Author(s):
Muthuselvapathi. M, Devakirubai. E
Email(s):
muthuselvapathi@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00042 
Address:
Muthuselvapathi. M1, Devakirubai. E2
1Lecturer, Al Shifa College of Nursing, Lemon Valley, Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India.
2Dean, Sacred Heart Nursing College, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 14,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Oral cancer is the third most common cancer in India and the sixth most prevalent worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 90% of all oral cancers, and has a 5-year survival rate of around 60%. However, early diagnosis can increase the survival rate to over 90%. In 2020, the WHO estimated that there were 377,713 new cases of oral cancer and 177,757 deaths from the disease globally. It affects various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and other oral tissues, and is often associated with modifiable risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor diet, and inadequate oral hygiene. Aim: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of oral cancer awareness and prevention education on knowledge, skill, and attitude among auto drivers. Methodology: A quantitative research approach was used for this study. Non – equivalent pre-test post-test control group design, a quasi-experimental approach was adopted for this study. A total of 100 samples were selected purposively, out of which 50 were allotted to the experimental group and 50 were allotted control group. Data were collected using structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude scale towards oral cancer, and oral self-examination observational checklist. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The current study findings revealed that Oral Cancer Awareness and Prevention Education (OCAPE) was effective in increasing the knowledge on oral cancer (‘t’ = 25.09, P= 0.001); in improving the attitude (t’ = 27.40, P= 0.001); and in increasing the skill regarding oral self-examination (t’= 48.31, p= 0.001) of the auto drivers. There was very highly significant positive moderate correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0.45, p=<0.001), knowledge and skill (r = 0.35, p = <0.001), skill and attitude (r =0.48, p = < 0.001). There was significant association between pre-test knowledge score and place of residence (?² = 10.24, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study findings highlighted that nurses play a pivotal role in increasing the awareness, practice and attitude towards oral cancer among high-risk groups. The findings clearly elucidate that the awareness and education helps in adoption of appropriate life style measures to prevent oral cancer thus reducing the global burden of oral cancer.
Cite this article:
Muthuselvapathi. M, Devakirubai. E. Effectiveness of Oral Cancer awareness and Prevention Education on Knowledge, Skill and Attitude toward Oral Cancer among Auto Drivers. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;14(3):211-4. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00042
Cite(Electronic):
Muthuselvapathi. M, Devakirubai. E. Effectiveness of Oral Cancer awareness and Prevention Education on Knowledge, Skill and Attitude toward Oral Cancer among Auto Drivers. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;14(3):211-4. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00042 Available on: https://www.ijneronline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-14-3-7
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