Assessment of knowledge attitude and practice towards oral cancer among dental students and house officer at a tertiary care dental Centre in Lahore
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Date
2025-07-05
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Abstract
Background: Oral cancer is a major public health issue with increasing prevalence globally,
particularly in Asian countries. Early detection and prevention play a crucial role in reducing
morbidity and mortality. Dental students and house officers are at the forefront of oral healthcare
and thus should be adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge, attitude, and practices
related to oral cancer.
Material & Methods: To evaluate the knowledge of oral cancer, a descriptive cross-sectional
questionnaire based study was carried out among the third year BDS, final year BDS, and house
officers at Azra Naheed Dental College, Lahore. Electronic distribution of the questionnaire
among the House Officers and students occurred. SPSS version 26 then was used to analyze the
data.
Results: 132 participants responded to a questionnaire that was distributed electronically. 94.7%
of the total participants agreed that they have heard of oral cancer and 18.9% voted in favor that
oral cancer is contagious. 56.8% said tongue is the most common site for oral cancer. Majority of
the participants (73.4%) agreed that they do not have sufficient knowledge concerning prevention
of oral cancer. 93.2% of the participants explain tobacco, betel nut and decreased intake of fruits
and vegetables to the potential risk factors of the oral cancer.
Conclusion: The participants' basic knowledge, attitude, and practices toward oral cancer are
insufficient to diagnose, prevent and refer such patients. Therefore, enhancing dental students'
knowledge of oral cancer is essential.
Keywords: Awareness, Dental students, Mouth Neoplasms, Oral Cancer.