Tobacco/Smoking habits, Oral health status and awareness about Anti-smoking act in patients visiting to National Dental College and Hospital, Gulabgarh, Mohali, Punjab: A Cross-Sectional questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Background: Tobacco consumption is a major health menace owing to its widespread use. Impressionable curious mind of human being is highly prone to a number of influences within and outside the home, which lead to experimental use of tobacco. The addictive nature of tobacco is potent enough to turn this experimental user to regular user and ultimately an addict. Aim: To assess Tobacco /Smoking habits, Oral health status and awareness about Anti-smoking act in patients reporting to National Dental College and Hospital, vill.Gulabgarh, Distt Mohall. Method: A structured questionnaire consisting of 14 questions related to Tobacco/Smoking habits, Oral health status and awareness about Anti-smoking act were asked to patients and their response were recorded. Results: The study population consisted of total 215 patients, males 182(84.65%) and females 33(15.34%).Then questionnaires were asked and statistically analyzed. Around 143(78.57%) from 182 males were indulged in some form of tobacco usage (smoker=32.86%, tobacco chewer=16.78%, both=11.18%, alcohol+tobacco user=21.67%), In the present study, most common cause of tobacco use was pleasure 40.5%, inducing factor were friends 53.1% followed by parents and siblings. 36.20% patients used tobacco as second hand exposure in job places. About 70% of the study population used toothbrush and 77% used toothpaste for brushing. 54.8% were aware about the anti-smoking act in public places, so only 8.6% people from all males enrolled, were smoking in public places.