Betel Nut Use Research Articles

Social media, peer norms, and betel nut susceptibility and use: Evidence from early adolescents in Guam.

Betel (areca) nut is an addictive psychoactive substance considered to be carcinogenic. Yet not much is known about factors that may be promoting betel nut use. To fill this void, the present study examines the roles of exposure to betel nut-related posts on social media and peer norms regarding betel nut use in explaining betel nut susceptibility and use among adolescents. We conducted a representative survey of early adolescents (N = 673) attending all public middle schools on Guam, a United States-Affiliated Pacific Island in the Western Pacific. Results showed that exposure to betel nut-related posts on social media was positively associated with peer descriptive norms regarding betel nut use. Specifically, the more frequent early adolescents were exposed to betel nut posts on social media, the more likely they were to perceive betel nut use to be more prevalent among their general peers and close friends. Additionally, early adolescents' exposure to betel nut-related posts on social media was positively associated with both their susceptibility to use betel nut and reported use. Descriptive norms regarding close friends' betel nut use was also positively associated with both susceptibility to and use of betel nut. However, descriptive norms regarding general peers' betel nut use was unrelated with either betel nut susceptibility or use. Descriptive norms regarding close friends' betel nut use mediated the relationships that exposure to betel nut posts on social media had with both betel nut susceptibility and betel nut use. Implications are discussed.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Indian Immigrants in Australia towards Oral Cancer and Their Perceived Role of General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Oral cancer is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. With the increasing immigration of Indians to Australia, a potential rise in oral cancer cases can be expected if they continue engaging in oral cancer risk practices. Unfortunately, little is known on this topic in the Australian context. This study aimed to generate new insights into this area by examining Indian immigrants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral cancer in Australia and their perceived role of general practitioners in raising oral cancer awareness. Exploring these aspects could determine the oral cancer risk behaviours of Indians in Australia along with any contributing factors which could help identify potential preventative strategies. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 164 Indians across Australia. Data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive statistics. Respondents had varying levels of knowledge about oral cancer (mean total score 61%), particularly around risk factors such as alcohol and areca nut use as well as oral cancer-related signs/symptoms. The majority (87.7%) had not received any information about oral cancer in a health care setting but were receptive (71–90%) to general practitioners playing a more active role in this area. Respondents were engaging in positive preventative oral health care though few were currently (6.7%) or previously (14.7%) chewing tobacco preparations. Further research is needed through larger studies to confirm the study findings and inform the development of culturally tailored strategies particularly involving general practitioners, to raise oral cancer awareness and provide early screening for Indian immigrants.

Detection of oral cancer using deep learning approach

Globally, oral cancer is becoming more and more of an issue, and in some nations, like Taiwan, India, and Sri Lanka, it is at the very top of the list. Tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut use are responsible for more than 95% of all mouth cancer cases (BQ). In Western nations, smoking and alcohol consumption are the two biggest risk factors, but in Asian nations, smoking and BQ usage are the two most risk factors. It is alarming how frequently people with advanced oral cancer arrive. The best method for minimising personal illness burden, lowering morbidity and mortality, and enhancing quality of life. The detection, evaluation, and treatment of oral cancer remain challenges for the dental profession. In the proposed approach, deep learning algorithm has been used to simulate the development of cancer diagnosis and therapy, and they are successful in predicting future outcomes of a cancer. For the best outcomes in the detection and diagnosis of oral cancer, an effective deep learning and feature selection approach utilising Alex net model has been applied.Overall, 500 images with different resolution were used in our system.

