Primary and secondary prevention strategies for oral Cancer: use of a mobile device system for data collection and screening of oral potentially malignant disorders and malignant lesions, in Ribeirão Preto-SP

• Grant number: 21/14435-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Fragoso Motta
• Grantee: Gilberto Ferro Junior
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oral Cancer is a major public health problem in Brazil, and little improvement in epidemiological indicators has been detected over time. In Ribeirão Preto, part of the oral cancer prevention and early diagnosis campaign involves the action of dentists in the annual flu vaccination campaign. The association of the two campaigns allows the extremely important interaction between dentists and the population, but it is still insufficient to cover all patients who might be affected by the disease. Currently, the great availability of mobile devices with Android and iOS systems has increased people's interest and motivation in using such devices as tools for health-related issues. In 2015, the research group led by Prof. Maria da Graça C. Pimentel, from the Institute of Mathematical and Computer Sciences of the University of São Paulo (ICMC/USP), campus of São Carlos, proposed the Experience Sampling and Programmed Intervention Method (ESPIM) for remote data collection and interventions for the population of interest in its natural environment. The method is instantiated by the ESPIM computer system, which allows specialists from different areas, including health, to design and develop their remote data collection and intervention programs. The developed program is presented as an interactive multimedia document displayed on mobiles with Android operating system as an application, called Smart ESPIM aNd Sensor Mobile (SENSEM), which is triggered to users at specific times, defined by the professional at authorship moment. The use of mobile devices for the screening of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and/or oral cancer is still scarce, but the few studies on this topic have demonstrated a great benefit in participation rates, especially in low-income populations. Thus, our proposal is to improve communication strategies in health education and data recording in the population of Ribeirão Preto region, with a focus on oral cancer prevention and detection of OPMD, through the ESPIM system and the SENSEM application. The methodology of this research proposal includes: (a) designing and creating the oral cancer intervention program in ESPIM system (alreeady performed during September/2020 to August/2021); (b) pilot study with the oral cancer intervention program in ESPIM system for testing adherence and efficacy of the planned remote intervention; (c) remote data collection; e (d) data analysis. It is expected to implement a system that allows personalized data collection and remote intervention in real time, in the context of oral cancer prevention. This work was approved by the Research Projects Evaluation Committee of the Municipal Health Department of Ribeirão Preto, and the Research Ethics Committee of the School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto - USP. All patients must give informed consent to participate in the research.(AU)