Dentists and oral cancer prevention in the UK: opinions, attitudes and practices to screening for mucosal lesions and to counselling patients on tobacco and alcohol use: baseline data from 1991

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the opinions, attitudes and practices towards oral cancer prevention among UK dentists as a baseline from which to measure the need for continuing education efforts in this area. DESIGN AND METHOD: Postal questionnaire survey carried out in August 1991. A questionnaire with 13 test items was piloted at continuing education courses then distributed to all subscribers of the British Dental Journal with a postage paid return envelope. The aspects inquired into were recent attempts by dentists at updating their knowledge on oral cancer, their practical approaches to screening for oral mucosal diseases and follow-up actions after oral screening, their questions to patients regarding the major risk factors for oral cancer, their efforts towards behavioural counselling for patients and any constraints felt or experienced in this regard. RESULTS: The questionnaire was circulated to 15,836 dentists. The response rate of 16% was poor but due to the many dentists circulated, 2519 responses were available for analysis. This large sample, though presumptively biased towards those interested in professional matters, showed an encouraging 84% claiming to perform screening of the oral mucosa routinely. Among these, 74% reported referral of screen detected cases to a hospital for further attention and only 4% would adopt a wait and see policy. Disturbingly, half of the respondents did not enquire about risk habits related to oral cancer and, among the other half who claimed to make such enquiries, only 30% routinely provided brief health education advice concerning these. Seventy-one percent agreed that giving advice against tobacco use is desirable but major constraints were identified, notably a lack of training, and frustration regarding patient compliance. There was even greater reluctance on the part of the respondents to enquire into the alcohol use of their patients and to provide advice on alcohol moderation. CONCLUSIONS: Most of this large but unrepresentative sample of UK dentists were carrying out screening of the oral mucosa as a part of their prevention activities in 1991. However, the survey indicated a considerable need for improvement in the manner and extent of provision of health advice in respect of the major risk factors for oral cancer: such a substantial need amongst the presumptively better motivated implies that the need amongst the practitioner population at large is even greater.     

Assessing oral cancer awareness among dental and medical students of a Malaysian private university

Objective: Dental and medical practitioners play a pivotal role in detecting early stages of oral cancers. Hence, future dental and medical practitioners need to have adequate knowledge of oral cancer. This study was conducted to assess the current level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral cancer among dental and medical students of a Malaysian private university. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on third-, fourth- and final-year students of the dental and medical courses of MAHSA University, Malaysia. A total of 557 students participated in the survey. Oral cancer awareness, knowledge about risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer, attitude and practices towards oral cancer were assessed using 43 questions. The questionnaire was pretested, and internal consistency, assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, was acceptable (α > 0.7). The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 21. The chi-square test was used to analyse the difference in oral cancer awareness between medical and dental students. Results: Among 557 participants, there were 351 (63%) medical students and 206 (37%) dental students. Based on the results obtained, dental students had a higher level of knowledge than medical students regarding oral cancer (P < 0.05). More than 90% of the dental students were able to identify smoking, alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, human papilloma virus infection and exposure to radiation as risk factors associated with oral cancer compared to more than 50% of medical students (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Through education and training, awareness amongst medical students can be reinforced, which will promote early detection of precancerous lesions and oral cancers.Key words: Knowledge, awareness, risk factors, dental students, medical students     

Awareness and knowledge of oral cancer amongst adult dental patients attending regional university clinics in New South Wales,Australia: a questionnaire-based study

Background: Greater awareness and knowledge of oral cancer has been shown to increase patient presentation for opportunistic screening. This study aimed to identify the level of awareness and knowledge of oral cancer amongst adult patients in regional New South Wales. Methods: A total of 444 adult dental patients participated in a self-administered questionnaire at one of five regional university dental clinics between 23^rd May and 25^th July 2017. Data analyses were performed using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression to compare sociodemographic characteristics and the self-declared awareness and knowledge of oral cancer. Results: The study revealed that 73.8% of patients were aware of oral cancer; however, only 28.8% knew that they had been previously screened for oral cancer. Being female (P < 0.001, OR = 2.57), having an excellent level of oral health (P = 0.042, OR = 3.34) and previous attendance at a dental clinic of the regional university (P = 0.014, OR = 2.89) significantly enhanced awareness of oral cancer. Conclusion: The findings of this study have broad implications for both clinicians and public health professionals, providing a platform for discussion regarding the sociodemographic factors contributing to reduced knowledge and awareness of oral cancer amongst patients. This study also identified an essential avenue to allow a more targeted approach in future campaigns to increase education.Key words: Awareness, knowledge, gender, screening, oral cancer     

