Evaluation and correlation of oral cancer phobia and anxiety in oral submucous fibrosis patients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective

Oral Cancer Phobia and anxiety in patients having premalignant conditions like Oral Submucous fibrosis (OSMF) needs to be evaluated so as to provide an overall effective management to these patients.

Methods & materials

Patients having OSMF were tested for oral cancer phobia and anxiety using the validated Marathi translation of CAI and 5-item version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire respectively. The correlation was obtained for Oral cancer phobia, anxiety, and socio-demographic status.

Results

Cancer phobia and anxiety (mild to severe) were present in all the participants with the majority (65 %) having severe scores and significantly correlated with each other (p value < 0.001). Their scores significantly increased with an increase in grades of OSMF. A co-relation with socio-demographic profiles revealed females to be more affected by severe cancerophobia and anxiety. Patients with less education and housewives had greater levels of cancerophobia and anxiety. Housewives were also more concerned about acquiring cancer.

Conclusion

Cancer phobia and anxiety are prevalent in Oral Submucous Fibrosis patients highlighting the significance of identifying and providing psychological therapy as an important part of OSMF management protocol.