Betel Chewing Research Articles

CONSUMER PERSUASION IN DISGUISE: THE ROLE OF CELEBRITY INFLUENCE IN SURROGATE ADVERTISING

In this changing world, we came from the era where there is no TV, social media, digital, newspapers are not available. People sell their product on the basis of their quality, goodwill, or price. Now the era has been changed, we have stepped into generation alpha where everything is available on your mobile. We can search in just on click, if a company want to sell something they just have to do right advertising at right time. In today’s world advertising play an important role for the companies as much as food in the life of human, advertising is basically done through newspapers, TV, radios, Pamphlets, social media, YouTube ads, celebrity influencing etc. There are many types of advertising done by the company to sell their products and make profit out of them. One of them is “Surrogate advertising ” which refers to the ads which replace some specific product with a general product under the same Brand name, packaging. Hence, advertising for some products which are prohibited by GOI (which are Tobacco, alcohols, liquor) but the company is advertising that product by using the same name, taglines, packaging, that recalls the banned product again in the mind of customers. Consumer perception is in disguise because the advertising is done by masking products which are banned to advertise by GOI. Celebrity influence also plays an important role in advertising the prohibited product. Wherever, they promote water, soda, kesar pan masala, red & white etc. that indirectly hint towards a product which is restricted. And customers who see their favorite influencer consuming that product buy those products which they were hinting at in those ads because those ads are not clear about specific products.

Awareness of Oral Submucous Fibrosis among the Quid-Chewing South-Asian Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic disorder prevalent in South and Southeast Asia and is mainly related to the habit of chewing betel quid. Although there are numerous South-Asian studies about OSF, there is no study that evaluates the awareness of OSF among expatriate populations of South-Asian origin. Evaluated the awareness of OSF among South-Asian expatriate patients reporting to a dental hospital in Sharjah. Prevalidated questionnaires were given to 150 expatriate patients of South-Asian origin with quid-chewing habit reporting to the teaching clinics of a dental hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Among the 150 patients, 103 responded to the questionnaire. Among the 103 respondents, 11.65% were aware of OSF. Respondents living in shared residency and labor camps had significantly (P = 0.43) lower awareness of OSF compared to respondents living with their families. The results of our study show that the awareness of OSF is lower among the respondents living in labor camps and shared residencies. The younger respondents had more awareness of OSMF and were more likely to quit the quid-chewing habit.

Spatial Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Landscapes of Oral Submucous Fibrosis-Derived Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Tumor Microenvironment.

In South and Southeast Asia, the habit of chewing betel nuts is prevalent, which leads to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). OSF is a well-established precancerous lesion, and a portion of OSF cases eventually progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the malignant transformation of OSCC from OSF are poorly understood. In this study, the leading-edge techniques of Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) and Spatial Metabolomics (SM) are integrated to obtain spatial location information of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, as well as the transcriptomic and metabolomic landscapes in OSF-derived OSCC tissues. This work reveals for the first time that some OSF-derived OSCC cells undergo partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) within the in situ carcinoma (ISC) region, eventually acquiring fibroblast-like phenotypes and participating in collagen deposition. Complex interactions among epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are demonstrated. Most importantly, significant metabolic reprogramming in OSF-derived OSCC, including abnormal polyamine metabolism, potentially playing a pivotal role in promoting tumorigenesis and immune evasion is discovered. The ST and SM data in this study shed new light on deciphering the mechanisms of OSF-derived OSCC. The work also offers invaluable clues for the prevention and treatment of OSCC.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of areca nut and betel quid chewing among the adult population – A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The use of areca nut also known as supari or chaali is an age-old tradition and very popular in people living in South Asian countries. However, in general, people know very little about its ill effects. Aims: This study aimed to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the health risks associated with chewing areca nuts and betel quid among the adult population and to evaluate the knowledge about its possible role as a contributing factor in oral cancer among the adult population. Materials and Methods: The unicentric cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1644 adult subjects belonging to the adult population of Aligarh and nearby places between March 2021 and December 2021. We analyzed the data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: The overall average age of the participants was 39.32 ± 14.18. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. Among the study subjects, 54% were betel nut or betel quid chewers. Only 30.8% knew that areca nut may cause oral cancer and with low knowledge related to its systematic effect. Conclusion: Areca nut is a known carcinogenic agent and carries the risk of cancer even if it is used alone. However, information about the systemic ill effect especially its carcinogenic effect is very low among the general population.

