Abstract
Methods. A pretested 62 item survey instrument was mailed to a stratified random sample of ADHA members and non-members (n=1035). A modified Dillman method was used including three complete mailings to non-respondents, RR=69%. Of the 69% return, 85% (n=464) were useable.
Results. An overwhelming majority correctly identified tobacco use (100%), alcohol use (90%), and prior cancer lesion (97%) as key risk factors while over 65% incorrectly identified poor fitting dentures as a risk factor. Although knowledge of alcohol use as a risk factor was high, there was a significant difference between knowledge and practice with only 50% asking about current alcohol use on the health history, p<.006, and 39% asking about past alcohol use, p<.04.
RDHs' knowledge and practice were more consistent in regard to current tobacco use. Over 74% correctly identified that a patient with an early oral cancer lesion is asymptomatic, however over 46% incorrectly indicated that most lesions are diagnosed in an early stage. Only 45% reported their knowledge of oral cancer to be current and only 27% believed they were adequately trained to provide tobacco cessation education.
Statistically significant differences were found among age groups and mean knowledge scores, p=.006, and year of graduation and mean knowledge scores, p=.003, with younger, more recent graduates achieving higher scores.
Purpose. The purpose of this national study was to determine RDHs' knowledge, opinions and practices regarding oral cancer. Knowledge of risk factors and assessment procedures are reported in this presentation.
Conclusions. Results indicate a need for interventions to increase the knowledge of risk factors and to decrease the gap between knowledge and practice.
