TY  - JOUR
T1  - Public Awareness and Misbeliefs about Oral Cancer in Northeast Italy: Influence of Gender, Education, and Sources of Information
A1  - Kim Da Hye
A1  - Oleksandr V. Petrenko
A1  - Hana T. Desta
JF  - Journal of Current Research in Oral Surgery
JO  - J Curr Res Oral Surg
SN  - 3062-3480
Y1  - 2024
VL  - 4
IS  - 1
DO  - 10.51847/CwDFViXMTu
SP  - 119
EP  - 127
N2  - This study sought to evaluate public knowledge regarding oral cancer and to determine whether awareness levels vary according to demographic characteristics and subject-specific factors. An anonymous online questionnaire was administered to 750 randomly selected participants. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine how variables such as gender, age, and educational attainment influence understanding of oral cancer and its associated risk determinants. Approximately 68.4% of respondents were aware that oral cancer exists, with information most often obtained through media or personal networks. Knowledge levels were notably higher among women and individuals with advanced education, whereas age showed no significant impact. While smoking was widely recognized as a major risk factor, fewer respondents identified alcohol misuse or UV exposure as contributors, particularly within groups with lower education. Additionally, the survey revealed widespread misconceptions: over 30% of participants believed that amalgam restorations could initiate oral cancer, regardless of demographic category. These findings highlight the necessity of targeted oral cancer education programs, emphasizing the role of schools and healthcare professionals in delivering, coordinating, and evaluating long-term awareness initiatives with adequate methodological rigor.
UR  - https://tsdp.net/article/public-awareness-and-misbeliefs-about-oral-cancer-in-northeast-italy-influence-of-gender-education-7ssxpzvayvxdfqs
ER  -