Oral cancer knowledge among dental patients in Isfahan

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis of oral cancer in the early stages is the most effective tool to improve
survival and reduce complications caused by the disease. The aim of this study was investigating
the dental patients’ knowledge of oral cancer in Isfahan.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross‑sectional study was performed on 334 patients
referred to dental centers in Isfahan, Shahinshahr, Najafabad, Khomeini Shahr, Harand, and Zarrinshahr
cities. Data were collected by a researcher‑made 25‑item questionnaire. Data analysis was carried
out by SPSS (version 26) software using the independent t‑test, one‑way analysis of variance, and
Pearson correlation coefficient (P < 0.05).
Results: The patients’ mean score of knowledge was 49.3 ± 21.4 in Isfahan city and 53.1 ± 18.4
in the other cities of Isfahan province. There was no significant difference between knowledge of
oral cancer and gender, marital status, and residence, but there was a significant difference between
employment status and knowledge (P = 0.03). The mean score of knowledge was significantly higher
in patients who had a history of oral cancer in relatives than in other patients (P = 0.03). Virtual
networks (Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram), journals, and books were the most common sources
for patients about oral cancers.
Conclusion: Dental patients’ knowledge of oral cancer in Isfahan province and its cities was
moderate, so it is necessary to increase their level of knowledge through more education.
Key Words: Dentistry, knowledge, oral cancer

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Seyed Mohammad Razavi: Pubmed,Google Scholar