Dental Health Utilization in the Republic of Palau: A Survey to Determine Feasibility of an Oral Cancer Screening Program

PURPOSE Oral cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Palau. Betel nut use is a highly prevalent cultural tradition in Palau and also a carcinogen, whose effect may be synergistic with the addition of smokeless tobacco in betel quid in the development of oral cancer. Prognosis can be improved with early detection. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of an oral cancer screening program using existing dental health infrastructure with mixed methods assessment of utilization of dental health resources by adults in Palau. METHODS An Internet-based survey was used. Both quantitative and qualitative assessments of dental health care utilization were explored. Quantitative analyses of survey responses were done using descriptive and analytical statistical functions. Open-ended survey questions were coded and analyzed for emergent themes to develop recommendations for the proposed intervention. RESULTS The survey was available (Facebook Ads) for 9 days. There were 223 completed surveys, age range was 18-75 (mean = 42.7 years), 177 (80.1%) identified as female, 60.4% reside on Koror, and 60.4% have some university/college level education. Dental care was seen to be important (mean score 82.27). Most felt there were no major barriers to seeing a dentist (n = 164, 72.5%). Themes pertaining to barriers to access focused on lack of availability of appointments and cost. Themes pertaining to facilitators included multilevel resources and services provided by dental clinics. CONCLUSION Dental care is important to Palauans, and most would prefer to have this occur in a clinic setting. The themes generated suggest that while there are important facilitators that are in place to promote seeking and obtaining dental care, the existing infrastructure and access to dental care currently do not support an oral cancer screening program. However, these data do provide important areas to address the delays associated with dental care that can improve access and support the implementation of oral cancer screening in the future.

Social Cognitive Theory Constructs That Predict Betel Nut Chewing Among Secondary Students in the Solomon Islands

Background: After alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, areca or betel nut is the fourth most commonly abused substance in the world. The prevalence of betel nut use in the Solomon Islands is estimated at 68% in young people. Long-term use can result in detrimental health outcomes such as oral cancers and metabolic syndrome. Methods: The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine whether the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) can predict betel nut use in Year 12 secondary students in the Solomon Islands. Five SCT constructs of expectations (outcome expectations and outcome expectancies), self-efficacy, self-efficacy to overcome barriers, self-control, and environment were used to build a model for the study. Data were collected from a convenience quota sample of 138 Year 12 secondary students through a 37-item questionnaire. Results: Multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression analysis indicated self-efficacy to overcome barriers (<em>p</em> < .01) was the only construct significantly related to intent to not chew betel nut. Conclusion: Social cognitive theory (SCT) was weakly predictive with low explained variance for not chewing betel nut in secondary students. Research findings contribute to knowledge useful for developers of school health programs and researchers working on strategies to improve intervention actions to reduce betel nut use. The SCT could be bolstered by newer theories like the integrative model or multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change for designing educational interventions aimed at limiting betel nut use in young people, especially school students.

Areca Nut and Oral Cancer: Evidence from Studies Conducted in Humans

Areca nut chewing is one of the major risk factors for oral cancer, with large-magnitude risks reported in studies comparing betel quid chewers and never users, and it has been evaluated as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Data from a high-quality meta-analysis examining risk estimates are presented in summary form with additional information from more recent studies (pooled adjusted relative risk, 7.9; 95% CI, 7.1 to 8.7). The risk of oral cancer increases in a dose-response manner with the daily number of quids consumed and the number of years chewing. In the Indian subcontinent and in Taiwan, approximately half of oral cancers reported are attributed to betel quid chewing (population attributable fraction, 53.7% for residents in Taiwan and 49.5% for the Indian population), a disease burden that could be prevented. Oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis are 2 main oral potentially malignant disorders caused by areca nut chewing that can progress to oral cancer with continued use. Ex-chewers seem to demonstrate lower risks than current chewers, but the impact of areca nut cessation on oral cancer risk has not been scientifically evaluated on the basis of randomized controlled studies. These data strongly reconfirm that betel quid chewing, primarily areca nut use, should be taken into account in assessing the cancer risk of South Asian, East Asian populations and Pacific Islanders for the development of oral cancer.

