Abstract

To determine the prevalent risk factors for gastric cancer in students at a public university in Cúcuta city, Norte de Santander, from March 2012 to July 2013 Materials and Methods. Quantitative descriptive study design in transverse section, the information was obtained through a questionnaire designed by the researchers self-administered by students enrolled in an undergraduate program during the day. The population consisted of 15,843 college students, this sampling was performed as a multistage stratified proportional by faculty at the university, it was a sample of 637 students. Results: prevalence in females was found, in a rank between16 to 20 years old, and socioeconomic status. In endogenous factors were found prevalence of family inheritance with 36% cancer and gastritis as feeling constant burning pain in the stomach, with nausea in 47%; the Helicobacter pylori infection supported by diagnostics, it was detected less 2% percentage. As exogenous factors were identified as prevalent 63.10% with a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits with 58%, stress 57%, inadequate drug habits and 49% alcohol consumption with 29.2%. Body mass index (obesity) and tobacco consumption factors have lower prevalence with 6% and 16% respectively. Conclusions: exogenous risk predominate factors, modifiable and preventable for those who do not suffer diseases. It is important to diagnose them, contributing to the formation of the boy or girl.