Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Sudanese Oncology Residents Regarding Osteonecrosis of the Jaws for Patients Receiving Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy

Ahmed Moawia Elnour; Yousif I Eltohami; Yousif Osman Yousif

Abstract

AbstractBackground: Cancer patients in the Sudan present usually in advanced stages. Radio and/or chemotherapy had a significant role in the treatment of cancer. Osteonecrosis of the jaws secondary to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is considered a serious complication which needs careful handling as it affects the quality of life. Objective: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of oncology residents regarding osteonecrosis of the jaws of patients receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Methods: A web-based questionnaire survey was used for this descriptive cross-sectional study, which ran from June 2020 to December 2021. Results: This study had included 62 oncology residents, the majority of them were females, forty three of them (69.4%) had age range between 25–35 years old , forty five (72fewer than two years of experience (.6%).The present study showed that the mean knowledge score of respondents was 43 out of 100, 41(66%) with poor knowledge and 21(34%) with good knowledge. The mean attitude score was 57 out of 100 with 39(63%) of them showed a positive attitude. Thirty seven (60%) of the oncology residents did not counsel the patients with the adverse effects of bisphosphonates. Thirty two (51.6%) of the oncology residents sent patients for dental extraction 2–3 weeks before radiation which is the optimum time for that. Conclusion: The present study identified important knowledge gaps related to oncologist's knowledge and attitude regarding osteonecrosis among patients receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Most oncology residents demonstrated both low knowledge and a positive attitude. Keywords: Oncology, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, osteonecrosisCitation: Ahmed Moawia Elnour, Yousif I. Eltohami, Yousif Osman Yousif. Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Sudanese Oncology Residents Regarding Osteonecrosis of the Jaws for Patients Receiving Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy. Research & Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2022; 11(3): 1–10p.