Determinants of Diagnostic Delays in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Insights from Demographic and Socio-Economic...

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. Timely diagnosis is critical for improving patient outcomes; however, diagnostic delays remain a concern. Understanding the factors that contribute to these delays is essential for developing effective interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical determinants of diagnostic delay in patients with OSCC.

This cross-sectional study included 226 patients with OSCC. Demographic data, including age, sex, marital status, education, and monthly household income, were collected. The time from symptom onset to definitive diagnosis was recorded. Stratified analysis and chi-square tests were conducted to assess the association between demographic and socioeconomic factors and diagnostic delays.

The mean diagnostic delay was 55.2 days, with 61.9% of the patients experiencing delays exceeding 40 days. Older age (>50 years), single marital status, lower educational level, and lower monthly income were associated with longer diagnostic delays (p < 0.05). Delays in biopsy sample collection also correlated with increased diagnostic delay (p < 0.05).

Demographic and socioeconomic factors significantly influence diagnostic delays in patients with OSCC. Targeted interventions to address these disparities are crucial for improving early detection and enhancing patient outcomes.