Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2014
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue: 4

A Survey on Awareness of Oral Cancer among Undergraduate Medical and Dental Students of Gujarat and Punjab

  • Author:
  • Sandeep Goyal1,, Anshul Shah2, Prutha Soni3, Pratik Rupakar4, Ridhi Narang5, Litik Mittal6
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Page Number: 103 to 107

1Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Surendera Dental College and Research Institute, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India

2BDS, Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

3Intern, Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

4PG Student, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

5Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Surendera Dental College and Research Institute, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India

6Senior Lecturer, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Surendera Dental College and Research Institute, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India

*Corresponding author: Sandeep Goyal, Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Surendera Dental College and Research Institute, Sri Ganganagar-335001, Rajasthan, India. Email id: sandeepgoyal83@gmail.com, Mobile No.: 08562051432

Online published on 6 November, 2014.

Abstract

To assess the knowledge and awareness of oral cancer among 3rd, 4th and 5th year undergraduate medical and dental students of Gujarat and Punjab states during the academic year of 2010–2011.

A validated questionnaire which tested oral cancer awareness was given to medical and dental students of 3rd year, 4th year and 5th year of both the states. The total of 5593 questionnaire was delivered from which 5490 students returned it in complete form. Pearson Chi-Square test was applied.

The overall response rate of the students was 98.16% with the mean age of 21.29 years. Significantly more dental students were aware than medical students and students of Gujarat were found to be more knowledgeable as compare to students of Punjab regarding the oral cancer.

This study highlights to improve the education about oral cancer of undergraduate students in both medical and dental groups of both the states and it can be achieved by information packages, seminars, and by the clinical training.

Keywords

Oral Cancer, Awareness, Education, Dental Students, Knowledge