Non-Smoker’s Cancer- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Induced Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is recognized as 6th most common cancer worldwide. Etiological factors are generally cigarettes, alcohol consumption also tobacco products such as ghutka, pan masala and betel quid also triggers the development of OSCC. Among several causes of cervical malignancies which the second most carcinoma is the world, infection with some types of human papilloma virus (HPV) is thought to be the greatest cervical cancer risk factor. Over 150 subtypes of HPV have been identified; from which more than 40 types of HPVs are typically transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anogenital region and oral cavity. HPV is suspected as the principle causative factor for oral malignancy in non smoker and non-alcoholic patients. It was also reported to be associated with Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in 1995. The recently introduced vaccine for HPV infection is effective against certain subtypes of HPV which are associated with cervical cancer, genital warts, and some less common cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer. The value of HPV vaccination for oral cancer prevention is still controversial and hypothetical; some evidence also supports the possibility that HPV vaccination may be preventive factor in reducing the incidence of oral cancer.

Effect of chewing betel leaves on salivary pH – A randomized controlled trial

Betel leaves have been described from the ancient time as an astringent, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant. Saliva plays an important role in the maintenance of good oral health. Sucrose is the most cariogenic dietary carbohydrate, because it is fermentable and also serves as a substrate for the synthesis of extracellular and intracellular polysaccharides in dental plaque. The effect of betel leaves over sugar solution has been least explored. The study aimed at comparing the effect of betel leaves chewing on the salivary pH. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among n = 20 participants. The participants were asked to chew fresh betel leaves for 1 min after taking sugar solution and the pH was assessed at following time intervals baseline, 10, 30, and 45 min, respectively. Chewing betel leaves after intake of sugar solution tends to neutralize salivary pH within 10 min after consumption, thereby reducing the acid attack on the tooth surface by plaque bacteria. Betel leaves are effective in neutralizing the salivary pH after intake of sugar solution; therefore, it is suggested to consume plain betel leaves after a meal to neutralize the salivary pH and, thus, reduce the acid attack on the tooth which causes demineralization.

Preventing Parental Behavior Regarding Childhood Chewing Betel Habits In Preschool Children

<em>In Nefoneke village, Kec. Takari District, Kupang, 79.5% of people consume betel nut, and they often teach their children to consume it in a unique way. A community service aims to increase the knowledge and attitude of preschool teachers, health cadres, and parents of preschool children about the dangers of betel nut consumption. The service involves collaborating with Posyandu cadres and mothers with children under five to socialize about the dangers of betel nut consumption, demonstrating proper tooth brushing, and creating booklets for distribution. Community education, cadre training, and mentoring are also provided to mothers to serve as role models for their children. Results show that 5 Family Welfare Education cadres, health cadres, and Early Education teachers have been trained in recognizing the dangers of betel nut consumption for pregnant women and children. The knowledge and attitudes of these cadres and teachers have increased from 50 to 80, and the "OLOK" system has been implemented, with 89% of Early Education children using this method.</em>

Guideline for the Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, progressive and potentially malignant oral mucosal disease. Patients often have a habit of chewing betel nuts. Areca catechu has been listed as a Class 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and its main active component, arecoline, is classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the IARC. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises OSF as an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). The present guideline describes the risk factors, clinical symptoms and clinical signs of OSF. Clinical staging, auxiliary examination methods, basis for diagnosis and differential diagnosis and the need to improve bad lifestyle habits are proposed and addressed, and local treatment drugs, therapies, dosage and course of treatment, possible adverse reactions, and oral treatment drugs, dosage and course of treatment are proposed. The guideline also addresses the indications for surgical treatment, alternative non-drug treatment methods, selection of treatment plans for different clinical stages, criteria for efficacy evaluation, and preventive measures.

