PERCEPTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS AMONG GENERAL DENTISTS IN BANGALORE

Аннотация

INTRODUCTION serious health risks to affected individuals. Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially malignant disorder of Early diagnosis and appropriate management of the oral mucosa, primarily associated with the OSMF are crucial to prevent its progression to habitual consumption of areca nut (betel nut) and malignancy. As general dentists are often the first tobacco. Characterized by fibrosis, restricted point of contact for patients with oral mucosal mouth opening, and mucosal changes such as disorders, they play a vital role in the early blanching and burning sensations, OSMF is most detection, management, and prevention of OSMF. prevalent in South and Southeast Asia, with India However, studies have indicated varying levels of having one of the highest incidences. It is knowledge and differing approaches to the considered a significant risk factor for oral cancer, management of OSMF among dental professionals, with its malignant transformation potential posing especially in regions with high prevalence rates. https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajmspr 9 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH (ISSN – 2689-1026) VOLUME 06 ISSUE12 This inconsistency in the perception and practices administered questionnaire was developed to regarding OSMF is concerning, as it may impact the assess the participants' knowledge and outcomes of patient care, particularly in detecting management of OSMF. The questionnaire was and managing the disease at an early stage. divided into three sections: (a) demographic details of the respondents (age, years of In Bangalore, a major urban center with a diverse experience, area of practice), (b) knowledge about population and a high prevalence of oral habits the clinical features and risk factors of OSMF, linked to OSMF, understanding the awareness, including diagnostic methods, and (c) practices attitudes, and clinical management practices related to the management and treatment of OSMF. among general dentists is essential. This study The questions were a mix of multiple-choice, Likert seeks to assess the perception of general dentists in scale, and open-ended questions designed to Bangalore towards OSMF, their knowledge evaluate both the depth and breadth of the regarding its clinical features and diagnostic dentists' awareness and clinical approaches. methods, as well as the management strategies they adopt for treating the condition. By evaluating Pilot Testing: The questionnaire was pre-tested on the current practices, the study aims to identify a small group of 10 dentists to identify any issues gaps in knowledge and practice that may hinder with clarity, question structure, and length. Based optimal management and propose on the feedback, necessary revisions were made to recommendations for improving dental care improve the tool’s comprehensibility and related to OSMF. Enhanced awareness and relevance to the target group. evidence-based management approaches are Data Collection Process: After obtaining ethical critical for better oral health outcomes and the approval, the questionnaires were distributed to prevention of oral cancers in the region. the selected sample of general dentists in METHODOLOGY Bangalore. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaire voluntarily, and informed This study employs a cross-sectional survey design consent was obtained from all respondents. The to assess the perception, awareness, and data was collected over a period of two months, management practices regarding Oral Submucous with both online and paper-based surveys being Fibrosis (OSMF) among general dentists in used to ensure maximum participation. In total, Bangalore. The research is designed to gather both 200 completed questionnaires were received. quantitative and qualitative data from practicing general dentists to understand their knowledge, Data Analysis: The collected data were entered into attitudes, and clinical practices in managing OSMF. a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS) for analysis. Descriptive statistics, including Study Population and Sampling: The target frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, were population for this study consists of general used to assess the level of awareness and practice dentists practicing in Bangalore. A stratified patterns among the dentists. A comparative random sampling method was used to ensure analysis was performed to determine any representation from various dental practices significant differences in knowledge and across the city, including both private clinics and management practices based on demographic government institutions. Dentists with a minimum variables such as years of experience and practice of one year of clinical experience were included in location (private vs. government). Additionally, the study to ensure they had adequate exposure to open-ended responses were analyzed qualitatively a range of oral health condi