Oral cancer knowledge,risk factors and characteristics of subjects in a large oral cancer screening program

BACKGROUND: Screening people who are at high risk of developing oral cancers is a promising tool for decreasing morbidity and mortality attributable to this cancer. METHODS: A consortium led by the New York University College of Dentistry conducted a three-day oral cancer screening during June 1999. As part of the screening intake, the authors conducted a survey to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, level of knowledge of risk factors and predictors of oral cancer awareness among the subjects. The authors performed bivariate and multivariate analyses using two indicators of oral cancer awareness as dependent variables. RESULTS: The 803 subjects were racially and ethnically diverse, 66 percent were 40 years of age or older, 43 percent had a history of smoking, and 9 percent were likely to have had a history of alcohol abuse. Race/ethnicity, education level and knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer were predictors of awareness of an oral cancer examination, whereas only knowledge and possible history of alcohol abuse were predictors of having a history of examinations. CONCLUSIONS: This screening program attracted a diverse sample of people at high risk of developing oral cancer due to smoking and likely history of alcohol abuse. Consistent with other national and international studies, the authors found a lack of knowledge of the risk factors associated with oral cancer and a low rate of histories of oral cancer examinations among the subjects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Oral cancer screening programs represent potential opportunities not only for early detection of oral cancer but to raise awareness and educate the public about the disease.     

Factors Associated with Having Oral Cancer Examinations Among US Adults 40 Years of Age or Older

Objectives : This study describes factors associated with having an oral cancer examination among US aduits 40 years of age or older. Methods : Data used in this study are from the Cancer Control supplement of the 1992 National Health Interview Survey, which included questions about having had an oral cancer screening examination and knowledge of risk factors for oral cancers. The survey was administered to a national sample 18 years of age and older (n=12,035). Questions regarding beliefs and opinions about cancers in general also were asked and their associations with responses to having had an oral cancer examination studied. Analyses are limited to those respondents 40 years of age and older (n=6,538). Results : Fifteen percent of the adults reported having had an oral cancer examination. Of these, 48 percent had the exam during the past year and 31 percent had an exam one to three years ago. Respondents who were above the poverty level, white, non-Hispanic, 40 to 64 years of age, and who had more than a high school education and a higher level of knowledge about risk factors for oral cancer were more likely to have had an oral cancer examination. Conclusion : These findings demonstrate the need for vigorous health education and health promotion interventions aimed at health care providers and the public to increase knowledge about risk factors for oral cancers and to increase oral cancer examinations.     

Substance-use screening and interventions in dental practices: Survey of practice-based research network dentists regarding current practices,policies and barriers

BackgroundDental visits represent an opportunity to identify and assist patients with unhealthy substance use, but little is known about how dentists are addressing patients’ use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. The authors surveyed dentists to learn about the role their practices might play in providing substance-use screening and interventions.MethodsThe authors distributed a 41-item Web-based survey to all 210 dentists active in the Practitioners Engaged in Applied Research and Learning Network, a practice-based research network. The questionnaire assessed dental practices’ policies and current practices, attitudes and perceived barriers to providing services for tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use.ResultsOne hundred forty-three dentists completed the survey (68 percent response rate). Although screening was common, fewer dentists reported that they were providing follow-up counseling or referrals for substance use. Insufficient knowledge or training was the most frequently cited barrier to intervention. Many dentists reported they would offer assistance for use of tobacco (67 percent) or alcohol or illicit drugs (52 percent) if reimbursed; respondents who treated publicly insured patients were more likely to reply that they would offer this assistance.ConclusionsDentists recognize the importance of screening for substance use, but they lack the clinical training and practice-based systems focused on substance use that could facilitate intervention.Practical ImplicationsThe results of this study indicate that dentists may be willing to address substance use among patients, including use of alcohol and illicit drugs in addition to tobacco, if barriers are reduced through changes in reimbursement, education and systems-level support.     

