M Andrade, D Pereira, B Garcia, A Moreira, J Caramês, M Pojo, F Freitas
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge about oral cancer in a Portuguese population and to assess its possible relations with sociodemographic variables.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted, with 2650 individuals that attended oncological screening initiatives in the southern region of Portugal. The questionnaire collected data on participants' socio-demographic information, life-style habits, and awareness of oral cancer.
Results: Over four-fifths of the participants (83.4%) mentioned that had already heard about oral cancer. Knowledge of oral cancer was significantly associated with age (p = 0.034), education level (p < 0.001), frequency of dentist visits (p < 0.001), and smoking (p = 0.015) and alcohol habits (p = 0.031). Regarding risk factors, smoking and alcohol usage were identified by 86% and 58.5% of the sample, respectively. Only 62.8%, 45.5%, and 37.9%, respectively, were able to correctly identify ulcers that don't heal, red and white lesions, and lumps/tissue that overgrows as early signs of oral cancer.
Conclusions: A general lack of awareness regarding oral cancer was found in this Portuguese population. Lower levels of knowledge were found in individuals of higher risk for oral cancer. Therefore, educational programs targeting the risk population are highly recommended for the primary prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer in the Portuguese population.
期刊介绍：
1. Oral Medicine and Pathology:
Clinicopathological as well as medical or surgical management aspects of
diseases affecting oral mucosa, salivary glands, maxillary bones, as well as
orofacial neurological disorders, and systemic conditions with an impact on
the oral cavity.
2. Oral Surgery:
Surgical management aspects of diseases affecting oral mucosa, salivary glands,
maxillary bones, teeth, implants, oral surgical procedures. Surgical management
of diseases affecting head and neck areas.
3. Medically compromised patients in Dentistry:
Articles discussing medical problems in Odontology will also be included, with
a special focus on the clinico-odontological management of medically compromised patients, and considerations regarding high-risk or disabled patients.
4. Implantology
5. Periodontology
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