An educational intervention on oral cancer prevention in adults

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices related to oral cancer among adult dental patients. A quasi-experimental, non-randomised controlled trial was conducted among adult patients attending the dental school. Participants were allocated to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received educational content through pamphlets, verbal explanations, and posters. The pamphlets and posters were designed specifically for this study. The content provided the following items about oral cancer: risk factors/behaviours (smoking, alcohol drinking, HPV and its related high risk behaviours, and UV exposure) signs and symptoms (such as: ulcers and oral premalignant lesions) and prevention methods (smoking and alcohol drinking cessation, HPV vaccination and related preventive behaviors, UV protection) for adults. A trained senior dental student provided the verbal explanations. Participants were given a once off verbal explanation in person for 10 minutes and were given a pamphlet to read (anticipated to take 5 minutes). The main project manager who is a university professor directly monitored adherence to the intervention protocol by being present at the intervention site. Knowledge, attitude and self-reported practice were assessed using a validated questionnaire before and one month after the intervention.