Factors Associated To Diagnostic Delay Of Oromaxillofacial Cancers

Abstract

Introduction: It is not uncommon in developing countries for patients to consult specialists for extended maxillofacial tumours, known as "historic". Purpose: To identify the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the delay in establishing the diagnosis of oromaxillofacial cancers in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted at the maxillofacial surgery and stomatology department of the Brazzaville Hospital Center, over a period of 24 months from January 2020 to December 2021, out of 37 oromaxillofacial cancers. Results: The study involved 37 patients: 23 men and 14 women with a sex ratio of 1.65. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 45.7±2 years. 79.40% were diagnosed at advanced stages. The diagnostic delay, whether specialized or cumulative, was essentially related to the socioeconomic level (p= 0.04). Those with a low socioeconomic level were 3 times more likely to be diagnosed late than patients with an acceptable socioeconomic level (OR=3). The level of education did not influence the delay (p=0.30). Conclusion: The responsibility for the delay in diagnosis was found with the patient, the provider of nonspecialized care and the organization of the health system. These delays were influenced by many factors including the low socioeconomic level for all three components, the follow-up by Brazzaville providers for the delay in providing care.