Alsalhani, A., Tarakji, B., Mehsen Alali, F. et al. (11 more authors) (2024) Knowledge and awareness of dental students regarding human papillomavirus and oral cancer in Saudi Arabia. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 25 (11). pp. 3927-3934. ISSN 1513-7368
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of dental students and interns in Saudi Arabia regarding human papillomavirus and oral cancer using a cross-sectional web-based survey.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to assess the knowledge of dental students and dental interns regarding oral cancer and awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) in public and private dental schools in Saudi Arabia. The survey included 18 questions grouped into three sections. The responses were analyzed for variations between dental students and interns, among males and females, and those attending private or public colleges. The Chai-square test assessed the correlation between participants’ demographic data and their knowledge/awareness of oral cancer and HPV.
Results: A total of 451 dental students and dental interns responded. The results show that dental students at private and public dental schools in Saudi Arabia are generally knowledgeable regarding knowledge of oral cancer and awareness of human papillomavirus. The dental interns exhibited significantly superior knowledge compared to the undergraduate dental students (p<0.05), particularly in the areas of identifying the most common location of oral cancer and recognizing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer (76.5% versus 65.1% correct answers). The dental interns showed a significant difference and better awareness (p<0.05) than dental students regarding HPV having a relationship with AIDS and HPV causing common warts.
Conclusion: Dental students and interns in this study presented a good but less than optimal knowledge and awareness regarding HPV and its prevention. Improving education courses and training for dental students in Saudi Arabia is crucial for improving their knowledge and awareness regarding oral cancer and HPV infection.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2025 Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNon Commercial 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). |
Keywords: | Dental students; HPV infection; Knowledge; dental interns; oral cancer; Humans; Students, Dental; Female; Male; Papillomavirus Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Saudi Arabia; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Mouth Neoplasms; Papillomaviridae; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adult; Young Adult; Internship and Residency; Follow-Up Studies; Human Papillomavirus Viruses |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Clinical Dentistry (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 21 Feb 2025 10:07 |
Last Modified: | 21 Feb 2025 10:07 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | EpiSmart Science Vector Ltd |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.31557/apjcp.2024.25.11.3927 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:223614 |
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Filename: APJCP_Volume 25_Issue 11_Pages 3927-3934.pdf
Licence: CC-BY-NC 4.0