Does Knowledge Influence Risk Status of Oral Cancer? A Study among Students at Selected Colleges in Nagaland

A descriptive survey was undertaken among 210 purposively selected students at in Nagaland with the objectives of assessing the knowledge and determining the risk status of oral cancer. Data regarding socio demographic characteristics were collected using Semi structured questionnaire, knowledge and risk status of oral cancer was collected by two separate questionnaires as well as bybiophysical measurement and oral cavity assessment. The findings of the study revealed that maximum of the students (34%) had very good knowledge and the least (12%) of students had poor knowledge regarding oral cancer. The most of the (82%) of the students were at low risk for oral cancer. The most predominant risk factors present among the students were smoking tobacco (f=167) and smokeless tobacco(f=148), underweight (f=143)and intake of hot and spicy food (f=135 ). The findings concluded that there was a negative relation between knowledge and risk status of oral cancer[r (df =208) = -0.325, pless than0.05]. There was a statistically significant association found between knowledge and place of residence [Chi2 df (1) = 3.84, pless than0.05] and risk status with place of residence[Chi2 df (1) = 3.84 pless than0.05] and other demographic factors.