A New Approach to Tobacco Cessation by Using Chart of 5A's Based on National Guidelines

Abstract

Background: The use of tobacco is linked to cultural and social practices in India. It is the primary cause of oral cancer. Dental health professionals are trained to identify signs of tobacco use following visual examinations of the oral cavity. Through the establishment of Tobacco cessation centers in dental colleges, the dentist receives training in providing tobacco cessation counseling to tobacco users. Thus each patient that seeks dental treatment in dental colleges is also screened for tobacco use and then counseled as appropriate. Aim and objectives: (1) To assess the nicotine dependence. (2) To assess the prevalence of oral diseases. (3) To carry out a detailed and effective tobacco cessation program.(4) To use the newly made chart of 5A's and assess the usefulness of the chart in tobacco cessation counseling. Materials and Methods: The sample size of 100 patients who were tobacco users age 15 to 80 years was selected. 06 questions from the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence were used to elicit the nicotine dependence. The tobacco cessation program and detailed counseling were carried out. Statistical Analysis: Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Of 100 patients, 57 were highly dependent, 38 were moderately dependent, and 5 were minimally dependent on Nicotine. After Tobacco cessation counseling patients reported back within 8 months, and their nicotine dependence was assessed again using the Fagerstrom questionnaire and was found that: 28 patients were tobacco-free having 0 scores of nicotine dependence, 67 patients were minimally dependent having scored from 1 to 3, 06 patients were moderately dependent having score from 4 to 7. Not a single patient of 100 was highly dependent on nicotine. Conclusions: Establishing a Tobacco cessation center using cognitive and behavioral counseling through the pictorial chart of 5AS, informative leaflets, awareness videos, and regular follow-up has proven effective in helping tobacco users to quit tobacco.