Oral Cancer Awareness Among Hospital Nursing Staff
Author Information
Author(s): Carter Lachlan M, Harris Andrew T, Kavi Vikram P, Johnson Sarah, Kanatas Anastasios
Primary Institution: Hull Royal Infirmary
Hypothesis
Are nursing staff aware of the risk factors and clinical signs of oral cancer?
Conclusion
Nursing staff's awareness of oral cancer risk factors and clinical signs was poor, highlighting a need for improved education.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 80% of nurses thought oral health checks were important.
- Only 49% of nurses performed oral health checks regularly.
- Approximately 70% identified smoking as a risk factor for oral cancer.
- Less than 30% identified alcohol as a risk factor.
- Only 21% identified white patches as a clinical sign of oral cancer.
Takeaway
Nurses need to know more about oral cancer so they can help check for it when patients come to the hospital.
Methodology
A questionnaire was used to assess nursing staff's knowledge and practices regarding oral health checks and oral cancer.
Potential Biases
Responses may be biased due to self-reporting and the nature of the questionnaire.
Limitations
Demographic data on age and gender were not recorded, and the study's sample may not represent all nursing staff.
Participant Demographics
Nursing staff from various medical and surgical specialties in two East Yorkshire hospitals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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