Relationship Between Sociodemographic Factors and Oral Cancer Awareness Among Outpatients in Chennai- A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Oral cancer is a preventable disease and cessation of cancer causing habits like smoking, alcohol consumption and smokeless tobacco significantly reduces the risk of development within 5-10 years. Early detection of small cancers of certain sites such as tip of tongue and lip results in better prognosis. To assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors and oral cancer awareness - a hospital based study. The survey consisted of 300 patients who accompanied to Saveetha Dental College, Chennai. The questionnaire included 3 sets of questions along with sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, education, marital status and occupation. The first set consists of 5 questions (general awareness). The second set consists of 6 questions (knowledge of symptoms). The third set consists of 4 questions (knowledge of risk factors). A total of 300 participants participated in the study comprising 65% males and 35% females. A significant difference was noted in general awareness level, knowledge of symptoms and knowledge of risk factors with respect to age, gender, occupation, education, and marital status (P <0.05). Within the limitations of this study, among the different age groups, 18-30 age group; across gender, male participants; participants with single marital status; among the different education level, graduates and employed people among different occupational status were found to have high level of general awareness, knowledge of symptoms and knowledge of risk factors of oral cancer. Therefore it is evident that the sociodemographic factors do play a vital role in oral cancer awareness and was significantly related to the awareness level and knowledge of symptoms and risk factors.