Excessive Deadly Addiction Chewing Betel Quid as a double burden, For Poverty Community Kupang Regency, West Timor

People's lives in developed countries are indeed in contrast to developing countries as well as in terms of behavior. Betel nut is estimated to be consumed by 10% -25% of the world's population. In East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, almost the entire population (21) districts consume betel nut, including the elderly, young people and school children, even those who are still studying in Early Education. About 80% of the population of Kupang Regency, West Timor, consume betel nut.even though the district Kupang is mostly poor. Possible Hazards in areca nut mixed with various other ingredients such as betel nut and lime produce adverse health effects including oral cancer and other systemic diseases, as well as having the potential for dependence such as smoking and alcohol. We conducted a survey of traditional leaders and community leaders who have been addicted to consuming betel nut for more than 20 years in Kab. Kupang West Timor in a poor community. A total of 10 participants conducted in-depth interviews regarding events using betel nut, related to customs and culture, and their relationship to health. It was stated by WHO that areca nut is a psychoactive substance and is a class 1 carcinogen. According to the community, consuming betel nut is exciting and has nothing to do with any disease. No one agrees to stop consuming betel Nut, and mostly do not agree to prevent children from consuming betel nut from an early age.

The habit of indiscriminate spitting in betel chewing

Betel nut consumption is a customary practice in Simalungun society and is frequently observed during typical and routine events. Nevertheless, there persists a group of individuals who are inclined towards crude expectoration behavior, depositing residual betel within various locations, including public domains such as markets. The focus of this investigation is to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the antecedents of such indiscriminate spitting tendencies exhibited among traders of betel nuts within the Saribudolok Traditional Market, located within the jurisdiction of the Simalungun Regency. This qualitative investigation utilized a phenomenological strategy. Seven informants were interviewed. These include betel nut sellers, visitors or purchasers, healthcare practitioners, and market managers. Observations were also made by the researchers throughout the data collection process. The triangulation technique was employed to verify all the data collected through the interviews and observations. Additionally, the researcher utilized a matrix to categorize the data based on the research objectives and questions. The data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, revealing that the practice of carelessly spitting betel residue among traders who consume betel is due to inadequate knowledge of healthy and hygienic living habits as well as unawareness of the dangers associated with spitting betel residue. The lack of education provided by health workers on the hazards of careless spitting and the consequent risk of disease transmission also contributes to this behavior.

The effect of chewing-betel habits on blood glucose levels in the Karo ethnic community, Karo district

Background The chewing Betel habit is a hereditary tradition from the ancestors of the Batak-Karo tribe, Indonesia. Karo people believe that chewing betel habit is their unifier. The chewing-betel habit process begins with concocting a mixture of ingredients such as betel leaf, lime, gambier, areca nut, and with or without tobacco addition, then chewed slowly. This study aimed to analyze whether the habit of chewing betel can affect BGL in the Karo ethnic community in the Karo district. Methods In total, 48 participants from the Karo community were divided into 4 groups (n=12 per group), namely: I. non-T2DM participants without chewing betel habits; II. non-T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit; III. T2DM participants without chewing-betel habit and IV. T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit. The sampling technique was consecutive sampling. The data were collected by interviews and blood sampling (fasting and 2 hours postprandial (2hPP)). The collected data were analyzed by paired t-test, Independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney with a significance level of p-value <0.05. Results This study showed that fasting BGL condition in group-I compared to group II (84.33±12.32 vs 81.00±4.84) mg/dl and group-III compared to group-IV (196.25±104.81 vs 150.00±42.45) mg/dl had no significant difference. Also, the BGL of 2hPP condition in group-I compared to group-II (111.25 ±22.62 vs 108.33±18.99) mg/dl, and group-III compared to group-IV (314.92±128.97 vs 229.25±58.26) mg/dl, in statistically there was no difference (p>0.05). Although the data showed that group-III was higher than group-IV. Conclusion This study concludes that with or without chewing-betel habits affect blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes subjects (Groups III and IV).

