Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation (COHORT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, School of Nursing and Midwifery, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Western Sydney University, Liverpool, NSW 1871, Australia.
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2116, Australia.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 22;18(21):11111. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111111.
In Australia, Indian immigrants are one of the fastest-growing communities. Since oral cancer is widespread in India, the indulgence of Indians in customs of areca (betel) nut use in Australia may be linked to the recent rise in oral cancer cases. Since GPs (general practitioners) are primary healthcare providers, it is pivotal to ensure the oral cancer awareness of GPs. This study aimed to explore oral cancer risk-related knowledge, beliefs, and clinical practices of GPs in Australia.
Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs practicing across New South Wales and Victoria. Purposive and snowball sampling were used for recruitment. Data were analysed through a directed content analysis approach.
All GPs were knowledgeable of major oral cancer causative factors including tobacco and alcohol, but some had limited understanding about the risks associated with areca nut preparations. Positive attitudes were evident, with all participants acknowledging the importance of oral cancer risk assessment. Most GPs recalled not performing oral cancer routine check-ups.
GPs presented good oral cancer knowledge except for emerging risk factors such as areca nut use. Varied beliefs and inconsistent clinical practices relating to oral cancer screening is concerning. Accessible oral cancer training around emerging risk factors may benefit GPs.
在澳大利亚，印度移民是增长最快的群体之一。由于口腔癌在印度很普遍，印度人在澳大利亚沉溺于咀嚼槟榔的习惯可能与最近口腔癌病例的增加有关。由于全科医生（GP）是初级保健提供者，确保他们对口腔癌有认识至关重要。本研究旨在探讨澳大利亚全科医生在口腔癌风险相关知识、信念和临床实践方面的情况。
在新南威尔士州和维多利亚州执业的全科医生中进行了 14 次半结构化访谈。采用目的抽样和滚雪球抽样进行招募。通过定向内容分析方法对数据进行分析。
所有全科医生都了解主要的口腔癌致病因素，包括烟草和酒精，但有些人对槟榔制剂相关风险的了解有限。态度积极，所有参与者都认识到口腔癌风险评估的重要性。大多数全科医生回忆说他们没有进行口腔癌常规检查。
全科医生口腔癌知识良好，除了槟榔使用等新兴危险因素外。与口腔癌筛查相关的信念和临床实践存在差异令人担忧。提供有关新兴危险因素的可及口腔癌培训可能对全科医生有益。