Betel nut: the prevalence of a carcinogenic substance as a social food—a study based on Xiangtan, Hunan province, China

ABSTRACT Background Betel nut is a popular but addictive and carcinogenic food. Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, China, is a typical area where betel nut is in vogue. Method We traced the use, spread and prevalence of betel nut in Xiangtan City through literature review, and data collection. Results The prevalence of betel nut in Xiangtan City is closely related to the behavioral choices of local people, betel nut enterprises, and the local government. The public’s pursuit for betel nut chewing, the continuous development and innovation of betel nut enterprises and the support, and promotion of local government have jointly formed a positive closed-loop that promotes the popularity of betel nut locally. Conclusions The interaction amongst the public, the government, and betel nut enterprises provides a breakthrough path for subsequent prevention and reduction of betel nut chewing and betel nut-related oral diseases.

Association between socioeconomic status and severity of oral epithelial dysplasia using a Taiwanese Nationwide Oral Mucosal Screening Program: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the association between socioeconomic status and severity of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) using current data from the Taiwanese Nationwide Oral Mucosal Screening Program (TNOMSP).MethodsThis retrospective analysis was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at a general hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 134 participants were analysed from a previous study database of 150 patients. The inclusion criteria included age > 20 years and a history of either tobacco or betel nut use. Background information, including para-habits such as betel and tobacco use, was analysed using the Pearson chi-square (χ2) test; furthermore, the correlation of background information with OED severity was investigated using logistic regression (mild or moderate/severe).ResultsHigh school education level (P < 0.001), poor self-awareness (P = 0.002), current betel use (P < 0.001), and tobacco use (P = 0.003) were highly correlated with moderate- and severe OED (P < 0.05). The odds ratio (OR) of education status above senior high school was 0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01–0.15, P < 0.001), while that of junior high school was 1. Current betel chewing (OR 6.57 [95% CI 1.17–37.0], P = 0.033) was significantly associated with OED severity compared with never or ex-use of betel.ConclusionsWe found a strong correlation between the severity of OED and current betel use and low education status. The current study revealed that the socioeconomic status, poor self-awareness, and para-habit history of the patients with OED should be evaluated to identify high-risk individuals using TNOMSP.

How Do Adolescents Assess and Rank the Risk of Areca Nut Use? Findings from a Study in Mumbai, India.

Objective:Areca nut use, along with tobacco, is a contributor to India’s high rates of oral cancer. Areca nut use is culturally accepted, often initiated early in adolescence, and said to lead to later tobacco use. Unlike tobacco prevention, there are scarce prevention or harm-reduction programmes or campaigns specifically targeted at areca nut. Methods:A participative ranking method was used to understand adolescents’ assessment of risks of areca nut. Five focus group discussions were conducted with 31 adolescents, 19 fe-male and 12 male, non-users and users of chewing tobacco, water-pipe (hookah) and areca nut. Participants categorized and ranked the risk of 16 activities, including the use of areca nut and various tobacco-products, and discussed reasons for these risk-rankings. Results:Despite differences between groups on the assessment of risks associated with the 16 different activities, all the groups, user and non-user, rated cigarette smoking as having the highest risk, chewing fennel and using mouth fresheners as no risk, and areca nut as low risk. The other activities were ranked differently by each group. Adolescents’ perceptions of smoking or online games as risky was influenced by greater exposure to messaging on harmful consequences of the activity through multiple channels such as mass media, interpersonal networks including parents, and classroom health-education sessions. Inadequate knowledge about the harmful consequences of areca nut use, greater social and cultural acceptability, and the sweet taste of commercially packaged areca nut influenced low-risk perceptions. Conclusion:Perceptions of risk from an activity often determines preventive behaviors. Presently, adolescents do not perceive areca use as risky. In comparison to smoking they con-sider it less harmful. More research is required to better understand areca nut use and its cul-tural determinants. However, targeted health communication messages and prevention poli-cies and programmes have to be initiated to reduce areca nut use and associated burden of oral cancer.

