Beliefs in oral cancer in an adult population in Medellín, Colombia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Oral cancer ranks 16th among the most frequent malignant neoplasms worldwide, with a mortality rate of 54% within the first 5 years after diagnosis. It is crucial to develop strategies to improve cure and survival rates. Objective: To develop, validate, and apply an instrument on beliefs about oral cancer to guide future educational, promotional, and preventive activities for this disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 318 adults. Content was validated using Lawshe's criteria, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to assess structural validity. Internal consistency was calculated with Cronbach's Alpha. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare medians of dimensions based on demographic variables. Results: The final instrument included 18 items across three dimensions (threat, benefits, and cues to action), with adequate fit indicators: RMSEA: 0.051 (95% CI: 0.038–0.063), CFI: 0.93, TLI: 0.916, SRM: 0.063. Internal consistency was good (Alpha between 0.65 and 0.85). 67.3% of participants were women. Significant differences were observed between men and women ( p = 0.040) and between participants over and under 40 years old ( p < 0.001), in perceived threat as well as in cues to action ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: The Oral Cancer Belief Instrument demonstrated adequate validity and consistency, making it a reliable tool for promoting health prevention strategies.