The awareness and attitudes of oral disease specialists, pathologists, and maxillofacial surgeons in oral exfoliative cytology in Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Background: The present work examines the awareness and attitudes of specialists in oral diseases, pathology, and maxillofacial surgery in 2022 regarding oral exfoliative cytology. Methods: This study was an analytical and cross-sectional research. The statistical population of the present study included Iranian oral disease specialists, pathologists, and maxillofacial surgeons. A researcher-made questionnaire was given to the specialists by a senior (final-year) student. The results were analyzed using the chi-square test and t-test using SPSS 18 software. The significance level in data analysis was P<0.05. Results: A total of 192 questionnaires were completed in the study; the study revealed that only 18 participants used the exfoliative cytology technique. Moreover, 62% of people had a positive attitude towards the application and performance of cytology. There was a significant relationship between positive attitude, field of study, graduation year, and age. The mean awareness scores in men and women were 32.38±4.21 and 34.42±3.89, respectively. The participants had a high awareness and positive attitude towards this technique. Additionally, the mean awareness scores of oral specialists, surgeons, and pathologists were 33.12±4.23, 33.65±5.12, and 33.45±5.34, respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that only 9.4 percent of participants used the exfoliative cytology technique. However, they were highly aware of and had a positive attitude to this technique.