Piyanat Sangangam

Wilawan Weraarchakul

Suthin Jinaporntham

Keywords :

oral cancer, knowledge, attitude, practice

Abstract :

The objective of the study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to
the diagnosis and care of oral cancer and identify factors associated with the knowledge, attitudes,
and practices among trainees pursuing a certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Thailand.
The study was conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire among trainees who
began their training between the years 2018 and 2021. The study received responses from 73 out of
89 participants, resulting in a response rate of 82.0%. The average knowledge score of the trainees
regarding oral cancer was at a moderate level. The average knowledge score of trainees in Year 3 and
4 was significantly higher than those in Year 1 and 2 (p = 0.007). Trainees in the Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery program combined with an MD degree had significantly higher attitudes towards oral cancer
care compared to those in the standalone program (p = 0.003). While 69.9% conducted full oral
examinations, the retromolar trigone was often missed (16.4%). Trainees with experience examining
more than 5 oral cancer cases annually performed neck lymph node palpation more frequently
(p = 0.032). In the conclusion, training duration impacted knowledge, and different programs in-
fluenced attitudes toward oral cancer care, though overall practices were appropriate.

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