Knowledge about Oral Cancer and Attitudes towards its Etiology and Prevention in a Group of Gardeners from Teresina (PI)

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is a chronic disease of multi-factorial origin. Its prevention and early diagnosis are the best ways to increase survival rates. Objective: To assess the level of information about oral cancer and attitudes towards etiological factors and preventive measures adopted by a group of gardeners, in Teresina-Pi. Methods: 111 volunteer gardeners were the subjects of this study, from six community gardens of the Eastern Zone of the city of Teresina-Pi. A form consisting of 26 open and closed questions regarding their demographic profile and knowledge and attitudes towards risk factors and preventive measures related to cancer, in particular oral cancer, was applied. Data were analyzed by frequency analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test) with a confidence level of 95% (p <0.05). Results: It was observed that of the 111 respondents, 93 (83.8%) had heard of oral cancer, 80 (72.1%) believed that there is cure and 72 (64.9%) reported that there is vaccine against it; among the risk factors, 103 (92.8%) reported that expose themselves to sunlight, the majority (86.5%) is daily exposed to it, and among the most preventive measures used is the use of hat/cap (46.8%). Conclusion: Most respondents have heard about oral cancer, but do not know it in detail, many had already been in contact with some risk factor during their lifetime, of which the most frequent is sun exposure, and most of them have used at least one of the preventive measures.