Does Knowledge Influence Risk Status of Oral Cancer? A Study among Students at Selected Colleges in Nagaland

Christina Yanthan, Purnima Kundu, Jharna Mondal, Dr. Smritikana Mani

Abstract: A descriptive survey was undertaken among 210 purposively selected students at in Nagaland with the objectives of assessing the knowledge and determining the risk status of oral cancer. Data regarding socio demographic characteristics were collected using Semi structured questionnaire, knowledge and risk status of oral cancer was collected by two separate questionnaires as well as bybiophysical measurement and oral cavity assessment. The findings of the study revealed that maximum of the students (34 %) had very good knowledge and the least (12 %) of students had poor knowledge regarding oral cancer. The most of the (82 %) of the students were at low risk for oral cancer. The most predominant risk factors present among the students were smoking tobacco (f=167) & smokeless tobacco (f=148), underweight (f=143) & intake of hot and spicy food (f=135). The findings concluded that there was a negative relation between knowledge and risk status of oral cancer [r (df =208) = -0.325, p<0.05]. There was a statistically significant association found between knowledge and place of residence [Chi2 df (1) = 3.84, p<0.05] and risk status with place of residence [Chi2 df (1) = 3.84 p<0.05] and other demographic factors.

Keywords: Knowledge, Risk status, Oral Cancer