Oral cancer: general awareness, in-depth knowledge and associated biosocial factors

Authors

  • Vikas Kumar Department of Community Medicine Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College & Hospital, Sector-6 Rohini, Delhi 110085
  • Somdatta Patra Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
  • Kamal Agrawal Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20170242

Keywords:

Oral cancer, Awareness, Risk factors

Abstract

Background: Oral cancer accounts for approximately 200,000 deaths annually worldwide and 46,000 deaths occurring in India. Oral cancer is largely preventable by avoiding known risk factors. Delayed presentation of oral cancer is mainly due to lack of awareness of the public about oral cancer and its associated risk factors. The knowledge and understanding of oral cancer influences individuals in prevention and treatment seeking behavior.

Methods: A cross-sectional community based survey was conducted in North-east Delhi and 775 families were covered. The eldest member from each family, were interviewed about oral cancer by using pre tested study schedule. Data were analyzed and appropriate tests of significance were applied.

Results: Majority of the study subjects were females (63.5%) and were belonging to socioeconomic class V and IV (68.1%). Although 80.9% of the study participants were aware and have heard about oral cancer, and this awareness was directly proportional to literacy status (p=0.001). “Chewing tobacco” was most commonly recognized risk factor (77.7%). Less than half of them knew that oral cancer is preventable (45%). The most common media through which this study population heard about oral cancer was electronic media (90.3%).

Conclusions: Although the majority of the study population had heard about oral cancer, but in-depth knowledge of its risk factors and sign and symptoms was poor that affects the practices regarding prevention and early detection negatively. For increasing awareness oral health education programs should be carried out. 

Author Biographies

Vikas Kumar, Department of Community Medicine Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College & Hospital, Sector-6 Rohini, Delhi 110085

Assistant Professor

Department of Community Medicine

Somdatta Patra, Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India

Associate Professor

Department of Community Medicine

Kamal Agrawal, Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India

Ex Director Professor

Department of Community Medicine

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Published

2018-01-24

How to Cite

Kumar, V., Patra, S., & Agrawal, K. (2018). Oral cancer: general awareness, in-depth knowledge and associated biosocial factors. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 5(2), 639–643. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20170242

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Section

Original Research Articles