Researchers

Mohammad Zakaria Nassani, Anas Alsalhani, Faisal Mehsen Alali, Samer Rastam, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Abdullah Saad Alqahtahni, Ali Robaian, Faisal S. Alhedyan, Abdullah Bin Nabhan, Adel Alenazi, Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Ali Alrafedah, Abdullah Ahmed Abbas Alleft, Banna Alnufaiy, Rafif Alshenaiber, Rawda Omar Alghabban, Maram Alagla, Mohammed A. S. Abuelqomsan, Maya Al-Joukhadar, Noujoud Al Zahed, Shorouk Darwish, Azza Sioufi, Enass Shamsy, Omar Kujan, Mohammed Noushad, Sadeq Ali Al-Maweri, Abdulaziz Binrayes, Basem Sabbagh, Bassel Tarakji

Published in

JAMA Network Open, volume 8, NO. 3, e250522, March 2025.

Abstract

Importance: Public awareness of oral cancer is crucial for prevention, early detection, and improved survival rates. Knowledge gaps in Middle Eastern and North African countries and areas for public education need to be assessed.

Objective: To evaluate public knowledge and awareness of oral cancer, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, and protective measures, in Middle Eastern and North African countries.

Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an open, web-based questionnaire from January to December 2022 across 13 Middle Eastern and North African countries (Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman). Participants were recruited from the general adult population via social media platforms.

Conclusions and Relevance: This study found a significant lack of oral cancer awareness in Middle Eastern and North African populations, particularly among individuals with lower levels of education and those who used tobacco. Findings also underscore the critical role of dental professionals in improving public knowledge of oral cancer through targeted educational interventions.

Keywords: Oral Cancer, Knowledge, protective, Middle East, North Africa.

Link to full paper

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0522