影响妊娠妇女孕前口腔检查的多因素综合分析

[摘要] 目的 通过调查问卷综合分析影响妊娠妇女孕前口腔检查的因素。方法 采用系统抽样的方法按照样本纳入标准选取广州市花都区妇幼保健院514例产检妇女作为问卷调查对象。在第三次全国口腔健康流行病学调查问卷的基础上,结合本课题的研究目的 设计问卷。调查问卷的内容包括:人口统计学资料、口腔健康知识的认知、口腔健康态度、孕前进行口腔检查的情况、未进行孕前口腔检查的原因、看牙费用支付途径;通过问卷结果进行分析。结果 514例调查对象中共有121名进行了孕前的口腔检查,占25.5%,孕前是否进行口腔检查与受教育程度和月收入相关(P<0.001),与口腔健康知识的认知和看牙费用是否报销之间明显相关(P<0.001),和口腔健康态度间相关性不明显。383例孕前未进行口腔检查的主要原因依次是牙齿没有问题、没有必要,没有时间及害怕看牙疼痛,仅仅有6.5%认为是因为经济因素。结论 广州市花都区妊娠妇女孕前进行口腔检查的比例偏低,建议将孕前口腔健康检查严格纳入孕前保健的基本项目中并为妊娠妇女提供特殊口腔保险项目。     

Oral cancer prevention and early detection knowledge and practices of Illinois dentists--a brief communication

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to assess Illinois dentists' self-reported knowledge and practices concerning oral cancer prevention, early detection, and management as a baseline prior to conducting interventions designed to increase dentists' capacity to detect and manage oral cancers and counsel their patients about risk reduction. METHODS: A weighted sample to represent licensed dentists in 19 counties yielded 518 dentists who responded to a 38-item mailed survey in 2004. RESULTS: Over 92 percent of the dentists reported providing oral cancer exams. However, many are not doing them properly or at frequent intervals. Over two-thirds had oral cancer continuing education, but 40 percent had it more than 2 years prior to the survey. Training in risk counseling was rare. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions are needed to assure appropriate skill and knowledge levels for oral cancer early detection, management, and risk counseling by Illinois dentists.     

Oral cancer screening: Practices, knowledge, and opinions of dentists working in Ohio nursing homes

The state of oral health of nursing homes residents is less than satisfactory. The oral health care in nursing homes is also deficient, therefore it is likely that oral cancer (OC) screening of residents will be inadequate. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine OC screening practices, knowledge, and opinions of dentists working in nursing homes throughout Ohio. A 28-item pretested questionnaire was mailed to 75 dentists who were serving 606 nursing homes.
The response rate was 49%. The main outcome measures of interest included: OC screening practices of the Ohio dentists, their knowledge of OC detection, and their opinions regarding OC screening competency. Age was found to be a significant factor, with younger dentists being more likely to have higher knowledge scores after adjusting for all other covariates.     

Opinions and attitudes of the UK's GDPs and specialists in oral surgery, oral medicine and surgical dentistry on oral cancer screening

OBJECTIVE: To survey two broad areas of oral cancer awareness and management of patients at risk of oral cancer by specialists in oral surgery, oral medicine, surgical dentistry and general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the UK. The first of these included knowledge and awareness of aetiological factors, changing patterns of disease, and screening/detection programmes including their effectiveness. The second included oral cancer detection methods, advice on avoidance of high-risk activity and self-examination, and referral pattern of GDPs. DESIGN AND METHOD: A pretested, 44-item questionnaire, a covering letter, a brief outline of the research protocol and return, stamped envelope were mailed in March 2003. A sample of 200 GDPs whose names were obtained from the General Dental Council's main list and 305 dental specialist names obtained from specialist's list in surgical dentistry, oral medicine and oral surgery were selected randomly. Information on oral cancer awareness and practice, screening practice and education was obtained. RESULTS: The response rate was 66.9%. The knowledge of the dental specialists was consistent with that in reports of current aetiological studies on oral cancer. However there were gaps in the GDP's knowledge and ascertainment of oral cancer risk factors. Over 70% of the dental specialists provided counselling advice on the risks of tobacco and alcohol habits compared with 41.2% of GDPs. More GDPs (52.4%) than specialists (35.4%) believed that oral cancer screening on a national basis would be effective in decreasing the mortality of oral cancer. Over 95% of all respondents used a visual examination for oral cancer screening and 89.9% of all respondents strongly believed that visual screening is effective in the early detection of oral cancer. CONCLUSION: The results showed that GDPs had knowledge gaps in their awareness of oral cancer risk factors and the application of preventive measures. Most dental health providers in the UK perform visual screening of the oral mucosa for their patients. Opinion was equivocal as to whether a nationally based screening programme similar to cervical cancer would be effective in improving the mortality and morbidity of oral cancer.     