Oral cancer risk behaviours of Indian immigrants in Australia: a qualitative study

ObjectiveOral cancer is widespread in South Asia, particularly India. In Australia, Indians are one of the fastest‐growing communities. This study aimed to explore the oral cancer‐related knowledge, attitudes and practices of Indian immigrants in Australia. MethodsFourteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Indian immigrants residing across New South Wales and Victoria. Purposive and snowball sampling were used for recruitment. Data were analysed through a directed content analysis approach. ResultsAll participants were knowledgeable of oral cancer risks associated with tobacco and alcohol, but few were familiar with the harmful effects of areca nut preparations. Varied attitudes were evident with most participants acknowledging the importance of oral cancer check‐ups, yet very few followed this practice. All participants admitted engaging in oral cancer risk practices including areca nut use at least once or more in their lifetime. ConclusionOral cancer risk practices are common among Indian immigrants in Australia who possess limited knowledge with varying attitudes in this area. Implications for public healthPreventative strategies are needed to limit the use of oral cancer risk products among Indian immigrants. General practitioners and community organisations can play a key role in raising awareness in this area.

Factors Associated with Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene and Malondialdehyde among Adults near a Petrochemical Factory: Implications for Sex and Lifestyle Modification.

Background: The association between the biomarkers of environmental exposure, oxidative stress, and health-related behaviors in community residents living in an endemic viral hepatitis area and near petrochemical industrial complexes remains unclear. From a health promotion perspective, healthcare providers must know what to do for residents concerned about their health and living environment, especially for individual-level and modifiable risk factors. Therefore, we aimed to explore the factors associated with urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and February 2019 in western coastal Yunlin County, Taiwan. All participants lived within a 10 km radius of a large petrochemical complex and did not work in the factory. This study was conducted with the local hospital through annual community health screening. Biological samples were collected and biomarkers determined and quantified in the central laboratory of the collaborating hospital. Results: A total of 6335 adult residents completed the study. The mean age was 47.7 (SD = 16) years. Out of the total population, 56.4% were female, 30.1% had metabolic syndrome (MetS), and 16.8% and 14.3% had hepatitis B virus antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) positivity, respectively. The median 1-OHP and MDA level was 0.11 and 0.9 μg/g creatinine with an interquartile range of 0.07–0.18, and 0.4–1.5, respectively. The MDA levels correlated with specific diseases. The multivariable ordinal logistic regression model revealed that female sex, smoking, betel nut use, HBsAg, and anti-HCV positivity were associated with higher 1-OHP levels. In men, MetS was associated with higher 1-OHP levels and regular exercise with lower 1-OHP levels. High MDA levels were associated with smoking, betel nut users, HBsAg, and anti-HCV positivity. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of initiating individualized health promotion programs for residents near petrochemical factories, especially for adults with substance-use and cardiometabolic risk factors. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide further treatment to patients with viral hepatitis.

Exposure to tobacco and betel nut content on social media, risk perceptions, and susceptibility to peer influence among early adolescents in Guam

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the associations between exposure to tobacco and betel nut-related content on social media, perceived risks of tobacco and betel nut use, and susceptibility to peer influence for tobacco and betel nut use among adolescents living in Guam, a United States-Affiliated Pacific Island in the Western Pacific. MethodsA representative survey of adolescents (N = 670) attending public middle schools on Guam was conducted. The survey measured exposure to tobacco and betel nut content on the following social media platforms: (a) Facebook, (b) Twitter, (c) Instagram, (d) Snapchat, and (e) WhatsApp. The survey also measured perceived risks of tobacco and betel nut use and susceptibility to peer influence for tobacco and betel nut use. ResultsGuam adolescents’ exposure to tobacco-related content on social media was found to be associated with lower perceived risks toward the use of tobacco (β = −0.18, p < 0.001) and betel nut (β = −0.16, p < 0.001). Also, exposure to tobacco-related content on social media was found to be associated with higher levels of susceptibility to peer influence for uses of both tobacco (β = 0.10, p < 0.05) and betel nut (β = 0.15, p < 0.001). Similarly, exposure to betel nut-related content on social media was associated with lower perceived risks of using betel nut (β = −0.20, p < 0.001) and tobacco (β = −0.24, p < 0.001). Also, exposure to betel nut-related content on social media was associated with increased susceptibility to peer influence for use of both betel nut (β = 0.35, p < 0.001) and tobacco (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). ConclusionsAdolescents’ exposure to tobacco- and betel nut-related content on social media may influence attitudinal risk factors associated with tobacco and betel nut use.

