EVALUATING THE ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE PRACTICE AND MENTAL STRESS LEVEL AMONG SOFTWARE PROFESSIONALS WITH SMOKING HABIT IN TAMIL NADU - A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Introduction: Adult tobacco use is a public health concern, and among software professionals, lifestyle choices and jobrelated stress are risk factors. The negative effects of smoking will be more pronounced in today's youth due to early smoking initiation, as well as in the long run for young individuals who develop a smoking habit and continue to smoke into adulthood. The purpose and goals of this study are to evaluate the oral health disparities and degree of mental stress among Tamil Nadu's software workers. Using an online survey site, a cross-sectional study of Materials And Methods: software professionals in Tamil Nadu was carried out. The sample size was calculated to be 550 based on the percentage of software workers that smoke. All potential human resources received the online survey. The findings of statistical analysis on the responses gathered were attained. : In this study, the response rate was 86%, and th Results e prevalence of smokers—including both men and women—was 78%. There are some substantial differences in oral health among software workers who smoke, including tooth discoloration and poor aesthetics. After smoking, stress levels are noticeably lower, which has an effect on the development of smoking as a habit. : It is crucial to f Conclusion ocus on this population since smoking's negative effects on dental health and the mental health of software professionals because of their line of work are ongoing challenges. Tobacco control and tobacco cessation programmes also remain crucial public and individual health issues