Knowledge and risk perception of oral cancer among rickshaw drivers in Karad City, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Introduction: Rickshaw drivers, who provide an important mode of public transport in urban and semiurban areas in India, are exposed to harmful environmental pollutants, unhealthy lifestyle, irregular meals, poor work posture, and most importantly habits such as tobacco and alcohol. Keeping all this in view, the present study was planned to analyze the knowledge and risk perception of oral cancer among rickshaw drivers in Karad city. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out among 300 autorickshaw drivers of Karad city from Western Maharashtra, India. The questionnaire used consisted of various items including tobacco and alcohol consumption, their working hours, and more importantly their awareness toward oral cancer including its early symptoms as well as their self-perceived risk assessment. Results: Out of the 300 autorickshaw drivers studied in the present study, 260 (86.7%) were either smoking or chewing tobacco in some of its forms. Only 36 (12%) of 300 participants thought they should undergo regular screening for oral cancer. Conclusion: Thus, the findings of this study reflect a significant need of increasing cancer awareness among the population of rickshaw drivers. Targeted counseling programs and oral cancer screening programs would enable catching the early signs of cancer and nipping it in its bud.

Keywords

• awareness
• oral cancer
• rickshaw drivers