Abstract
Objective: The present study was done to evaluate the awareness of people involved in cultivation of areca nut from Tamil Nadu on various oral and systemic health effects of chewing areca nut. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among areca nut cultivators from various districts of Tamil Nadu. People involved in the cultivation of areca nut were included in the study. 500 individuals participated in the study. They were instructed to complete a pre-tested questionnaire with 25 questions. Results: 58% of the participants were males and 42% were females. Dryness of the mouth from decreased production of saliva due to areca chewing was known to 57% of the study participants. 39% of the participants were aware of addiction. Oral cancer from areca nut chewing in various forms with/without tobacco was also known to 51% of them. 86% of them were prepared to quit the habit and 92% of them admitted that government has banned the sale of commercial pan masala products. Conclusion: The study evaluated the awareness of oral and systemic effects of chewing areca nut among people involved in cultivation of areca nut from rural parts of Tamil Nadu. Appropriate regulatory measures are critical for educating people from a variety of occupational and socioeconomic backgrounds in both rural and urban areas.
Published Version
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