Randomised trial of the psychological effect of information about oral cancer in primary care settings.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the immediate influence of a validated patient information leaflet (PIL) on patient anxiety and intention to have a screen for oral cancer in primary care attenders.


METHODS
Patients (n=800) attending their primary health care provider.


METHODS
Fourteen general practices (eight dental and six medical) in the northwest of England.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial with two arms: leaflets provided in information group, leaflet was absent in control group.


METHODS
Single item ratings of (1) intention to have an oral cancer screen, and (2) anxiety towards a screen, (3) perceived risk of oral cancer. Knowledge of oral cancer, self-reported dental service attendance history and demographic variables were also collected.


RESULTS
Patients who had read the oral cancer PIL demonstrated an increase in their intention to have a screen (Mann Whitney U test: z=-3.67, P<0.001) and reduced anxiety (Mann Whitney U test: z=-2.07, P<0.05). Subjective risk was not elevated by the extra information. Intention to have a screen was predicted by knowledge level and anxiety (odds ratios: 1.10 and 0.70 respectively, both P's<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The influence of an information leaflet appeared to have a positive effect on anxiety level and intentions to agree to receive an oral cancer screen.
Humphris
G M
GM
Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Whelan Building, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK. cpsy1@liverpool.ac.uk
Ireland
R S
RS
Field
E A
EA
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010174:Pamphlets; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*