Areca nut cultivators from Tamil Nadu: Is the nut their friend or foe – A questionnaire study

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.

Do Electronic Health Literacy and Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior Mediate the Effects of Socio-Demographic Factors on COVID-19- and Non-communicable Disease-Related Behaviors Among Myanmar Migrants in Southern Thailand?

Introduction Myanmar migrants in Thailand are vulnerable to COVID-19 and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk behaviors, influenced by socio-demographic factors. In the digital age, migrants can seek extensive health information online, and their ability to understand and use electronic health information, which is known as electronic health literacy (e-Health literacy), becomes critical in making decisions about their health behaviors. This study aims to investigate the potential mediating roles of online health information-seeking and e-Health literacy in the associations between socio-demographic factors and COVID-19- and NCD-related behaviors. Methods Our study was conducted in 2022, involving 1,050 Myanmar migrants in two southern Thai cities. Data on socio-demographic factors, e-Health literacy, online health information seeking, COVID-19-related behaviors (adherence to COVID-19 protective behavior (CPB), vaccination), and NCD risk behaviors (smoking, betel chewing, alcohol consumption, substance abuse) were collected. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the hypothesized relationships. Results Nearly all migrants received the COVID-19 vaccination in two doses and above, with reasonable good adherence to CPB. Migrants exhibited risky NCD-related behaviors, including current smoking (26.8%), alcohol consumption (17.5%), and betel chewing (25.8%). Approximately three-quarters (73.4%) had a limited e-Health literacy level, and the vast majority did not search for online health information. Their COVID-19- and NCD-related behaviors were directly influenced by socio-demographic factors without the significant mediation roles of e-Health literacy and online health information seeking. Conclusions Myanmar migrant workers in Southern Thailand had reasonably good practices in COVID-19-related behaviors despite engaging in risky NCD-related behaviors. These outcome behaviors were directly influenced by their socio-demographic factors, without the significant mediation roles of e-Health literacy and online health information seeking. The findings suggest that diverse interventions beyond e-Health strategies for future pandemic mitigation and enhancement of their health behaviors are needed.

Evaluation of fluoride levels in areca nut, tobacco, and commercial smokeless tobacco products: a pilot study

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition associated with chewing areca nut and tobacco products. We observed increased fluoride levels in some OSMF-endemic regions,and the observation suggested that fluoride exposure may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess the fluoride content of various smokeless tobacco items as a potential influencing source. Fluoride concentration was analysed in commercial areca nut products, including gutkha, pan masala, and raw areca nut, along with tobacco, slaked lime, and catechu samples from Karnataka, India. Fluoride was measured using alkali fusion and the ion selective electrode method. All products showed high fluoride, with catechu having the highest mean concentration at 51.20 mg/kg, followed by tobacco, gutkha, pan masala, processed areca nut, and raw areca nut. Fluoride was also elevated in soil, but not in water. The findings demonstrate substantial fluoride levels in popular types of smokeless tobacco, and highlight an overlooked source of exposure among consumers of gutkha, pan masala and similar oral tobacco-products. The fluoride content warrants an investigation of potential links with the occurrence and severity of OSMF.

The Association between Betel Quid Chewing and Metabolic Syndrome Among Urban Adults in Mandalay District of Myanmar.

As the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes increase worldwide, the need to identify modifiable lifestyle risk factors also increases, especially those that may be relatively unique to a specific population. To explore a possible association between betel quid chewing and metabolic syndrome, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Three hundred ninety-one (391) adults were interviewed and the following parameters were measured: triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, waist circumference, body mass index and blood pressure. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between betel quid chewing and metabolic syndrome while controlling for confounders. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was similar in chewers and non-chewers, 50% and 49%, respectively. After controlling for other factors, development of metabolic syndrome was positively associated with number of betel quids chewed per day, age greater than 40 years, and a positive family history of hypertension and diabetes. Regarding the duration of betel chewing, when analyzed by sex, the risk was doubled in men compared to non-chewers (OR 2.15; 95% CI = 1.21, 3.84). As a result, a man chewing more than 10 pieces (OR 2.49; 95% CI = 1.36, 4.57) of betel quids per day for more than 10 years had a two-fold increased chance of developing the metabolic syndrome. Frequency and duration of betel quid chewing may represent a behavioral lifestyle target for approaches to reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome.

