gholamarzaei; Marjan  Ajami; Sareh  Shakerian

doi:10.18502/ijre.v21i3.20507

Maryam Gholamarzaei MSc, Department of Community-Based Education of Health Sciences, School of Medical Education and Learning Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Marjan Ajami Associate Professor, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sareh Shakerian MD, Associate Professor, Departments of Community-Based Education of Health Sciences, School of Medical Education and Learning Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijre.v21i3.20507

Keywords: Prostate cancer, Colorectal cancer, Stomach cancer, Nutrition, Physical activity, Prevention

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Considering the importance of prevention and effective community-based interventions in reducing the psychological and economic burdens of cancers, and focusing on modifiable risk factors, the present study was designed and conducted with regard to several of these factors.

Methods: This case-control study included 211 patients with various types of cancer and 322 controls selected from the PARSA health system. Primary exposures of interest included fast food consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels, while the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure fast food and fruit and vegetable consumption. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis.

Results: Logistic regression analysis indicated that inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption compared to adequate intake was associated with odds ratios of 4.49 and 4.042, respectively, for increased cancer risk. In addition, lower fast food consumption (OR = 0.466)] was associated with a 53% reduction in cancer risk. Physical activity [at the walking level] was statistically significant, although the effect size was very weak. Occupation, gender, education level, family history, and age showed statistically significant relationships with cancer, while other demographic variables showed no significant association.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current study and other evidence, as well as the fact that dietary patterns and physical activity are modifiable risk factors, appropriate interventions can play a preventive role in reducing the incidence of chronic diseases. This requires improving community awareness and designing and implementing effective interventions.