Knowledge, attitude and practices relative to oral cancer among Dentists in Khartoum State, Sudan
Knowledge, attitude and practices relative to oral cancer among Dentists in Khartoum State, Sudan
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Date
2020
Authors
وفاء مھدي خلف لله عطا المنان
دعاء عبد الرازق السید علي كرار
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Napata College
Abstract
Background:
Oral cancer affects the lip, tongue and other parts of the oral cavity. The stage at which oral cancer is diagnosed is a major determinant of mortality and morbidity following treatment. No single factor has been identified as the causative agent but, there are a number of high-risk factors that have been associated with oral cancer such as tobacco (smoking or chewable), alcohol, human papillomavirus (HPV), genetic mutation and die.
Objective:
This study conducted to investigate the knowledge of dentists regarding the risk factors, clinical aspects about oral cancer in Khartoum state, Sudan.
Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at Khartoum state, Sudan. A valid questionnaire was distributed via electronic link to the participants.100 dentists in hospitals and clinics in Khartoum state were participated in current study.
Results:
Out of 100 dentists, 67 were females and 33 were males. Regarding the specialty of participants the majority were GP (62). Oral & maxillofacial surgeon and Restorative dentist were the most specialty participated after GP. Most of them were less than 5 years of experience. About 93 of them selected Squamous cell carcinoma as most common cancer affect the oral cavity.Most of our participants think that the most common risk factor is habits as tobacco. Also leukoplakia has been chosen mostly as most common oral precancerous disorders.
Conclusion:
Assessing dentists’ knowledge is one way to measure their performance. This study identified gaps in knowledge among dentists practicing in the Khartoum State, Sudan which strongly suggested that dentists need to increase their knowledge about oral cancer. More continuing education programs on risk factors and diagnosis of oral cancer should be organized to train dentists. Oral cancer screening should be a routine procedure for the high risk patients at the primary oral health care centers in Sudan.