Prevalence and social determinants associated with oral cancer in Al-Baha Region of Saudi Arabia: A seven-year retrospective cohort hospital-based study

Abstract

Background: The region of Al-Baha area of interest is associated with risk factors; yet no research in the literature has explored oral cancer (OC) and its associated social determinants and risk factors in this region. The aim of this study was to access the prevalence of OC in the Al-Baha region and its association with the social determinants and risk factors in this population. Methods: A retrospective cohort hospital-based study was conducted in Al-Baha Region between January 2012 and December 2019. Data collected from all the patients diagnosed with OC were extracted. OC was assessed based on the hospital records, histopathological data, and Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis (TNM) staging aided in cancer assessment. Detailed demographic data associated with OC was collected using semistructured telephonic interviews. Risk assessment was reviewed based on population, exposure of interest, and outcome. Results: A total of 19°C patients out of 421 cancer patients were diagnosed. The mean age for OC in males was 59.72 ± 15.83 years and 69.14 ± 5.86 years in females. Oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue was the most with one case of metastasis. The average estimate per day smoking, E- cigarettes, water pipe smoking was 14.55 ± 7.15, 11.15 ± 3.55, and 0.52 ± 4.7, respectively, with males' habits more than females. These contributes to the risk factors associated with socioeconomic factors. Conclusions: Al Baha region experiences different socioeconomic determinants with a lower prevalence of OC. The risk of OC is associated with various adverse oral habits, which can be prevented.

Keywords

• dental public health
• e-cigarettes
• oral cancer
• oral health
• smoking
• squamous cell carcinoma
• water pipe smoking