Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Indian Immigrants in Australia towards Oral Cancer and Their Perceived Role of General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nidhi Saraswat, Bronwyn Everett, Rona Pillay, Neeta Prabhu, Amy Villarosa and Ajesh George
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Nidhi Saraswat: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Southwestern Sydney Local Health District, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 1871, Australia
Bronwyn Everett: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Southwestern Sydney Local Health District, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 1871, Australia
Rona Pillay: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2116, Australia
Neeta Prabhu: School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
Amy Villarosa: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Southwestern Sydney Local Health District, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 1871, Australia
Ajesh George: Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Southwestern Sydney Local Health District, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 1871, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Oral cancer is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. With the increasing immigration of Indians to Australia, a potential rise in oral cancer cases can be expected if they continue engaging in oral cancer risk practices. Unfortunately, little is known on this topic in the Australian context. This study aimed to generate new insights into this area by examining Indian immigrants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral cancer in Australia and their perceived role of general practitioners in raising oral cancer awareness. Exploring these aspects could determine the oral cancer risk behaviours of Indians in Australia along with any contributing factors which could help identify potential preventative strategies. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 164 Indians across Australia. Data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive statistics. Respondents had varying levels of knowledge about oral cancer (mean total score 61%), particularly around risk factors such as alcohol and areca nut use as well as oral cancer-related signs/symptoms. The majority (87.7%) had not received any information about oral cancer in a health care setting but were receptive (71–90%) to general practitioners playing a more active role in this area. Respondents were engaging in positive preventative oral health care though few were currently (6.7%) or previously (14.7%) chewing tobacco preparations. Further research is needed through larger studies to confirm the study findings and inform the development of culturally tailored strategies particularly involving general practitioners, to raise oral cancer awareness and provide early screening for Indian immigrants.

Keywords: oral cancer; knowledge; attitudes; practices; perceptions; general practitioners; Indian immigrants; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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