Knowledge, attitudes and practices of oral health professionals regarding oral cancer prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Oral cancer is a growing global health challenge. In Ethiopia, 1038 new cases and 744 deaths were reported in 2022. The global 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is approximately 50%, but in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, it drops to 16%. Early detection, particularly among high-risk individuals, is a critical prevention strategy. Despite global evidence, no studies have comprehensively assessed oral health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral cancer prevention in Ethiopia. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral health professionals regarding oral cancer prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study design was used. The study took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from December 2022 to February 2023. A total of 370 dentists and other oral health professionals were invited to participate. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to predict factors associated with oral cancer knowledge and practices. Results: Of the oral health professionals invited, 278 participated (75% response rate). The majority (89.9%) demonstrated low knowledge of oral cancer, while over half (57.9%) reported good oral cancer-related practices. After conducting a univariable analysis to select variables for the final model, Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that professionals with less than 5 years of experience were nearly 3.7 times more likely to have high oral cancer knowledge (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.42–9.56). A favorable attitude was associated with good oral cancer-related practices (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.48-5.44). Approximately 80% of the participants held favorable attitudes toward oral cancer prevention. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant knowledge gap among participants regarding oral cancer, particularly in terms of diagnostic and clinical features, underscoring the need for continuous professional development and enhanced oral cancer education within the curriculum.