Oral Cancer in Kiribati: Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Practices of health care professionals
- Author:
Kantara Tiim
1
;
Michael McCullough
2
Author Information
1. College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University
2. Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
oral cancer;
screening;
prevention;
early diagnosis
- From:
Fiji Medical Journal
2018;24(1):36-40
- CountryFiji
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:To compare the level of knowledge, attitudes/opinions and screening practices of Nursing Officers (NO) with Medical Officers (MO) and Dental Officers (DO) regarding oral cancer of HealthCare Professionals in Kiribati.
Methods:All MO, DO and a representative number of NO were included in the study. MO and DO were placed in one group (MO/DO) and NO being another group. One hundred self-administered questionnaires were distributed to participants to determine their knowledge, attitude and screening practices.
Results:The response rate was 70%, with 48% answering incorrectly regarding treatment choice. There were 63% who had low knowledge score and 37% with high knowledge score. Nursing officers had lower knowledge scores and incorrect treatment choices compared to MO/DO group. Fifty percent of participants screened patients. More MO/DO reporting to screen patients for oral cancer compared to NO.
Conclusion:This survey identifies the need to improve knowledge, attitude and screening practices for nursing officers with regards to oral cancer. Lack of specialists and inadequate training in medical and nursing school are the main barriers.
- Full text:FMJ 2018 v24 n01 36 - 40 - Oral Cancer in Kiribati - KAP of Health Care Professionals.pdf
