KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING ORAL CANCER AND SCREENING PROCEDURES AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF WAGHODIA, GUJARAT

Abstract

Background: India has the highest rate of oral cancer in world and there is a 60% rise in past three decades. Mortality rate for oral cancer is higher in population with poor access to oral health care. With 72% of Indians residing in rural areas they have a better access to community health care providers (CCPs) and primary health care providers (PCPS) who, could play a major role in oral cancer prevention and reduce death rate.

Objectives. The study aimed at evaluating knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral cancer and screening practices among CCP's and PCP's by using pretested questionnaire.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire study was conducted among all CCP's and PCP's of Waghodia. Vadodara. A self designed, modified close ended and pre-piloted questionnaire was used for recording data. Mean and percentage were used for statistical analysis.

Results: 78.24% believed that prevention and early detection was important, while 53% had actually referred cases in past one year. All believed tobacco to be a risk factor for oral cancer but only 49% answered for other factors. 91.37% were ready to be a part of continuing education (CE).

Conclusion. The participants had deficient knowledge about the risk factors for oral cancer and were ready to participate in CE.