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. 2024 Dec 4;24(1):1465.
doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-05266-7.

Factors influencing engagement in oral cancer prevention activities among dental students and professionals in Saudi Arabia

Mosa A Shubayr  1 , Mohammed M Al Moaleem  2 , Seham A Hakami  3 , Khulud N Khalufi  3 , Reham Mousa Daghriri  3 , Ahmed M Bokhari  4 , Anwar Shawqi Alhazmi  4 , Ali Hassan Farsi  5 , Majed Ahmed Adawi  5 , Hussain Hassan Nahari  5 , Afrah H Hattan  5 , Alla T Alsharif  6 , Nassreen H Albar  7
Affiliations

Factors influencing engagement in oral cancer prevention activities among dental students and professionals in Saudi Arabia

Mosa A Shubayr et al. BMC Oral Health. .

Abstract

Background: Oral cancer is a pressing health concern in the Saudi Arabia (SA), with rising incidence and mortality rates. Despite the efforts in raising awareness, gaps persist in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to oral cancer prevention (OCP) among dental health professionals. This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing engagement in oral cancer prevention activities among dental students and professionals in Saudi. It examines the impact of socio-demographic characteristics and assesses their KAP related to oral cancer prevention.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 using a pre-validated online questionnaire distributed among oral health providers across various regions and sectors in SA. The survey included questions about participants' KAP toward OCP. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results: Out of 400 oral health providers invited, 157 completed the survey. The findings showed a discrepancy between knowledge and practice. While awareness of OC was generally high, this did not consistently lead to favourable attitudes or effective practices. The engagement in OCP activities was significantly associated with good knowledge, practice and favourable attitude scores. Profession significantly influenced participation, with clinicians (P = 0.013, OR = 0.131, 95% CI: 0.026-0.653) and those in administrative roles (P = 0.030, OR = 0.101, 95% CI: 0.013-0.804) both less likely to participate compared to dental students. Knowledge was a significant predictor (P = 0.002), with providers demonstrating poor knowledge being far less likely to participate (OR = 0.053, 95% CI: 0.008-0.339).

Conclusion: The study identified a critical need for enhancing OCP education and training among oral health providers in SA. The findings indicate that continuous, targeted, and culturally sensitive training could bridge the existing KAP gap, potentially leading to improved early detection and management of OC, thereby reducing its morbidity and mortality rates in the region.

Keywords: Attitude; Knowledge; Oral cancer prevention; Oral health providers; Practice; Saudi Arabia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study received approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University (REC-45/05/890). Participants provided their informed consent by clicking a button on the online questionnaire after reading a consent paragraph that included information on the voluntary nature of the study, the risks and benefits of participation, and the procedures for maintaining confidentiality. All methods were conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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