Oral cancer screening practices of oral health professionals in Australia

Background

To evaluate oral cancer-related screening practices of Oral Health Professionals (OHPs - dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and oral health therapists) practising in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A 36-item survey was distributed to 3343 OHPs. Items included socio-demographic and work-related characteristics; self-assessed knowledge of oral cancer; perceived level of confidence in discussing oral health behaviors with patients; oral cancer screening practices; and self-evaluated need for additional training on screening procedures for oral cancer.

Results

A total of 380 OHPs responded this survey, achieving an overall response rate of 9.4%. Forty-five were excluded from further analysis. Of these 335 OHP, 72% were dentists; (n?=?241); either GDP or Dental Specialists; 13.7% (n?=?46) were dental hygienists; 12.2% (n?=?41) were oral health therapists, and the remaining 2.1% (n?=?7) were dental therapists. While the majority (95.2%) agreed that oral cancer screening should be routinely performed, in actual practice around half (51.4%) screened all their patients. Another 12.8% “Very rarely” conducted screening examinations. The probability of routinely conducting an oral cancer screening was explored utilising Logistic Regression Analysis. Four variables remained statistically significant (p?<?0.0001). Results indicate that the likelihood of conducting an oral cancer screening rose with increasing levels of OHPs’ confidence in oral cancer-related knowledge (OR?=?1.35; 95% CI: 1.09–1.67) and with higher levels of confidence in discussing oral hygiene practices with patients (OR?=?1.25; 95% CI: 1.03–1.52). Results also showed that dental specialists were less likely to perform oral cancer screening examinations compared with other OHPs (OR?=?0.18; 95% CI: 0.07–0.52) and the likelihood of performing an oral cancer screening decreased when the “patient complained of a problem” (OR?=?0.21; 95% CI: 0.10–0.44).

Conclusion

Only half the study sample performed oral cancer screening examinations for all of their patients. This study provides evidence of the need for further oral cancer-related education and screening training for OHPs, which is vital to enhance oral cancer prevention and early detection.

     

Knowledge, opinions, and practices related to oral cancer: Results of three elderly racial groups

A study of 204 inner-city, senior center participants (ages ranged from 41–96 years) was conducted to assess their knowledge, opinions, and practices related to oral cancer. Participants were either White, African-American, or of Korean descent. The interview/questionnaire revealed this cohort to lack correct knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of oral cancer, and to have had risk behaviors associated with oral cancer. Given that oral cancer is most frequently diagnosed in those aged 65 years and older, and that this cohort tends not to obtain routine preventive oral health care, it is imperative that these seniors be educated about the risks associated with oral cancer and their need for routine oral examinations.     

An oral cancer information leaflet for smokers in primary care: results from two randomised controlled trials

Abstract  – 
Objectives:  To investigate whether primary care patients who claim to smoke tobacco gain greater benefit of a patient information leaflet (PIL) on oral cancer than nonsmokers.
Methods:  Two studies were conducted. Study 1 examined the research question initially, and Study 2 acted as a replication and inclusion of additional secondary outcome measures. The leaflet was designed and tested in an earlier study. Knowledge of oral cancer was assessed by a previously validated 36-dichotomous-item scale. A single-item question ascertained self-reported smoking status (kappa = 0.94). Study 1 participants were drawn from 14 practices (6 medical, 8 dental). A randomised control group design was adopted. The experimental group received the leaflet on attendance to the practice and then completed the questionnaire. The control group received the questionnaire only. Complete data were collected from 739 respondents. The design of Study 2 was identical; 786 new respondents from 16 practices (7 medical, 9 dental) were collected.
Results:  Both studies confirmed that smokers knew less about oral cancer than nonsmokers ( P  < 0.05) when access to the leaflet had been denied. On receipt of the leaflet, there was no distinction in oral cancer knowledge between the smoking status categories of respondents. Evidence of reassurance about screening from leaflet exposure was supported by the second study.
Conclusion:  This programmed research has demonstrated an effect of a brief PIL to offset the decrement in oral cancer knowledge observed in primary care patients who use tobacco in comparison to their nonsmoking counterparts. The leaflet reduced anxiety about oral health screening in smokers.     