Betel Nut and Arecoline: Past, Present, and Future Trends

ABSTRACT The areca nut, commonly known as betel nut, has been the subject of consistent scientific study over the past 5 decades. Betel nut is a natural compound chewed for its psychostimulating effects. Arecoline, the primary alkaloid of betel nut, is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist producing cholinergic effects on the parasympathetic nervous system and a psychoactive agent, contributing to the psycho-stimulating effects. Importantly the betel nut use is also associated with oral leucoplakia, submucous fibrosis, and squamous cell carcinoma. This narrative review explores the past, present, and future aspects of betel nut use, its historical applications, the development of biomarkers research, its health value concerns, and health economic impacts.

Highlights from 2022: Innovations in Digital Health, Diagnostics, and Biomarkers

The second volume of Innovations in Digital Health, Diagnostics and Biomarkers (IDDB) has successfully come to a close. The Journal was launched during a historic pandemic, and as the fields of biomedical research and healthcare are now moving into a transition period (from the pandemic emergency towards a new normal), it is evident that the pandemic has been a universal catalyst for innovative thinking. During such transition, drivers for change have ranged from introducing new technologies to developing new operating frameworks for existing capacities, anchored in a context-dependent manner. Thus, the emerging innovations vary and often reflect a regionally defined and fragmented set of requirements.Notwithstanding the latter, manuscripts published in IDDB demonstrate wide interest in digital health, diagnostics, and biomarkers research, which defines the publishing niche that we are developing through a consistent multidisciplinary approach .[1] For example, original research by Liang et al.[2] reported the phototoxicity sensitivity for cells grown in vitro, and Pardes et al.[3] introduced the use of a mobile health platform for remote assessment of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. The team of Qu et al.[4] provided a detailed review of innovative technologies for healthcare application, pointing out existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities, as well as identifying key areas where immersive technologies can impact healthcare provision. Additional articles by Medina et al.,[5] and Kozlakidis et al.[6] showcase focused areas of scientific activity, namely construction and application of biobank infrastructure for infectious diseases and a state-of-the-art review of betel nut use, respectively.Innovations are often fuelled by individual perspectives, as they emerge over a specific field of scientific activity, such as in this case. The editorial by Cheong and Wang[7] describes the Chinese experience with digital health applications in public health interventions. The commentary by Xu[8] focuses on aspects of biopsy specimen acquisition during longitudinal sampling. The inclusion of such diverse subjects and expertise is one of the unique advantages of publishing with IDDB, reducing institutional blocks that stifle further connections and limits creativity. The transdisciplinary nature of innovation is aptly demonstrated in the three related manuscripts by Arnholdt-Schmitt et al.[9–11], where original observations regarding balancing of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) in plants, which contributes to shaping a foundational mechanism of health resilience. This group conducted pilot testing of early metabolic responses in cultured primary target cells infected with influenza H3N2 and SARS-CoV-2.The achievements made by scientists are also reported in international conference proceedings. One example is the 2021 International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) virtual workshop proceedings by Ivanova and Katsaounis.[12] This report summarizes key barriers, challenges, and perceptions to digital innovations with respect to informed consent in biobanking (and wider implications for longitudinal sampling and organ donation). Additionally, IDDB has been privileged to publish the abstracts presented at the 2022 Advancing Healthcare Innovation Summit (AHIS)[13] in Cincinnati, OH, USA. As with the manuscripts mentioned above, abstracts from AHIS represent a wide geographical and subject coverage, having healthcare innovation and a strong belief in the potential impact of such innovation as their common denominator.I would personally like to thank the Journal staff for their tireless support during this second year (including social media support for @EditorsIDDB). I thank my Associate Editor, Dr Daniel Catchpoole, and the entire editorial board for continuous encouragement and scientific direction of the Journal as it continues to develop. We are excited to have two young professionals (Drs Beheshta Paiman and Gowhar Rashid) who recently joined IDDB as part of a year-long editorial fellowship. A special mention should be made for the Innovative Healthcare Institute (IHCI) that shoulders the cost of operations and publication under the leadership of Dr. Abdulrahman Jazieh. Finally, I gratefully acknowledge the many reviewers[14] who actively supported the peer-review process, which was applied to all manuscripts alike and has resulted in stronger contributions to the body of literature on healthcare innovations.

The Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Patients with Oral, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, and Hypopharynx Cancers: A Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study in Taiwan

Given the prevalent use of tobacco and betel nut in the Taiwanese community, an increase risk of oral, oropharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck cancers) is apparent. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture is both common and conveniently accessible in Taiwan, with treatments being financially supported by the National Health Insurance (NHI). This study aims to investigate the use of TCM in head and neck cancers in Taiwan through a longitudinal cohort study. The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was utilized in order to conduct this study. The study populations consisted of oral, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck cancer) patients in 2002, which were then followed up until 2007 in regards to TCM use, until 2013 in regards to acupuncture use and until 2014 for all-cause mortality. Patients were divided into 4 groups. Common symptoms, Chinese herbs and formula used, TCM visits and 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality were analyzed. The use of TCM was increased in the second to fourth-year post-diagnosis. TCM use in nasopharynx cancer patients was higher compared to other cancers. The number of TCM visits per patient was increased post-diagnosis. The findings suggest a non-significant reduction in 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality between TCM II and CON II groups. The use of TCM in new patients suffering from head and neck cancers was increased in close proximity to the cancer diagnosis. The relation between TCM use and mortality of head and neck cancer should be investigated through larger scale studies.

Identifikasi Spesies Pinang (Areca catechu L.) dan Pemanfaatannya oleh Masyarakat Maluku Utara

Areca catechu L. is a type of palm whose direct use is still limited to certain consumers. This plant is rich in benefits. The use of areca nut is different from one area to another. This study deserves to be researched, as information for the Indonesian people about the use of areca nut. This study aims to identify betel nut species and to assess the use of betel nuts by the people of North Maluku. This research was a qualitative research. This research was conducted in 3 locations, namely 1 location in Jailolo Selatan sub-district to be precise in Sukadamai Village, West Halmahera Regency and 2 locations in Tidore Islands, precisely in Gurabunga Village and Rum Village. This research was conducted in June-July 2019. The data collection technique was done by means of observation, interviews, and documentation. The data that has been collected is then analyzed using a plant identification book and matching it with several references from research journals, while for interviews used data reduction techniques, data display, drawing conclusions and verification. Based on the research results, there are 5 species of areca nut, namely the common areca nut, the pare areca nut, the round areca nut, the areca nut, and the areca palm. As for the use of areca nut by the people of North Maluku, namely as an ingredient for daily consumption (chewing) with lime and betel, itching medicine, appetite enhancer for children and adults, eye purifier, cleaning the tongue in toddlers, overcoming discomfort in children. mouths of adults, anti migraine, traditional events (weddings, ceremonies for inviting genies), medicine for people with liver disease, and washing wounds.

Oral Submucous Fibrosis – A Clinicopathological Correlation

Objective: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa and collagen metabolic disorder caused by betel nut use. Diagnosis of this condition can be made clinically, but ascertaining its malignant transformation histopathology is mandatory. So, the correlation between the clinical and histopathology was conducted. Materials and Methods: The correlation study was conducted on 20 OSMF patients. Clinical diagnosis with histopathological confirmation was based on the standard approach. Study structure included gender, duration, frequency, and quid placement correlated with clinical and histopathological staging.&#x0D; Results: The current study has included most of the subjects being males and was below 25 years. Habit duration, frequency, and quid placement were correlated with clinical and histopathological staging and were directly related. Six subjects of (30%) Group 1 cases associated with 3 (42.9%) in the histologically early stage of the disease. Further, 14 (70%) cases in Group 2 clinical staging correlated with 8 (88.9%) cases in moderately advanced histological staging.&#x0D; Conclusion: The clinical and histopathological correlation was not obtained in the present study. The negative p-value could be because of certain factors like biopsy site selection and decreased study subjects. However, factors like frequency and quid keeping had a positive histopathological correlation.

