Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Oral Cancer among Medical Students in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Medical students, in the formative stage of their training, are integral to early oral cancer detection and prevention. However, gaps in their knowledge, attitudes, and practices can hinder effective screening and education. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral cancer among third-year medical students at a medical college in Nepal.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to October 2024 among 252 third-year medical students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from google web form assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral cancers. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0.

Results: Out of 252 students, 246 (97.62%) correctly identified tobacco as a primary risk factor for oral cancer, 37 (14.68%) recognized sun exposure as a risk factor, and 51 (20.24%) were unsure about recommended screening frequencies. A misconception that oral cancer affects only those over 50 years was held by 34 (13.49%) of respondents, while 98 (38.89%) were unaware of the survival benefits of early detection. Regarding the attitude, 208 (82.54%) agreed that early detection improves outcomes, and 200 (79.37%) supported the inclusion of routine screening in medical examinations. The mean overall attitude score was 34.01±4.06 out of a maximum score of 45, indicating generally favorable attitudes toward oral cancer prevention and early detection. Only 111 (44.05%) felt confident educating patients, and 178 (70.64%) were neutral or dissatisfied with their training adequacy.

Conclusions: Although medical students demonstrate sound baseline knowledge and positive attitudes toward oral cancer, substantial knowledge gaps and limited self-confidence in practical application persist.