Lungu, Nathan2025-02-142023-10Lungu, Nathan. (2023). Factors associated with delayed presentation among patients with oral cancer in Malawi central hospitals. [Masters dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43877https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43877A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Oral Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023Background: Oral cancer patients are prone to delays in visiting healthcare facilities resulting in delayed diagnosis, poor prognosis, disfigurement of patients, and increase in management costs. Objective: The aim was to assess factors related to health-seeking delay among patients with oral cancer in Malawi's central hospitals. Methodology: This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients with oral cancer. The study was conducted in all Malawi referral hospitals' dental clinics from April to June 2023 using a closed-ended, structured questionnaire. Results: Thirty-six (52.94%) patients visited the hospital when in pain, and 66.18% (n=45) were not aware of oral cancer. A significant, statistical relationship (p=0.042) was identified between the delay and reporting to the nearest health care facility. Conclusion: Lack of awareness, pain and distance to the nearest health care facility were associated with delays. Education and awareness in primary health care can help prevent treatment delays.en©2023 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.FactorsDelayed presentationOral cancerMalawiUCTDSDG-3: Good health and well-beingSDG-4: Quality educationDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg