Publication: Awareness and Knowledge of Oral Cancer among Medical Students in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Oral cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. It has high mortality rates
and chances of survival is relatively superior when detected early. Lack of knowledge
and awareness about oral cancer among medical students may contribute to delay
in diagnosis and treatment.
Objective
To assess awareness and knowledge of oral cancer among medical students.
Method
A cross-sectional study conducted among 286 students by Department of
Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck surgery, Kathmandu University School of
Medical sciences between July to August 2016. A questionnaire with questions
on socio-demographic profile, awareness and knowledge of oral cancer was used.
Independent sample t test and Pearson Chi-square tests were used for statistical
analysis.
Result
Out of 329 students approached, 286 participated in the study yielding a response
rate of 86.9%. Symptoms of oral cancer as reported were ulceration in mouth (92.3%),
oral bleeding (85.0%),whitish or reddish patch (84.3%), halitosis (75.5%) and swelling
in neck (74.5%), trismus (69.2%), numbness (67.1%), loosening of teeth (49.3%) and
tooth sensitivity (41.6%). The perceived risk factors were smoking (97.2%), tobacco
chewing (96.5%), chronic irritation (86.7%), immunodeficiency (83.9%), poor oral
hygiene (88.5%), human papilloma virus infection (82.5%), dietary factors (81.1%),
alcohol (79.4%), ill-fitting dentures (72.4%), hot spicy food (65.4%) and hot beverages
(58.0%). Significant differences were found between pre-clinical and clinical students
for knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer (p<0.001).
Conclusion
There is deficiency of knowledge among medical students about some aspects of
oral cancer. Active involvement while examining patients and taking biopsies of
malignant and premalignant lesions may help in improving students’ knowledge
about oral cancer.
KEY WORDS
Awareness, knowledge, oral cancer, risk factors
Description
Pokharel M, Shrestha I, Dhakal A, Amatya RCM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Awareness, knowledge, oral cancer, risk factors