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An assessment of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices among undergraduate students in Malaysian dental schools.
- Source :
- BMC Oral Health; 8/31/2023, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p1-7, 7p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Background: Oral cancer is a significant public health concern worldwide. Early detection and prevention are crucial in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this disease. As future dental professionals, dental undergraduates play a vital role in promoting oral health and identifying potential oral cancer cases. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the level of oral cancer awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among dental undergraduates in Malaysia. A total of 595 students from years 3, 4, and 5 in both public and private universities participated. Results: The results showed that a higher percentage of dental undergraduates from private universities were aware of oral cancer and had satisfactory knowledge compared to those from public universities (p < 0.05). Moreover, 59.4% of respondents felt less confident in diagnosing oral cancer during routine dental practice, and 96.1% agreed on the need to increase public awareness of oral health. Interestingly, students from private universities exhibited higher levels of awareness and knowledge regarding oral cancer than those from public universities. Conclusions: To enhance oral cancer detection and prevention, it is essential to reinforce the current curriculum and provide training to improve diagnostic skills for every dental undergraduate. This will ensure that they are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and competence to detect and prevent oral cancer effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- MORTALITY prevention
PROFESSIONAL practice
MOUTH tumors
DENTAL schools
HEALTH occupations students
RESEARCH methodology
CROSS-sectional method
ORAL health
PUBLIC health
EARLY detection of cancer
DISEASES
CURRICULUM
UNDERGRADUATES
COMPARATIVE studies
UNIVERSITIES & colleges
HEALTH attitudes
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
STUDENT attitudes
EMOTIONS
PATIENT education
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14726831
- Volume :
- 23
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- BMC Oral Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 171309367
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-03354-8