Assessment of Knowledge and Practice toward Oral Cavity Cancer among Primary Health Care Physicians in Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh

Objectives: The aim of this research was to assess mean knowledge of PCPs on clinical features and risk factors related to oral cancer, and to determine the practice of PCPs toward oral examination and prevention of primary risk factors of OC. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was distributed to 154 PCPs. The analysis was done using a data entry form through google forms and then it was transferred to SPSS software (version 24). Three scales included in the study (the Knowledge on risk factors scale, the Knowledge on diagnosis scale, and the practice towards oral lesion scale). Results: Of the total sample of 154 PCPs, 126 questionnaires were submitted for a response rate of (81.8%). mean age was 34.62 Years, (46%) were males while (54%) were females. The mean knowledge score on risk factors was 57 & the mean knowledge score on diagnostic items was 56. Only (34%) of participants had a consistently high score in an index of knowledge of risk factors, and (38%) In diagnostic items. A significant association was found between the scores of knowledge (p<0.05) and Medical degree & experience in medical practice. The practice ability score was significant (p<0.05) with age and a medical degree. Furthermore, (83%) agree that there is a need for additional education and (84%) of the respondents would be interested in learning more about OC. Conclusion: Proper Knowledge of OC risk variables & diagnostic items is a necessity for PCPs. The current study showed gaps in Knowledge & practice, our results conclude an overall improvement in education on OC is required.