Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Pratibha S. Sharma
1230pratibha@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Tobacco is considered as a prime risk factor in the development of oral malignancy. It is being used widely in varied forms in South Asian countries, leading to increased mortality. Hence, it becomes necessary to increase awareness among general population about its ill effects. Materials and Methods: A 10 item self-administered questionnaire study was conducted on 300 outpatients attending the Department
of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Results: Out of total 300, 89% of patients were consuming smokeless tobacco, 7% were consuming smoking form and 4% were consuming a combination of both. About 45.3% of patients had started smokeless form as a casual habit while smoking form had been started in 31.8% of patients due to peer pressure. About 67.7% of patients were aware of the oral changes that occur and 72% were
aware of the fact that tobacco causes oral cancer. About 77.7% of patients wanted to quit the habit and 86% of patients were unaware of any de-addiction centers in their vicinity. Conclusion: Outcomes from our study outline that, regardless of the majority of the patients being aware of the adverse effects of tobacco and also expressing their desire to quit the habit, still continue its abuse. This may be attributed to their lack of knowledge and access to the centers which could guide them. Hence active initiatives and awareness drives are vital to overcome addiction.
Keywords: Attitude, Awareness, Oral cancer, Tobacco.