Exploring Rural Kentuckians' Knowledge, Perception, and Behaviors Related to Oral Cancer Risk and Oral Cancer Screening
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Kinesiology (Pre-dental)
Institution 25-26
University of Kentucky
KY House District #
5
KY Senate District #
1
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Ian Boggero
Department
College of Dentistry
Abstract
Kentucky continues to experience one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the United States particularly in rural and Appalachian communities. Oral cancer outcomes are more favorable when detected early, highlighting the importance of timely oral cancer examinations and preventive dental care. In addition to screening, public understanding of oral cancer risk factors and perceived barriers to dental care may shape engagement with oral cancer examinations. The purpose of this study was to describe oral cancer awareness, knowledge, perceived barriers in accessing care, self-reported dental fear, and to examine associations with ever having had an oral/mouth/throat cancer exam. The cross-sectional online survey was distributed via flyers posted in a University of Kentucky’s rural research center and through their listserv to residents of Kentucky who were 18 years or older (N = 125). Most participants were rural residents (72.8%) and had dental insurance (79.2%). Awareness was high (94.4% had heard of oral cancer; 88.8% had heard of an oral cancer exam), and 78.4% reported ever having an oral cancer exam. Oral cancer knowledge was moderate (M = 3.66/6, SD = 1.12), barriers were modest (M = 2.37 on a 1-4 scale, SD = 0.45), and dental fear was relatively high (M = 6.42/10, SD = 2.50). Exam history was associated with reporting female sex, having dental insurance, and having dental needs met, but not with rurality or dental cleaning recency. Dental fear was higher among those reporting an exam history, while knowledge and barriers did not differ. Findings suggest that while awareness and exam uptake were relatively high, important knowledge gaps remain. Also, access related factors and dental fear may be important correlates of oral cancer exam history, emphasizing the value of combining education with approaches that reduce structural barriers, address fear related concerns, normalize and demystifies screening.
Exploring Rural Kentuckians' Knowledge, Perception, and Behaviors Related to Oral Cancer Risk and Oral Cancer Screening
Kentucky continues to experience one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the United States particularly in rural and Appalachian communities. Oral cancer outcomes are more favorable when detected early, highlighting the importance of timely oral cancer examinations and preventive dental care. In addition to screening, public understanding of oral cancer risk factors and perceived barriers to dental care may shape engagement with oral cancer examinations. The purpose of this study was to describe oral cancer awareness, knowledge, perceived barriers in accessing care, self-reported dental fear, and to examine associations with ever having had an oral/mouth/throat cancer exam. The cross-sectional online survey was distributed via flyers posted in a University of Kentucky’s rural research center and through their listserv to residents of Kentucky who were 18 years or older (N = 125). Most participants were rural residents (72.8%) and had dental insurance (79.2%). Awareness was high (94.4% had heard of oral cancer; 88.8% had heard of an oral cancer exam), and 78.4% reported ever having an oral cancer exam. Oral cancer knowledge was moderate (M = 3.66/6, SD = 1.12), barriers were modest (M = 2.37 on a 1-4 scale, SD = 0.45), and dental fear was relatively high (M = 6.42/10, SD = 2.50). Exam history was associated with reporting female sex, having dental insurance, and having dental needs met, but not with rurality or dental cleaning recency. Dental fear was higher among those reporting an exam history, while knowledge and barriers did not differ. Findings suggest that while awareness and exam uptake were relatively high, important knowledge gaps remain. Also, access related factors and dental fear may be important correlates of oral cancer exam history, emphasizing the value of combining education with approaches that reduce structural barriers, address fear related concerns, normalize and demystifies screening.