Investigating Oral Cancer Awareness Among Medical and Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in the South Canara Region of India
2024

Oral Cancer Awareness Among Medical and Dental Students in India

Sample size: 256 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shubham Agarwal, Nidhi Manaktala, Srikant Natarajan, Karen Boaz

Primary Institution: Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India

Hypothesis

This study aimed to investigate oral cancer awareness among medical and dental students.

Conclusion

Medical students had more knowledge about oral cancer causes, while dental students were more aware of its signs and symptoms.

Supporting Evidence

  • Dental students were more likely to examine oral mucosa routinely.
  • Medical students reported higher incidences of poor oral hygiene and tobacco usage.
  • Both groups expressed a need for more education on oral cancer.

Takeaway

The study found that dental students know more about the signs of oral cancer, while medical students understand its causes better.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study using a validated 12-question questionnaire distributed to 144 medical and 112 dental undergraduate students.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the convenience sampling method.

Limitations

The study used convenience sampling, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged between 18 and 21 years, with 144 medical and 112 dental students.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.002

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/tswj/8814749

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