Maryland dental hygienists' knowledge and opinions of oral cancer risk factors and diagnostic procedures

OBJECTIVES: To examine Maryland dental hygienists' (DHs) knowledge of oral cancer risk factors and diagnostic procedures, as well as opinions about the currency and adequacy of their oral cancer knowledge, educational preparation, interest in, and preferred types of, continuing education courses. METHODS: Seven hundred DHs were randomly selected from a registry of 2677 Maryland licensed dental hygienists. A mailed survey instrument provided baseline data on 331 (RR = 60%) DHs. Stratified tabular and logistic analytical techniques were employed (alpha level < or =0.05). RESULTS: Most correctly identified tobacco use (99.7%) and alcohol use (89%) as risk factors; however, 31% incorrectly identified poor oral hygiene as a risk factor. 64% of DHs correctly identified older age as a risk factor, yet only 16% identified that the majority of oral cancers are diagnosed in the 60+ year old age group. Nearly 91% correctly identified the examination procedures of the tongue for oral cancer detection; while only 16% of DHs correctly identified erythroplakia and leukoplakia as the conditions most likely associated with oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in knowledge exist and strongly suggest the need for continuing education courses to clarify risk factors and diagnostic procedures associated with earlier oral cancer detection and prevention.     

Oral cancer knowledge and examination experiences among North Carolina adults

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses knowledge of oral cancer risk factors, clinical signs, and oral cancer examination experience among North Carolina adults. METHODS: A statewide random digit dial, computer-assisted telephone interview was conducted in 2002. Data from 1,096 respondents, with a response rate of 62 percent, were poststratified to 2000 census data by sex, race, and age group to produce population-based estimates. Knowledge of one sign of oral cancer, four or more risk factors for oral cancer, and having ever had an oral cancer examination were compared in logistic regression models using normalized weights. RESULTS: Fourteen (95% confidence interval [CI] +/-2) percent of adults had never heard of oral or mouth cancer. Risk factor knowledge was high for 56 percent (95% CI+/-3) and associated in a logistic regression model with younger age, feeling personal factors cause cancer, and nonuse of snuff. One sign of oral cancer (sore/lesion, red or white patch in mouth, and bleeding in the mouth) was correctly identified by 53 percent (95% CI+/-3) with significantly more correct responses from younger people, nonsmokers, and some college education. Only 29 percent (95% CI+/-3) reported ever having had an oral cancer examination when this procedure was described. Most respondents reported exams performed by dentists. In a weighted logistic regression model, older age, being dentate, nonsmokers, alcohol users, and those with some college education were significantly more likely to report having ever had an oral cancer examination. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is moderate knowledge of signs and risk factors for oral cancer among North Carolina adults, knowledge deficits remain. Oral cancer examinations need to be increased, particularly among tobacco 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.     

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.     

Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among Nigerian primary school teachers

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 9 , 2011; 254–260
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00498.x
Ehizele A, Chiwuzie J, Ofili A. Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices among Nigerian primary school teachers. Abstract: Background: A multi‐disciplinary approach is needed for effective dental education of children. Teachers can be used as oral health educators but only if they have a good knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health. This study’s main objective was to compare the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of public and private primary school teachers and to determine the proportion of teachers presently involved with oral health education of school children. Method: The study was carried out on 320 private and 320 public school teachers in Benin‐City, Nigeria, using self‐administered questionnaire. Results: The result revealed that the teachers involved in this study generally had positive attitude to oral health. Many of the two groups of primary school teachers had poor oral health practices. Only 42.4% of the respondents have ever been to the dentist for routine dental checkup or treatment. About 87.6% of teachers still use potentially traumatic materials for interdental cleaning and 60% of teachers consume regularly various forms of refined sugar. Over 90% of the two groups of teachers are presently involved in teaching their pupils basic oral health education although they have a poor knowledge of the aetiology of the two most common oral diseases. The teachers’ major source of oral health information is the dentist. Conclusion: Similar pattern of incomplete oral health knowledge, inappropriate oral practices but positive oral health attitude was observed among the two groups of the studied teachers. This observation suggests that the primary school teachers can serve as oral health educators after organized training to heighten their oral health knowledge and perfect their oral practices.     

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.     