Social Determinants and the Prevalence of Paan Masala Use among Adults in India: Results from Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2016-17.

Gutkha or Paan masala with tobacco is commonly used smokeless tobacco product in India. Given the restrictions on advertisement and promotion of Gutkha and the necessity of warning labels on tobacco products, the tobacco industry has popularised paan masala without tobacco as a surrogate product. Paan masala itself is harmful for health but remains beyond scope of current tobacco control policies. It was important to understand prevalence and determinants of its use (with or without tobacco). Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)-2, India was used to estimate prevalence of paan masala use (with or without tobacco) in India. Multi-nominal regression and logistic regression were used to calculate risk ratios and odds ratios. The prevalence of any form of paan masala was 12.1% among adults in India. Prevalence was higher among males (17.8%) than females (6.0%), aged 25-44 years (14.5%) than those aged 65 years or above (9.0%). Relative risk ratio (RRR) for Paan masala with tobacco was significantly high among those with no formal schooling (RRR:2.00) and among those in poorest wealth quintiles (RRR:1.26). While, RRR were lower for Paan masala use without tobacco among those with no formal schooling (RRR:0.95) and among poorest wealth quintiles (RRR:0.78). Region-wise AOR were highest for North-East (AOR:4.80) and Central regions (AOR:4.76) compared to South India. The prevalence of paan masala use is high in India. Persons belonging to lower socioeconomic status or having no formal schooling have higher risk of consuming paan masala with tobacco. However, persons from higher wealth quintiles or having formal schooling had higher risk of use of paan masala without tobacco. These findings need careful attention of policy makers and law enforcers as it indicates different marketing strategies might have adopted by industry to target these two mutually exclusive population groups.

Characterization of physiochemical parameters & their effect on microbial content of smokeless tobacco products marketed in north India.

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) product consumption has profound public health implications for its users. The p H and moisture of SLTs determine the bioavailability of nicotine, the microbial structure dynamics and the amount of microbial conversion of tobacco alkaloids to carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines. This study aimed to characterize and compare the p H, moisture and alkaloid content of various SLT products. Thirty-seven SLT samples including khaini , snus, moist snuff, gul , pan masala , zarda , Mainpuri kapoori and qiwam were collected from the retail market around the National Capital Region in north India and their p H, moisture, nicotine and alkaloid content were measured. The p H and total nicotine were used to calculate the amount of free nicotine, the readily absorbed form, for each product by applying the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The investigation showed that the SLTs varied drastically in their p H (5.36 to 10.27), moisture content (4.7 to 51.7%) and alkaloid content (0.82 to 35.87 mg/g). The p H and free nicotine levels of a product were found to be positively correlated, and the highest free nicotine content was reported in snus samples. Further, the moisture content was seen to impact the bacterial and fungal diversity in these samples. Studies to detect the presence of pathogenic microbiological genera as well as potentially toxic constituents are warranted. The use of SLTs as an alternative to cigarette smoking should be discouraged, and cessation programmes must call attention to their detrimental effects and emphasize on benefits of quitting SLT consumption.

Comparative Evaluation of Plasma Fibrinogen Degradation Product and Salivary Fibrin Precipitating Factor in Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients and Betel Quid Chewers.

