Year: 2025 | Month: May | Volume: 15 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 7-20
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250502
An Analysis of Dietary Counseling and Flavonoid Rich Food Consumption Among Different Socioeconomic Groups with Increased Colorectal Cancer Risk, Chennai City, India - A Fact-Finding Study
Shuaib Basha G1, Gayathiri R2, Rajmohan M3, Dinesh Dhamodhar4, Sindhu R5, Lubna Fathima6, Prabu D7, Indira Nehru8
1Undergraduate, SRM Dental College, Bharathi salai, Chennai-600 089.
2MDS, Research Scholar, Public health dentistry, SRM Dental college, Bharathi salai, Chennai-600 089.
3,4MDS, Reader, Public health dentistry, SRM Dental college, Bharathi salai, Chennai-600 089.
5,8MDS, Senior lecturer, Public health dentistry, SRM Dental college, Bharathi salai, Chennai-600 089.
6MDS, MD (Accu.), Sr lecturer, Public health dentistry, SRM Dental college, Bharathi salai, Chennai – 600 089.
7PHD, Professor and Head, Public health dentistry, SRM Dental college, Bharathi salai, Chennai-600 089.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Gayathiri R
ABSTRACT
Background: Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer incidence and mortality globally, with an increasing number of cases, particularly among younger individuals. Conventional treatments often involve significant side effects, underscoring the need for alternative approaches like chemoprevention. Flavonoids are natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables, hold promise as anticancer agents due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-preventive effects. This study examines the relationship between consumption of flavonoid rich food and various categories of socioeconomic status. (SES)
Materials and methods: Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic details that elicit the presence or absence of risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. Data were collected from 275 eligible participants at SRM Dental College, Chennai, India, between June and September 2024. Participants were selected and evaluated based on their responses to colorectal cancer risk factors, with inclusion criteria set at more than 50% assertiveness. A sample size of 147 was estimated, based on colorectal cancer prevalence and 10% for attrition. Flavonoid intake was assessed through a 7-day dietary history, at baseline (7th day), day 14, and day 21, followed by dietary counseling to enhance the intake of flavonoid rich food.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed no overall association between legume and vegetable intake with SES. However, significant associations were found between SES and the consumption of specific foods, particularly berries, nuts, and fruits at different follow-up periods.
Berries intake differed significantly across different categories of SES on the 21st day (p = 0.029). Fruit intake was significantly differed at baseline (p = 0.034), day 14 (p = 0.03), and day 21 (p = 0.023), while nut intake varied significantly on the 21st day (p = 0.021).
Subsequent post-hoc analysis revealed that the 'Upper-lower' group had significantly higher berry intake than the 'Upper' group on the 21st day (p = 0.021). The 'Lower middle' group consumed more fruits than the 'Upper middle' group on both the 14th day (p = 0.048) and 21st day (p = 0.041).
Conclusion: This study found disparities in the consumption of flavonoid rich food across socioeconomic groups, highlighting inequalities in diet quality and access to health-promoting foods.
Key words: Colorectal cancer, Flavonoids, Dietary counseling.