Influence of Risk Habits on Demographic Factors and its Impact on Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Objective: To establish a correlation and evaluate paradigm shift of demographic parameters in oral submucous fibrosis patients due to use of areca nut and tobacco. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Outpatient Department of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Lahore from 1st November 2019 to 30th June 2021. Methodology: All patients with compliant of limited mouth opening and diagnosed clinically with oral submucous fibrosis were included. Biographical data was collected based on age, gender, literacy rate, socioeconomic conditions and habit of consumption of areca nut-based products and tobacco. Results: Prevalence of OSMF was 0.45% with mean age of 29.26±14.12 years. Areca nut alone is consumed more by females (44.12%) whereas combination of tobacco and areca nut use was higher in males (87.76%). Risk habits were found to be highest in uneducated/primary education (63.01%) and in low socioeconomic group (59.03%). Conclusion: Comparing the last two decades, there is paradigm shift in age of contracting OSMF towards younger age. Significant finding of areca nut use by females also draws attention for control measures. Harmful effects of areca nut and tobacco products should be highlighted and included in educational and community programs. Keywords: Oral submucous fibrosis, Potentially malignant disorders, Areca nut, Oral squamous cell carcinoma

The role of family history of Cancer in Oral Cavity Cancer

ObjectivesOral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the 10th most common cancer in the United States (8th in males, 13th in females), with an estimated 54,010 new cases expected in 2021, and is primarily associated with smoked tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, areca nut use and persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Family history of cancer (FHC) and family history of head and neck cancer (FHHNC) have been reported to play an important role in the development of OSCC. We aimed to investigate the role of FHC, FHHNC and personal history of cancer in first/second degree-relatives as co-risk factors for oral cancer.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with OSCC at the Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at the Division of Head and Neck Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Conditional logistic regressions were performed to examine whether OSCC was associated with FHC and FHHNC of FDRs and SDRs, personal history of cancer and secondary risk factors.ResultsOverall, we did not find an association between FHC, FHHNC and OSCC risk, whereas patients with a cancer history in one of their siblings were 1.6-times more likely to present with an OSCC. When secondary risk factors were considered, patients with a history of oral leukoplakia and dysplasia had a 16-times higher risk of having an OSCC.ConclusionsOur study confirmed that a previous history of oral leukoplakia or dysplasia was an independent risk factor for OSCC. A positive family history of cancer in one or more siblings may be an additional risk factor for OSCC.

Prevalence of Tobacco and Areca-nut Use and Awareness of Its Harmful Effects among Non-academic Staff at Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya

Background: Tobacco and areca nut (AN) are well known risk factors for oral cancer and awareness of these harmful risk habits will reduce the incidence of oral cancer in Sri Lanka. Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya plays a major role in this fight against oral cancer. Hence this study is aimed to evaluate the prevalence of these risk habits among its non-academic staff and their awareness of its harmful effects as they are also responsible stakeholders of the faculty. Method: An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted among 108 non-academic staff members of the faculty using a self-administered questionnaire on risk habit details and their awareness on its harmful effects. Results: Analyzed results revealed that only 4.6% of the sample had tobacco and AN use; betel quid chewing (2.7%) and tobacco smoking (1.8%). However, the awareness on the harmful effects of these products were not very satisfactory as only 48% were overall aware while the unhealthy effects of AN use were known only by 27% of the sample. Contradictorily, 70% of them informed that they have received information regarding the harmful risk habits. Conclusion: It is important to increase awareness among the non-academic staff of the faculty as they become important stakeholders of one of the leading centres in the fight against oral cancer.