Table 3 Multivariable logistic regression analyzing the association between immediate seeking of medical advice and awareness of lung cancer symptoms

A) Respiratory symptoms

Awareness of LC symptoms

Coughing up blood

Persistent (3 weeks or longer) chest infection

A cough that does not go away for two or three weeks

Persistent shortness of breath

Persistent chest pain

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

 Poor

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

 Fair

1.17 (0.95–1.43)

0.14

1.24 (0.99–1.55)

0.06

1.15 (0.92–1.44)

0.23

0.82 (0.66–1.03)

0.09

0.82 (0.66–1.03)

0.10

 Good

1.80 (1.47–2.19)

 < 0.001

1.72 (1.39–2.14)

 < 0.001

1.69 (1.36–2.10)

 < 0.001

1.13 (0.92–1.39)

0.26

1.19 (0.96–1.48)

0.11

Awareness of LC symptoms

Worsening or change in an existing cough

An ache or pain when breathing

Developing an unexplained loud, high-pitched sound when breathing

Painful cough

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

 Poor

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

 Fair

0.96 (0.76–1.21)

0.73

0.89 (0.70–1.12)

0.31

1.09 (0.83–1.42)

0.53

0.96 (0.72–1.26)

0.75

 Good

1.45 (1.16–1.83)

0.001

1.45 (1.16–1.81)

0.001

1.89 (1.47–2.43)

 < 0.001

1.53 (1.17–1.99)

0.002

B) Non-respiratory symptoms

Awareness of LC symptoms

Changes in the shape of fingers or nails

Unexplained weight loss

Persistent tiredness or lack of energy

Persistent shoulder pain

Unexplained loss of appetite

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

AOR (95% CI)

p-value

 Poor

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

Ref

 Fair

0.91 (0.69–1.19)

0.49

0.70 (0.53–0.92)

0.011

0.69 (0.49–0.97)

0.032

0.60 (0.43–0.85)

0.003

0.61 (0.39–0.96)

0.033

 Good

1.10 (0.85–1.43)

0.45

0.93 (0.72–1.21)

0.60

1.17 (0.86–1.60)

0.32

0.97 (0.72–1.33)

0.87

1.11 (0.74–1.66)

0.61