Exploring Self-Negligence and Awareness in Patients with Oral Premalignant and Malignant Conditions: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Oral cancer remains a major public health concern in South Asia, where preventable risk factors, limited awareness, poor oral hygiene, and delayed healthcare-seeking may contribute to disease burden. Objective: This study aimed to assess awareness, self-negligence behaviors, psychosocial impact, treatment adherence, and perceived quality of life among patients diagnosed with oral cancer in Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 374 oral cancer patients recruited from NIMRA Cancer Hospital, Jamshoro, and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Hyderabad. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, diagnosis and treatment status, awareness, oral hygiene practices, dental attendance, lifestyle modification, psychosocial impact, treatment adherence, and perceived quality of life. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Results: Most participants were male (75.9%), aged 20–59 years (84.8%), married (92.5%), and unemployed (77.3%). All participants had oral cancer and were receiving treatment or follow-up care. Awareness gaps were evident, as 44.7% were unaware of their condition before diagnosis and 68.7% had not received formal education about risk factors. Self-negligence was reflected by rare or absent oral hygiene in 54.0% and symptom-driven dental visits in 46.0%. Lifestyle modification was reported by 89.8%, while 41.4% experienced negative emotional impact. Family support was reported by 99.7%, and 89.0% rated quality of life as good or excellent. Conclusion: Oral cancer patients demonstrated important awareness and preventive-care gaps despite strong post-diagnosis support and behavioral adaptation
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