Oral health knowledge and practices among Dar es Salaam institutionalized former street children aged 7-16 years

Abstract: Objectives: To find out level of knowledge on causes and prevention of dental caries and bleeding gums, oral hygiene and eating practices among institutionalized former street children. Methods: A structured standardized questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. Chi‐square test was used to test for significant differences. Results and conclusions: Eighty‐eight per cent and 83% of the children knew the cause of tooth decay and bleeding gums respectively and 17–68% were aware of preventive measures. At the institutions visited, 92% of the children said they brush their teeth but 74% brushed when living on the streets, this difference was significant (χ² = 4.40, P = 0.05). About half did not use toothpaste during street life, whilst 8% do not use toothpaste at institutions, the difference was significant (χ² = 5.081, P = 0.025). Almost 22% use sweets and biscuits at institutions, about 44% used the snacks when living on the streets, the differences were significant (χ² = 3.798, P = 0.04, and χ² = 3.893, P = 0.04). Only 6% use sodas and sweetened juices at institutions, while 32–36% used the drinks during street life, the differences were significant (χ² = 4.38 P = 0.05 and χ²‐12.87, P = 0.01). The findings of this study show that most former street children are aware of the causes of dental caries and bleeding gums but have poor knowledge on prevention of the two diseases. Furthermore, children living on the streets are more likely to eat cariogenic foods and have poor oral hygiene practices.     

阿勒泰哈萨克族人群口腔健康知识态度调查分析

目的了解新疆阿勒泰地区哈萨克不同族群口腔健康相关知识、态度现况。方法按照第三次全国口腔健康流行病学调查标准和方法,采用分层随机抽样方法,对阿勒泰地区城市和农村哈萨克族人群489人进行调查。结果 18.1%的人群能够正确答对牙齿的数目,56.6%的人能够正确认识到刷牙出血不正常,51.5%的人认为吃糖是引发龋齿的原因之一,在这3个问题中农村人群的正答率均明显低于城市人群,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。"牙菌斑是引发牙周炎的原因之一"和"含氟牙膏的作用"这2个问题的正答率分别为6%和28%,虽然城市人群的正答率高于农村人群,但是差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。在"定期检查牙齿有必要","牙齿好坏是天生的,与保养无关系不大"及"预防牙齿疾病主要靠自己"这3个问题中,正答率分别为70.5%,58.2%,67.7%,但是农村人群的正答率明显低于城市人群,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。而85.7%的人群都认为口腔健康知识很重要,城市人群虽略高于农村人群,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)获得口腔健康知识的途径中广播/电视占到的比例最高(67.6%),而医院宣传所占到的比例最低(6%)。结论阿勒泰地区哈萨克族不同人群口腔健康健康知晓率均较低,应采取多种途径开展口腔健康教育工作,提高口腔健康知识水平。     

Oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of children and adolescents in China

Objectives : A national representative study to describe oral health behaviour, illness behaviour, oral health knowledge and attitudes among 12‐year‐old and 18‐year‐old Chinese, to analyse the oral health behaviour profile of the two age groups in relation to province and urbanisation, and to assess the relative effect of socio‐behavioural risk factors on dental caries experience. Methods : The total number of 4,400 of each age group were selected and data were collected by clinical examinations (WHO criteria) and self‐administered structured questionnaires. Results : 44.4% of the respondents brushed their teeth at least twice a day but only 17% used fluoridated toothpaste. Subjects who saw a dentist during the previous 12 months or two years were 31.3% and 35.3% for 12‐year‐olds and 22.5% and 20.2% for 18‐year‐olds, respectively. Nearly one third (29%) of 12 year‐olds and 40.5% of 18‐year‐olds would visit a dentist in case of signs of caries but only when in pain. Nearly half of the participants (47.2%) had never received any oral health care instruction. Significant variations in oral health practices were found according to province and regular dental care habits were more frequent in urban than in rural areas. The risk of dental caries was high in the case of frequent consumption of sweets and dental caries risk was low for participants with use of fluoridated toothpaste. Conclusion : Systematic community‐oriented oral health promotion programmes are needed to target lifestyles and the needs of children, particularly for those living in rural areas. A prevention‐oriented oral health care policy would seem more advantageous than the present curative approach.     

