Abstract
Background: Greater awareness and knowledge of oral cancer has been shown to increase patient presentation for opportunistic screening. This study aimed to identify the level of awareness and knowledge of oral cancer amongst adult patients in regional New South Wales.
Methods: 444 adult dental patients participated in a self-administered questionnaire at one of five regional university dental clinics between May and July 2017. Data analysis was performed using chi-squared test and binary logistic regression to compare socio-demographic characteristics and the self-declared awareness and knowledge of oral cancer.
Results: The study revealed 73.8% of patients were aware of oral cancer, however, only 28.8% were aware they had been previously screened for oral cancer. Being female (p<0.001, OR=2.57), having an excellent level of oral health (p=0.042, OR=3.34) and previous attendance at a dental clinic of the regional university (p=0.014, OR=2.89) significantly enhanced oral cancer awareness.
Conclusion: The findings of this study have broad implications for both clinicians and public health professionals, providing a platform for discussion regarding the socio-demographic factors contributing to reduced knowledge and awareness amongst patients. This study also identified an essential avenue to allow a more targeted approach in future campaigns to increase education.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 93-99 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Jun 2019 |
| Event | IADR/AADR/CADR General Session: Junior Category-IADR Unilever Hatton Competition - Vancouver, BC, Canada, Vancouver, Canada Duration: 19 Jun 2019 → 22 Jun 2019 https://www.iadr.org/IADR/Meetings/Past-Meetings |
Conference
| Conference | IADR/AADR/CADR General Session |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Vancouver |
| Period | 19/06/19 → 22/06/19 |
| Internet address |
