Publication

Abstract : Background: India is considered as the oral cancer capital of the world. Extensive studies on risk behaviours and public awareness seem to be obligatory. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify the risk behaviours of oral cancer among adolescents and to assess their knowledge on oral cancer. Method: A descriptive survey design with convenience sampling technique was used. Sample comprised of 160 students from a selected Government Higher Secondary School, Kottayam, Kerala, India. A three point rating scale to identify the risk behaviours of oral cancer amp; a structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge on oral cancer were used to collect the data. Results: Of the ten risk behaviors of oral cancer assessed, risk behaviours most frequently found include, intake of smoked foods 117(73.1%), lack of performance of self-oral examination 73(45.6%) and intake of hot or spicy foods 54(33.7%). Majority of the subjects 113(71%) had average knowledge regarding oral cancer. It was also noted that of the various components assessed, the highest knowledge was found on prevention of oral cancer (59%) and the lowest was on clinical manifestations of oral cancer (27%). Conclusion: The data on risk behaviours show the trend in dietary intake like smoked foods among adolescents. The study findings throw light on the need to conduct large studies on risk behaviours amp; create awareness on oral cancer among them.