Oral health knowledge and dental health practices among schoolchildren in Jerash district/Jordan

Abstract:  Objective: This study aims at determining the oral health awareness level, the patterns of dental health practices and their potential relationship with certain socio-demographic factors, including gender (sex), mother's education and the socio-economic status of the family, among 14–15-year-old schoolchildren in Jerash Governorate, Northern Jordan. Participants and method: Cross-sectional survey including 1362 public schoolchildren, who completed a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Overall, the level of oral health knowledge among the surveyed children was low. Of the 1362 schoolchildren included in this survey, only 18 and 17% did know the meaning of plaque and what plaque can cause, respectively. Female performance was significantly better than male performance on two of the six knowledge questions ( P <  0.01). While 17% of children have never been to the dentist, there are 10% only who visit the dentist on regular basis. The majority (56%) of these pupils said they visit the dentist when there is a serious dental or oral health problem. Fear of the dentist and difficulty in obtaining an appointment with the dentist were the causes of irregular visit to the dental clinic in 28 and 19% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion: Results of this study prove that oral health awareness level among public schoolchildren in Jordan is still poor and needs to be improved. Based upon these findings, the establishment of a long-term school-based oral health education programme in Jordan is highly recommended.     

Oral cancer awareness in Spain: A pilot study

Objectives

To investigate the level of oral cancer knowledge and awareness in a Spanish general population.

Subjects and Methods

A cross‐sectional study using an anonymous questionnaire applied in the community to randomly selected laypersons. Sample size for the general population was determined by quota sampling, resulting in 1,041 individuals.

Results

A total of 1,707 pedestrians were approached (response: 61%). When the participants were asked about what cancers had they heard about (up to ten), oral cancer was mentioned in first place by 2% of the sample and by 22% in any order. When specifically asked about oral cancer, the percentage of interviewees who were familiar with it raised to 72%. Participants were also asked about the main signs or symptoms of oral cancer, and the most frequently (22%) mentioned as the first warning sign was a non‐healing ulcer. Tobacco smoking generally was recognised as the most important (57%) risk factor for oral cancer.

Conclusions

This pilot study revealed a low awareness of oral cancer, and a poor knowledge of its signs and symptoms and risk factors.     

Oral cancer detection

There are approximately 21,000 new cases of oral cancer every year. Although the oral cavity is relatively accessible to examination, malignant processes tend to present late with poor prognosis. To improve tumor outcome, early detection and treatment is essential. This article reviews the realms of oral cancer and its causes, as well as early detection methods and screening technologies that may be used. Currently available screening tools may help in visualizing an existing lesion or its borders, but they add little in discriminating between a premalignant, malignant, or inflammatory process.     

Korean dental hygienists' knowledge and opinions about etiology and prevention of dental caries

Objectives: Because of their formal education Korean dental hygienists have the potential to be the primary source of information on caries prevention for patients and the general public, and inuence the use and adoption of caries preventive procedures. The purposes of this study were to determine the knowledge and opinions about caries etiology and prevention among Korean dental hygienists, and to describe associated factors. Methods: A pre-tested, 20-item questionnaire was mailed to 1120 dental hygienists selected by stratied d random sampling and allocated proportionately. A postcard reminder was sent to all dental hygienists after 1 week. Non-respondents were sent additional complete mailings after 3 and 7 weeks. The response rate was 77% (n=863). Results: Analysis of six factors thought to be related to knowledge about caries etiology and prevention showed that dental hygienists who were taught to provide oral health education and believe that it is desirable to practice oral health education during dental hygiene school and those employed in health centers were likely to be more knowledgeable about caries etiology and prevention than other hygienists (P < 0.05). In regression analysis of the perceived effectiveness of caries preventive procedures, hygienists who provided oral health education during their formal training tended to rate caries preventive procedures as being more effective than other dental hygienists (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study suggest that most dental hygienists do not have up-to-date information on the etiology and prevention of dental caries, mechanisms of action ofuoride e and effectiveness of preventive procedures. Efforts to increase the level of knowledge of Korean dental hygienists about caries prevention should focus on strategies to educate dental hygienists who have not been taught to provide oral health education, who do not have favorable opinions about the desirability of oral health education, and who had no experience with providing oral health education as part of their work, especially hygienists working in private clinics. Further, these efforts should include the revision of dental hygiene curricula and continuing education courses.