NUMERO: #20240563

Título: KNOWLEDGE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH AGENTS ABOUT ORAL CANCER AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Nome do Apresentador: Marcia Frias Pinto MARINHO

Categoria do Trabalho: Painel de pesquisa científica (PPC)

Área Temática: Estomatologia

Resumo: Objective: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge of Community Health Agents (CHAs) regarding oral cancer and the associated risk factors. Methods: CHAs from 23 primary healthcare units completed an online questionnaire before participating in a training on oral cancer prevention. Results: A total of 591 CHA participated in the study. The findings revealed that very few (3.7%) declared unawareness of oral cancer existence. Most of them rely on social networks and TV as primary sources of information about the disease. Many (84%) reported awareness of the diseases risk factors, with 90% considering cigarettes as the main risk factor, albeit few recognized tobacco in any form as a potential risk. Excessive alcohol consumption was cited by 47% as a risk factor for oral cancer, while sun exposure was related only by 22%. Besides that, poor oral hygiene (60%) and poorly fitting dentures (35%) were also considered as associated risk factors. Few (5%) responded that oral cancer had no cure. Conclusion: the research highlights the necessity of training programs to enhance the knowledge of CHAs regarding oral cancer since they play a crucial role in raising awareness and sensitizing the community about this disease. Supported by CNPq- 420633/2023-5.

Autor 1:  Marcia Frias Pinto MARINHO

E-mail 1:  [email protected]

Autor 2:   Filipe Sodré Carelo

E-mail 2:  [email protected]

Autor 3 :  Amanda Martins dos Santos Bessa

E-mail 3:  [email protected]

Autor 4:  Cláudia Aparecida Serra da Cruz

E-mail 4:  [email protected]

Autor 5:  Douglas Rodrigues Torres

E-mail 5:  [email protected]

Autor 6:  Keith Bullia da Fonseca Simas

E-mail 6:  [email protected]

Autor 7:  Michelle Agostini

E-mail 7:  [email protected]