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Awareness and Knowledge of Oral Cancer among Siamese Ethnic Group in Tumpat, Kelantan
Kassim, Nur Karyatee; Mohd Adnan, Munirah; Chew, Wei Wern; Lim, Zheng Ru; Hanafi, Muhammad Hafiz & Yusoff, Azizah
Abstract
Introduction: Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease. Lack of public awareness is a
potent barrier for the early detection of oral cancer, especially for high-risk populations.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge of the signs,
symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer among a Siamese ethnic group in Tumpat, Kelantan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a guided questionnaire on sociodemography,
habits, awareness and knowledge of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral
cancer. Individuals under 18 years old and who had been diagnosed with oral cancer were excluded
from this study.
Results: A total of 195 respondents participated, 61.5% were female and the mean
age was 46 (1.64). About 41% of the respondents had received secondary education and 35.4%
were illiterate. Most respondents were self-employed (21.5%), followed by farmers (19.5%) and
housewives (20%). The majority of them had a monthly income that fell below the poverty level
of RM 830 (76.9%). Among the respondents, 22.6% had the habit of smoking, 25.6% consumed
alcohol, 8.2% were betel quid chewers and 2.6% chewed tobacco. Out of 195 respondents, only 6.7%
were aware of oral cancer. About 16.9% of the respondents correctly answered all of the questions
regarding the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and only 4.1% knew the risk factors of oral cancer.
Conclusion: The awareness and knowledge of oral cancer in this targeted population were
unsatisfactory. Future effective health promotion programs and education should be emphasised.
Keywords
oral cancer; Siamese; awareness and knowledge; signs and symptoms; risk factors
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