370P - An assessment of tobacco use and cancer awareness among (tea plantation workers) Irula tribes, Nilgiri hills, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Background: India has the second largest tribal population of the world next to the African countries. About half of the world’s autochthonous people live in India, thus making India home to many tribes which have an interesting and varied history of origins, customs and social practices. Tea is an important agro-industry of India, which contributes immensely to the countries economy. Tea garden population constitutes approximately 1/12th of tea growing state's population. Poor socio-economic conditions, ignorance due to illiteracy, over-crowded and unhygienic living conditions in the residential colonies make tea garden population vulnerable to various communicable diseases and malnutrition. Hence this study was contemplated with an aim to assess the oral health status, tobacco use and cancer awareness among tea plantation workers, the irula tribes of Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the tobacco use and cancer awareness among 900 tea plantation workers who are tribal in origin. Data was collected using a pretested Questionnaire, which included Demographic data, tobacco habits, its frequency and form. Oral examination was done by a single examiner. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version15. Results: showed that among 900 study population, showed 57% had no formal education, 34.5% had not visited dentist before. 64.5% had indigenous brushing habits. 52% of oral mucosal lesions and 6% malignant oral tumors were observed. A very high prevalence of periodontal disease, tobacco chewing, deep rooted beliefs and customs regarding dentition and dental treatment was observed in this community. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in the study population was due to tobacco usage and lack of awareness regarding the deleterious effects of the products used. Conclusions: From the results of this study it may be concluded that the Irula tribes were characterized by a lack of awareness about oral health, deep rooted dental beliefs, high prevalence of tobacco use and limited access to health services. Legal entity responsible for the study: N/A Funding: None Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.