Maryland Adults'' Knowledge of Oral Cancer and Having Oral Cancer Examinations

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine (1) knowledge of risk factors for oral cancer, (2) knowledge of signs and symptoms of oral cancers, and (3) factors associated with having had an oral cancer examination among 916 Maryland adults 18 years of age and older. METHODS: A statewide, random-digit dial, computer-assisted telephone survey was conducted. The pretested instrument consisted of 32 questions that required 12 minutes to complete. RESULTS: Overall, level of knowledge about risk factors for and signs and symptoms of oral cancers was low; misinformation was high. Although 85 percent reported hearing about oral or mouth cancer, only 28 percent of the respondents reported having had an oral cancer examination. Of these, 20 percent had the exam during the past year--the recommended frequency for persons 40 years of age or older. In logistic regression analysis, adults more likely to have had an oral cancer examination included those who thought personal behavior causes more cancer than environmental factors; had more knowledge about risk factors for oral cancer; and were 40-64 years of age, white, and better educated than their counterparts (P < .05). The primary reasons for not having an exam were "no reason/didn't know I should" and "doctor/dentist didn't recommend." CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a need for interventions designed to increase knowledge levels of risk factors for, signs, and symptoms of oral cancers and the need for oral cancer examinations; and to increase oral cancer examinations.     

Perspectives of Maryland dentists on oral cancer

BACKGROUND: Maryland's mortality rate for oral and pharyngeal cancer is seventh highest overall in the United States, sixth highest for men and third highest for African-American men. As part of a statewide needs assessment and in follow-up to a mail survey of Maryland general dentists, focus groups were conducted to obtain more in-depth information about why dentists do not provide a comprehensive oral cancer examination for most of their patients and how to solve this problem from a dentist's perspective. METHODS: A trained focus group moderator conducted two focus groups of general practice dentists in two locations in Maryland. Five major themes emerged from the two focus groups: inaccurate knowledge about oral cancer; inconsistency in oral cancer examinations; lack of confidence in when and how to palpate for abnormalities; lack of time to routinely provide oral cancer examinations; and recommendations to help resolve these issues. CONCLUSIONS: The focus groups provided a rich source of ideas on how to best provide dentists with continuing education about oral cancer prevention and early detection. Participants also provided opinions about the need to improve the public's awareness of oral cancer and its prevention. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists need to include comprehensive oral cancer examinations as part of their routine oral examinations for all appropriate patients.     

Oral Cancer Knowledge,Attitudes and Practices: A Survey of Dentists and Primary Care Physicians in Massachusetts

BackgroundThe authors conducted a study to assess dentists' and primary care physicians' oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.MethodsThe authors mailed a 38-item, pretested questionnaire to a stratified sample of dentists and primary care physicians in Massachusetts. The sample population included all general medicine, internal medicine and family practice physicians listed with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and all Massachusetts Dental Society members. The authors invited a random sample of more than 1,000 clinicians to participate in the survey. They assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices of respondents and performed a bivariate analysis of responses to questions by using statistical software.ResultsForty-nine percent of physicians reported performing an oral cancer examination in patients aged 40 to 55 years, compared with 92 percent of dentists (P < .001). For patients 56 years or older, 54 percent of physicians reported performing oral cancer examinations, compared with 93 percent of dentists (P < .001). More than 96 percent of physicians reported that they asked patients about smoking and alcohol use. However, only 9 percent of physicians and 39 percent of dentists were able to identify the two most common sites on which oral cancer develops (P < .001). Fifty-seven percent of dentists and 24 percent of physicians correctly identified the most common symptom of early oral cancer.ConclusionThis survey identified an existing gap in knowledge and practices among physicians and dentists and underscores the need to enhance oral cancer education among both professional groups.     

Survey of U.S. dentists' knowledge and opinions about oral pharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND: Oral pharyngeal cancer constitutes the most life-threatening of all dental and craniofacial conditions. The U.S. five-year survival rate of 52 percent for these cancers is one of the lowest and has not changed in decades. METHODS: The authors mailed a pretested survey to 7,000 randomly selected general dentists. They obtained information on 3,200 dentists' levels of knowledge about oral pharyngeal cancer risks and diagnostic procedures for providing an oral cancer examination, as well as about related opinions and interest in continuing education, or CE, courses on the topic. The authors carried out analyses using unweighted data; they used both bivariate and logistic analytical techniques and evaluated at a significance level of P < or = .01. RESULTS: Based on responses to 14 questions, the average knowledge of oral cancer risks score was 8.4. About one-half of dentists surveyed knew the two most common sites of intraoral cancer and that most oral cancers are diagnosed at a late stage. CONCLUSIONS: The reported knowledge of these dentists regarding oral cancer suggests that they are not as knowledgeable as they could be about cancer prevention and early detection and that they recognize these deficiencies. Most of the dentists were interested in oral cancer CE. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists need to know where in the mouth to look and what types of lesions to look for to provide a comprehensive oral cancer examination.     

