Knowledge of Oral Cancer among Dental Patients in South-Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Despite recent advances in the detection and treatment of oral cancer (OC), the rate of late presentation by patients is still  high. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about the risk factors and early signs of OC among dental patients in a Nigerian  secondary health facility. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study design recruited all consecutive patients at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Edo state, Nigeria. Data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire which was given to all participants that gave  written informed consent. Data was collected and analysed Results: All the 250 respondents approached agreed to participate in the  present study. The age range was 18 to 84 years with a mean age of 34.1±12.2 years. There were 71(28.4%) males and 179(71.6%)  females. Only 140(56.0%) of the respondents were aware of OC and 70(50.0%) of them had the information from internet/ mass media.  Only 65(25.6%) were certain that old age is a risk factor of OC. The age, gender, place of residence, level of education and occupation of  the respondents did not significantly affect the level of awareness of the respondents (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge of risk  factors and early signs of OC was unsatisfactory in the patients. The demographic features of the respondents were not related to the  level of awareness of OC.