Work

Evaluation and correlation of oral cancer phobia and anxiety in oral submucous fibrosis patients: A cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: Oral Cancer Phobia and anxiety in patients having premalignant conditions like Oral Submucous fibrosis (OSMF) needs to be evaluated so as to provide an overall effective management to these patients. Methods & materials: Patients having OSMF were tested for oral cancer phobia and anxiety using the validated Marathi translation of CAI and 5-item version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire respectively. The correlation was obtained for Oral cancer phobia, anxiety, and socio-demographic status. Results: Cancer phobia and anxiety (mild to severe) were present in all the participants with the majority (65 %) having severe scores and significantly correlated with each other (p value < 0.001). Their scores significantly increased with an increase in grades of OSMF. A co-relation with socio-demographic profiles revealed females to be more affected by severe cancerophobia and anxiety. Patients with less education and housewives had greater levels of cancerophobia and anxiety. Housewives were also more concerned about acquiring cancer. Conclusion: Cancer phobia and anxiety are prevalent in Oral Submucous Fibrosis patients highlighting the significance of identifying and providing psychological therapy as an important part of OSMF management protocol.

Source: Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2025.04.008

Authors: Ashita Ritesh Kalaskar, Gauri Ashok Somani, Ritesh Rambharose Kalaskar

Institution: Govt. Dental College & Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Oral Health Pathology and Treatment

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,800