Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Boddeda Suma Priyanka
sumapriyankab@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Fishing is one such hazardous vocation that entails an irregular diet, stress, deleterious habits, lower socioeconomic standing,
and illiteracy contributes to poor dental hygiene, which may have an impact on both general and oral health. Aims: The aim of the study was
to assess the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and their impact on oral health-related quality of life among the fisherman community in
Vishakhapatnam. Methods and Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 fishermen in Visakhapatnam district,
Andhra Pradesh, to assess the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and their impact on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) through a
self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test was used for comparisons between oral mucosal lesions and their impact on OHRQoL with a
confidence interval, and statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions is 66.3%. Of the participants,
26.7% had oral mucosal lesions such as oral submucous fibrosis, smoker’s palate, tobacco pouch keratosis, and tobacco-induced keratosis
15.7% had abscess and 0.98% had leukoplakia. 45.5% of study participants had difficulties in eating with their teeth, mouth, or dentures which
is statistically significant. Conclusion: According to this study, the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions is affecting the OHRQoL of fishermen.
Young individuals from this community must be chosen and educated to provide dental health education.