[ survey of the Kerman adults' knowledge about the signs and risk factor of oral carcinoma]

ABSTRACT

The knowledge regarding risk factors and primary signs of oral cancer in general population can help them to avoid the risk factors of cancer and their timely referral to physicians. The aim of this study was to survey the adult knowledge about the risk factors and signs of oral cancer in Kerman city in 2007. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 723 adults who referred to Kerman Dental School and clinics were enrolled. The data were collected using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and t-test. The results of this study showed that the mean knowledge about the risk factors and signs of oral cancer were [6.04 +/- 2.31 from 15] and [2 +/- 1.3 from 6], respectively. There was only a significant difference between knowledge about risk factory of oral cancer and the education of the participants. Low level of knowledge of adult people regarding both risk factors and signs of oral cancer stresses the need to more efforts made about the above-mentioned issues by media