Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude towards Oral Cancer among Healthy Individuals of Anand district, Gujarat

Abstract

India has the highest incidence rate of Oral Cancer (OC) in the world and estimated 35% of all cancers in the country. Oral cancer is associated with significant morbidity, and low survival. Tobacco widely used in India and it is a major cause of cancer of the upper digestive and respiratory tract. Charotar (Anand) region, a middle Gujarat zone is well known for production and farming of Tobacco. Good Knowledge and Positive attitude towards disease condition are important for any future disease development, early prevention and detection. This study was undertaken with the aim to assess knowledge and attitude of healthy individuals of Anand region towards OCand also to establish levels of awareness regarding oral cancer. Methodology: Community based survey study was conducted using questionnaire during February 2023 to March 2023. Sociodemographic characteristic, knowledge regarding oral cancer, its risk factors, symptoms and attitude towards oral cancer were evaluated using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Additionally, after receiving response from participants, they all were educated about OC, its risk factors and symptoms, prevention tips and their role as a contributor to society. Results: Total 140 participants were evaluated for Knowledge and attitude for Oral cancer. Majority of them had Poor knowledge, and only participants from Upper class had Good knowledge. On other hand, majority of participants had positive attitude oral cancer. Conclusion: Education level, Occupation and socioeconomic class found as a dependent factors for Knowledge and attitude towards OC. In general the awareness about the oral cancer is poor in participants. Oral Cancer awareness and screening programmes should be actively done among population of Anand district.