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Background <p>Oral cavity cancer (OCC) remains a major global public health challenge, with disproportionately high morbidity and mortality in developing regions. In the West Bank, OCC incidence and mortality are among the highest in the Middle East and North Africa. As primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for high-risk individuals, adequate training in early detection is essential. This study assessed OCC-related knowledge and clinical practices among medical students and interns in the West Bank and examined academic and institutional predictors of competency.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026, among medical students and interns from five universities in the West Bank. Data were collected using a content‑validated and pilot‑tested questionnaire adapted from previously validated instruments. The questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, knowledge (21 items), and clinical practices (4 items). Scores were categorized into proficiency levels. Non-parametric tests, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariable linear regression were applied, with statistical significance set at <i>P</i> &lt; 0.05.</p> Results <p>A total of 488 participants (mean age 21.73 ± 1.69 years; 56.6% female) were included. The median total knowledge score was 14 (IQR: 9–17) out of a maximum possible score of 21, while the median clinical practice score was 3 (IQR: 2–4) out of a maximum of 4. Awareness of smoking (81.6%) and alcohol (87.1%) as risk factors was high, while recognition of low fruit/vegetable intake (35.7%) and ill-fitting dentures (29.3%) was limited. Although 92.4% identified squamous cell carcinoma as the most common malignancy, only 47.5% recognized high-risk anatomical sites. A “talk vs. touch” gap was observed: 80.7% routinely asked about tobacco use, but only 47.3% routinely examined the oral mucosa. Knowledge and practice were weakly correlated (rs = 0.167, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001). Academic year predicted knowledge (β = 0.250, <i>P</i> = 0.010), and clinical practice scores increased significantly from the fourth year onward (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusion <p>Despite moderate theoretical awareness, gaps persist in anatomical knowledge and clinical screening practices. Early clinical integration and structured training are needed to improve OCC detection and reduce disease burden in resource-limited settings.</p>

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Oral cavity cancer knowledge and clinical practices among medical students and interns in the West Bank: a cross-sectional study

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月31日

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  • Maaweya Jabareen,
  • Fatma Hamdan,
  • Wasef Alhroub,
  • Taha Z. Makhlouf,
  • Abdalqader Aljaradat,
  • Raghad Batran,
  • Asil Nasrallah,
  • Ro’a Draidi

摘要

Background

Oral cavity cancer (OCC) remains a major global public health challenge, with disproportionately high morbidity and mortality in developing regions. In the West Bank, OCC incidence and mortality are among the highest in the Middle East and North Africa. As primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for high-risk individuals, adequate training in early detection is essential. This study assessed OCC-related knowledge and clinical practices among medical students and interns in the West Bank and examined academic and institutional predictors of competency.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026, among medical students and interns from five universities in the West Bank. Data were collected using a content‑validated and pilot‑tested questionnaire adapted from previously validated instruments. The questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, knowledge (21 items), and clinical practices (4 items). Scores were categorized into proficiency levels. Non-parametric tests, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariable linear regression were applied, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 488 participants (mean age 21.73 ± 1.69 years; 56.6% female) were included. The median total knowledge score was 14 (IQR: 9–17) out of a maximum possible score of 21, while the median clinical practice score was 3 (IQR: 2–4) out of a maximum of 4. Awareness of smoking (81.6%) and alcohol (87.1%) as risk factors was high, while recognition of low fruit/vegetable intake (35.7%) and ill-fitting dentures (29.3%) was limited. Although 92.4% identified squamous cell carcinoma as the most common malignancy, only 47.5% recognized high-risk anatomical sites. A “talk vs. touch” gap was observed: 80.7% routinely asked about tobacco use, but only 47.3% routinely examined the oral mucosa. Knowledge and practice were weakly correlated (rs = 0.167, P < 0.001). Academic year predicted knowledge (β = 0.250, P = 0.010), and clinical practice scores increased significantly from the fourth year onward (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite moderate theoretical awareness, gaps persist in anatomical knowledge and clinical screening practices. Early clinical integration and structured training are needed to improve OCC detection and reduce disease burden in resource-limited settings.