Abstract
Morbidity of oral oropharyngeal cancer and a lack of knowledge of risk factors is a concern in Lithuania. The aim of present study was to assess the knowledge of oral cancer risk factors among Lithuanians.
Methods: An anonymous pretested 20-item survey was distributed to all patients who were examined in four hospitals of Lithuania during oral cancer prevention events on 2016, February 22-26. The Lithuanian Bioethics Committee stated that approval for the study was not required. The survey included questions about background characteristics, unhealthy behaviours and risk factors for oral cancer. The collected data were analysed using SPSS v21.0. Spearman’s rank order correlation, ANOVA tests were used. The significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results: 803 people participated in events of Mouth Cancer Action Week and a convenience sample of 724 completed the survey; response rate 90.2%. Male to female ratio: 1:2.6. Average age of the patients was 57.5 ± 16.6 years. 537 (74.2%) were from urban areas. The majority of respondents had university level education (n=357, 49.1%). 324 (44.6%) were workers and 334 (45.9%) were pensioners. Patients agreed smoking (86.8%), older age (63%), alcohol consumption (56.3%), sunlight exposure (47.3%), lip and buccal mastication (40%), HPV (33.7%), low consumption of fruits and vegetables (33.1%) were risk factors of oral cancer. Only 18 (2.5%) respondents agreed that they have enough information about oral cancer. The mean knowledge seemed to be medium (3.62 ± 1.86 from a maximum score of 7). Socioeconomic status and alcohol consumption were associated with level of oral cancer primary prevention knowledge (p=0.02, p=0.03 respectively). Better knowledge was found in patients who receive dental treatment in private clinics (p=0.005).
Conclusions: A gap in oral cancer risk factors knowledge was found among Lithuanian patients, preventive programs and educational measures may decrease the prevalence of unhealthy behaviours and oral cavity malignancies.
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