Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Rural Population of Wardha District Regarding Oral Cancer- A Study Protocol

Background: Oral cancer is one of the easily diagnosed cancer as compared to the cancers of other parts of the body as the mouth is easily accessible for self or clinical examination. But, it is frequently diagnosed in advanced stage as the population lack the knowledge about the causes and signs & symptoms of oral cancer. Though many studies are there describing this issue, scanty literature is available relevant to knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral cancer especially in rural areas which needs attention.

Aim: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of rural population of Wardha district regarding Oral cancer.

Methodology: This questionnaire based prospective study will include 1000 subjects who will be able to read and understand the questionnaire. Self-administered questionnaire prepared in local language (Marathi / Hindi) of the rural population of Wardha district will be administered. Questionnaire will be comprised of two parts. First part request demographic information and the second section contain 18 questions regarding knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral cancer. All the questionnaire responses will be recorded in tabular format and subjected to statistical analysis.

Expected Results: In rural area of Wardha District in the Indian state of Maharashtra, there may be majority of the people, still having minimal knowledge regarding oral cancer and its causes marking a high percentage when compared to the urban. Thus, this study will be an attempt to evaluate the awareness and access the knowledge of the rural public regarding oral cancer.

Conclusion: The knowledge about the risk factors, sign and symptoms of oral cancer amongst the rural population can be useful for the prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer, and thus reducing the oral cancer burden of the society.