Impact of Health System and Pain on Oral Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Díaz-Laclaustra Alejandro I., Álvarez-Martínez Efraín, Ardila Carlos M.
Primary Institution: Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
Hypothesis
Disparities in health system affiliation and early pain presentation impact both the stage of diagnosis and the outcomes of OCSCC in these patients.
Conclusion
Men, referrals to pain clinics, and those without health insurance are at a higher risk of advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- 84.1% of patients had advanced OCSCC.
- Men had a threefold increased risk of advanced OCSCC.
- Patients referred to pain clinics had a 19.5 times higher risk.
- Those in subsidized health systems had 2.6 times higher risk.
- Patients without health insurance had 2.7 times higher risk.
Takeaway
This study found that men and people who go to pain clinics are more likely to have serious oral cancer. Also, not having health insurance makes it worse.
Methodology
Retrospective cohort study analyzing medical records of 233 patients with OCSCC treated at a public hospital.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to retrospective data collection and lack of certain demographic information.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may have biases related to variable control; small sample size for early-stage comparators.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 63 years, 53.6% male, 64% from urban areas, predominantly low socioeconomic status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.3–6.8
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website