Cancer Risk Factor Knowledge Among Teenagers in Slovenia

This study is designed as a single-group interventional behavioral assessment conducted among Slovenian teenagers aged 12-18 years. Participants are assigned to complete a structured Cancer Risk Factor Knowledge Questionnaire as part of a prevention-oriented educational assessment intervention.

Participants include students from primary schools (8th-9th grade) and secondary schools (1st-4th year). The questionnaire assesses knowledge of modifiable cancer risk factors and was previously applied in adult populations, translated into Slovenian, and pilot-tested in a small group of students to confirm clarity and comprehensibility.

Questionnaires are completed in paper form and managed electronically using the open-source platform 1KA. The primary outcome is the total knowledge score calculated as the sum of correctly answered knowledge-based items. Higher scores indicate greater knowledge of cancer risk factors.

The study aims to evaluate baseline awareness levels within the defined adolescent population and to inform development of targeted cancer prevention and health education strategies.

Inclusion criteria

• Students aged 12 to 18 years attending primary school (8th-9th grade) or secondary school (1st-4th year) in Slovenia
• Ability to understand and complete the questionnaire
• Written informed consent obtained (including parental/guardian consent when required)

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
• Inability to complete the questionnaire