Abstract 65: Oral Health Inequalities Among Tobacco Users in the Tea Plantation Workers, Nilgiri Hills, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Tea is an important agro-industry of India, which contributes immensely to the countries economy. Poor socio-economic conditions, ignorance due to illiteracy, over-crowded and unhygienic living conditions in the residential colonies make tea garden population vulnerable. Hence this study was contemplated with an aim to assess the oral health status, tobacco use and cancer awareness among tea plantation workers, Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the prevalence of head and neck cancers among tobacco use and cancer awareness among tea plantation workers, Nilgiri Hills. Data was collected using a pretested Questionnaire, which included Demographic data, tobacco habits, its frequency and form. Oral examination for potentially malignant and cancerous lesions was done by the examiner. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: Results showed that among 900 study population, 57% had no formal education, 64.5% had indigenous brushing habits. Of those who had the habit of smoking, 26% smoked beedi, 10.9% smoked cigarette, 65% chewed raw tobacco, 18% chewed Hans and 28% had a combination of smoking and smokeless tobacco usage. 52% of oral mucosal and potentially malignant lesions, 6% oral cancers were observed. 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. Conclusion: The dangers from smoking and chewing tobacco are well documented within the literature but the public’s lack of knowledge of the risks is a concern. Health professionals are encouraged to ensure that the public is made aware of these risks, especially those within high-risk groups. Citation Format: Delfin Lovelina Francis. Oral Health Inequalities Among Tobacco Users in the Tea Plantation Workers, Nilgiri Hills, Tamilnadu, India [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 65.