Oral pharyngeal cancer prevention and early detection. Dentists' opinions and practices

BACKGROUND: The five-year survival rate for patients in the United States diagnosed with oral pharyngeal cancer is 52 percent, which suggests that these cancers are diagnosed at late stages. The authors conducted this study to determine U.S. dentists' opinions and practices regarding oral cancer prevention and early detection. METHODS: The authors mailed a pretested survey to 7,000 randomly selected general practitioners. A total of 3,200 dentists provided information on how they conduct oral cancer examinations, their use of health history questions to assess patients' oral cancer risks and their oral cancer training and practices. The authors carried out analyses using unweighted data; both bivariate and logistic analytical techniques at a P < or = .01 level of significance were used. RESULTS: On average, dentists assessed about five of the eight health history items on the survey. Eighty-six percent indicated that they did not conduct oral cancer examinations on edentulous patients 18 years of age or older; 81 percent, however, reported that they conducted oral cancer examinations for 100 percent of their patients 40 years of age or older on their initial appointment. CONCLUSIONS: The reported practices of these dentists regarding oral cancer, in conjunction with their opinions about key aspects of these practices and their training, point to a need for systematic educational updates in oral cancer prevention and early detection. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists need to determine their patients' risks for oral cancers and provide routine and comprehensive oral cancer examinations.     

广州市花都区妊娠妇女口腔健康知识认知状况调查

目的:了解广州市花都区妊娠妇女口腔健康知识的认知状况,为孕期口腔健康教育策略制订提供相关信息。方法:采用系统抽样方法在广州市花都区妇幼保健院抽取521名产检妇女作为问卷调查对象。问卷内容包括人口统计学资料、基本口腔健康知识的认知、妊娠期和婴幼儿口腔健康知识的认知。结果:广州市花都区妊娠妇女基本口腔健康知识得分均值为9.65(总分16),其中龋病知识5.52(总分8)、牙周病知识4.12(总分8);孕期口腔健康知识平均得分3.91(总分7);婴幼儿相关口腔健康知识3.04(总分6)。受教育水平较高者3类口腔健康知识得分均较高(P<0.05),收入较高者婴幼儿相关口腔健康知识得分较高(P<0.05)。不同年龄基本口腔健康知识和孕期口腔健康知识得分有显著性差异(P<0.05),以大龄孕妇得分最低。结论:广州市花都区妊娠妇女口腔健康知识的认知急需改善,尤其是牙周病知识、孕期和婴幼儿口腔健康知识。受教育水平较低、低收入人群和大龄孕妇是重点教育对象。     

潮州市15～17岁学生口腔健康知识及行为调查

目的：探讨潮州市15～17岁学生对口腔健康知识的了解情况及其口腔健康行为，为口腔卫生保健工作提供信息支持。方法采用分层整群随机抽样的方法，按照样本纳入标准抽取潮州市15～17岁学生933名进行问卷调查。所使用问卷参照第四次全国口腔健康流行病学调查问卷，结合本课题研究目的设计。问卷内容包括：人口统计学和社会学资料、口腔健康知识和口腔健康行为。对问卷调查资料进行分析。结果仅13.1%的学生认同“窝沟封闭可保护牙齿”。女生（t=5.198）、父亲受教育程度较高者（t=2.667）口腔健康知识得分较高（P<0.01）。刷牙频率与年龄和性别相关，年龄较大者（c2=23.002）和女生（c2=98.722）每天刷牙2次或以上的比例较高（P<0.001）。75.2%的学生不知道自己使用的牙膏是否含氟，91.5%的学生没有使用过牙线。口腔科就诊经历在性别（c2=16.406）和母亲受教育程度（c2=12.566）方面的差异具有统计学意义（P<0.01）。结论潮州市15～17岁学生口腔健康知识及行为需要积极改善，男生、低年龄组和父母受教育程度低者是重点教育对象。