Oral Cancer: Assessment of Academic Dentistry and Nursing Knowledge as for the Risk Factors and Diagnostic Procedures

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of oral cancer is increasing worldwide. Epidemiologic studies show that tobacco, alcohol and sun exposure are major risk factors for this neoplasm. Prevention and early detection are the best ways to reverse this situation. Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge of academic courses in Dentistry and Nursing of University of State of Rio Grande do Norte versus oral cancer and therewith acquire subsidies for the development of strategies and educational health actions. Method: A structured questionnaire was administered to the 160 students enrolled in Nursing and Dentistry, containing questions concerning students (sex, age, and course) and related to lesions (risk factors and diagnostic procedures). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with a significance level of 5%. Results: 48.8 % of the participants reported having acquired knowledge about oral cancer at graduation t 57.5% were unaware of the most prevalent and only 30% cited the tongue as the anatomical region most affected. It was observed that the Dentistry students have greater knowledge about oral cancer when compared to Nursing students (p<0.0001) and this knowledge has increased over graduation (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Knowledge about oral cancer was shown inconsistent with regard to the recognition of some risk factors, clinical characteristics and diagnostic procedures. These findings suggest the need to develop strategies that promote improvements related to this academic knowledge.