Perceptions of health-care workers to educate community about oral cancer and its risk factors in Chikkaballapur District

Abstract

Background: Health-care workers form the strong linkage between the health-care system and the community they belong. The glaring maldistribution of dental workforce in rural areas with higher prevalence of oral cancer warrants the need for involving health-care workers for playing an active role in the prevention of oral cancer. Aim: The aim of this study is to study the perceptions and attitude of the health-care workers in creating the awareness on oral cancer and its associated risk factors to the community they serve. Settings and Design: Chikkaballapur District and Qualitative research. Subjects and Methods: Since the aim was to assess the perceptions and attitude, qualitative research method adopting ethnography strategy was conducted. The data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs were carried out on the informed schedules with health workers to know their perceptions and attitude. The tools used were semistructured interview/discussion guides. Statistical Analysis Used: The codes were extracted by the deductive approach, and data analysis was done using the Spradley's method (1979) for Ethnography. This includes domain analysis, componential analysis, and identifying themes. Results: A total of 44 key informants and health workers were involved and more than 250 codes emerged after inductive coding. Eleven domains and three themes were identified reflecting the participants' compassion to serve people. Three themes emerged from the FGDs are: (i) Perception that oral cancer can be prevented, (ii) Recognition of the myths and practices associated with the disease and its treatment, and (iii) Motivation to educate people in their villages. Conclusions: Health workers perceived oral cancer was preventable and showed positive attitude to help their rural community by educating about OC and its risk factors.