Estimation and correlation of plasma fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and salivary fibrin precipitating factor (FPF) in oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients, betel quid chewers without OSMF and healthy individuals. The study aims to evaluate whether FDP and FPF can be used as a marker for development and progression of OSMF and whether there is any correlation between the two. The study included 163 subjects grouped into three categories, Group 1, which included 54 control patients, Group 2, which included 55 betel quid chewers, and Group 3, which included 54 clinically confirmed OSMF patients. All of them were subjected to the estimation of plasma FDP and salivary FPF. FDP was present in 52 (96.3%) patients in Group 3, 2 (3.6%) patients in Group 2, and 1 patient in Group 1 (1.9%). FPF was positive in eight patients. The correlation of FDP and FPF was done by Fisher's exact test and was found to be statistically nonsignificant. In the present study, FDP was positive in 52 (96.3%) OSMF patients; hence, FDP may be used as an early indicator of OSMF. FDP was found to be positive in two patients with a habit of chewing betel quid without OSMF. It may be hypothesized that these patients are more likely to develop OSMF. Hence, the estimation of FDP may be used as a diagnostic test to predict an impending OSMF before it could manifest itself clinically. FPF was negative in some OSMF patients, may be because it is below the detectable range.

Dental Health Utilization in Palau: Feasibility of an Oral Cancer Screening Program.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Western Pacific region. The prevalent tradition of chewing betel nut in Palau, an island nation in this region, is a risk factor in the development of oral cancer. Oral cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Palau, and the prognosis can be improved with early detection facilitated by visual inspection of the oral cavity by dentists. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of oral cancer screening using existing dental health infrastructure in Palau. A mixed methods approach was used to explore topics related to the use of dental care resources in Palau. Primary outcome measures were collected using an electronic survey with closed- and open-ended questions addressing dental health utilization as well as barriers and facilitators to accessing dental care. Secondary measures assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about betel nut use and oral cancer. Open-ended survey questions were analyzed and coded to develop themes based in grounded theory. Two hundred twenty-three surveys were completed. The mean age was 42.7 years, 80% identified as female, and most (94.3%) report having seen a dentist in Palau. Dental care is seen as important (mean score 82.3/100), and 57.9% reported it was easy to access a dentist. Themes regarding facilitators include multilevel resources and transportation. Themes regarding barriers include cost and availability of dentists/appointments. Approximately half of the respondents were current users of betel nut. Our results suggest facilitators are in place to promote seeking and obtaining dental care; however, existing infrastructure may not support an oral cancer screening program. These data provide important areas to address that can improve access and support the implementation of oral cancer screening through existing dental care in the future.

An Assessment of the Effectiveness of an Intervention to Quit Tobacco Use in Patients Seek Treatment from the Institute of Oral Health, Maharagama, Sri Lanka

Background: Tobacco is consumed in both smoked and smokeless forms. STEP Survey Sri Lanka 2015 showed that 29.4% males and 0.1% females were current smokers, Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) use was found in 26% of males and 5% of females. Dental setting could be considered as a suitable venue to provide brief health education message to persuade quit from tobacco. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of brief intervention among tobacco users attending the Institute of Oral Health, Maharagama, Sri Lanka. Methods: Dental Surgeons provide routine care for the patients at the OPD and assess the use of tobacco at the beginning and help patients to quit tobacco which takes only 3-5 minutes. Method of intervention of this study is to provide brief messages to quit tobacco based on oral health effects due to tobacco use: staining teeth, status of periodontal health, halitosis, smoker’s keratosis, whiteness (burning) of the mucosa and palate and chewer’s mucosa. Tobacco quit rate and attempts were assessed through the telephone conversation in 3 months, 6 months intervals. Results: One hundred and twenty eighty subjects were recruited for the study, 45 (35%) failed to contact after 6 months interval which yielded the total sample of 83. Among 73 betel chewers, 46 (63%) subjects were completely quit the habit after 6 months. Eight out of 10 subjects who chew betel quid more than 5 quid per day quit. Among 22 smokers, 7 (32%) completely quit smoking with brief intervention at dental setting. Conclusion: Brief intervention at dental setting immensely helps to quit habit of daily betel chewers. This is an ongoing study relatively larger sample is needed for confirmation of the findings.