Smokeless Form Of Tobacco Research Articles

Histomorphometric Effects of Smokeless Tobacco on Submandibular Gland in Albino Rat

Background: Use of the smokeless tobacco is a major public health problem. Oral mucosal hyper keratinization occurs due to smokeless form of tobacco. Objective: To determine the Submandibular Gland injuries induced by smokeless tobacco in Albino Rat. Study Design: Experimental study. Settings: Department of Oral biology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro-Pakistan. Duration: From November 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016. Methodology: Aalbano healthy rats were used to observe smokeless tobacco effects on submandibular glands. After initial weight record, rats were placed in three groups (A, B, C); Group-A (control group), group-B and group-C were fed with tobacco; non-smokeless, smokeless 5%, and smokeless 10%, respectively. During experiment, weight gain was recorded weekly and sub-mandibular gland weight was measured at the end of the trial. T-test was applied to analyze the data. H & E stain and reticulin stain were used to observed structural integrity of submandibular gland. All the data was recorded in the self-made proforma. Results: Overall body weight and submandibular weight were decreased in B and C groups as compared to control group. In group A, seromucinous acini was seen in parenchymal tissue, cuboidal epithelium showed duct line and red blood cells distended vessels. Stromal changes, narrow duct lumen and reasonable damage in parenchymal tissue with atrophy were detected in group B. Stromal tissues increased and atrophy of acini were observed in H and E stain during histological study. Further, as compared to control groups, in group B and C under reticulin stain and stromal tissues were enlarged with pragmatic vascular collapse. Conclusion: This study revealed abnormal histological changes in submandibular gland of albino female rats by oral use of smokeless tobacco.

PREVALENCE OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS AND PERIODONTAL HEALTH STATUS IN PATIENTS CHEWING GUTKA FROM BIHAR REGION

Smokeless tobacco (ST) chewing warranties special attention in India because of its popularity and widespread social acceptance. The major factors that persist to encourage people to use smokeless form of tobacco are its low price, ease of purchase, and the widely held misconception of purported medicinal value in curing toothache, headache, and in decreasing hunger. Furthermore, in contrast to smoking, there is no taboo against using ST. The lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and the standards of living of industrial workers are different from the rest of the population. Poverty, language barriers, and poor education contribute different lifestyle that encourages addictive tobacco habits. As there is a ban on smoking tobacco in most of the industrial premises, workers tend to consume more of ST products. Therefore, they form a special group who could be at a higher risk of periodontal breakdown. Hence the present study was planned for study of Prevalence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Periodontal Health Status in patients chewing Gutka from Bihar Region.
 The present study was planned in Department of Dentistry, Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya, Bihar. Total 30 patients were enrolled in the present study. The patients were divided in three groups. The Group A included patients with a healthy periodontium. The Group B included patients with chronic periodontitis without OSMF, and Group C included patients with chronic periodontitis and OSMF.
 The data generated from the present study concludes that that chewing gutka leads to periodontal destruction in patients with OSMF. The cases illustrate the significant morbidity and mortality associated with OSF and emphasize the importance of close follow-up of such cases. Because of the significant cancer risk among these patients, periodic biopsies of suspicious regions of the oral mucosa are essential for the early detection and management of high-risk oral premalignant lesions and prevention of cancer.
 Keywords: oral submucous fibrosis, periodontal destruction, gutka, Bihar region, etc.

The effectiveness of tobacco counseling among construction workers in Jaipur city

Background: Tobacco use at the construction sites is very high. Once users are dependent on tobacco, quitting is difficult Material and Method: A study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of tobacco de-addiction intervention among construction workers. A total of 1200 workers were screened, out of them 800 factory workers (400 smokers study group 400 smokers control group were selected for the study. All the collected data was analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) 20 Version. The proportions (% of subjects affected) were calculated for each clinical parameter and the various statistical test of significance were used. Result: Among the total subjects 633(79.1%) workers was using smokeless form of tobacco and 167(20.9%) workers were using smoking form of tobacco. Out of 633, 6.8% workers used Gutka and 93.2% workers used Zarda. Out of 167 smoking form tobacco users, 34.2% workers used Beedi and 65.8% workers used Cigarette. It was found that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of Fagerstrom/smoking analysis between baseline – 3 months, 6 months and 9 months (t=45.581, 64.911, 20.415; p= 0.000). Conclusions: Tobacco use is an important public health problem, especially in developing countries like India specially the workers. Specific counseling and intervention programs are needed to reduce the burden of tobacco use related morbidity among these workers community.

Comparison of oral health status among adult tobacco users and non-tobacco users of Ghaziabad District, Uttar Pradesh: A cross sectional study.

Background:Tobacco dependence is a major public health problem that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately, 5 million people are killed annually by tobacco use.Aim:To assess the oral health status among adult tobacco and non-tobacco users attending outreach activities in Ghaziabad District, Uttar Pradesh.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 subjects from all the 4 blocks of Ghaziabad district visiting the outreach activities. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess the demographic variables and oral hygiene practices. Oral health status was assessed using WHO (World Health Organization) 2013 Oral Health Assessment Form and the Smith and Knight Tooth wear index was used to assess the degree of tooth wear. Statistical analysis was done by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.Result:The mean age of the tobacco users in the study was 40.94 (13.83) years. The prevalence of dental caries and tooth wear was 88.0% and 89.2%, respectively. Majority of tobacco users consumed a smokeless form of tobacco 67.5%, followed by smoke 21.5% and followed by both form 11.0%.Conclusion:The present study concluded that adult population of Ghaziabad lack the knowledge and awareness regarding consumption of areca nut, gutka, and tobacco smoking. Hence, there is an urgent need to take effective steps, especially on launching community awareness programs for the adult population and public to educate them about the consequences of tobacco use, and on assessing their effectiveness in curbing the problem.

Prevalence, patterns and sociocultural factors associated with use of tobacco-based dentifrices (Gul) in India.

India poses a novel tobacco problem with majority of the tobacco users consuming smokeless form of tobacco (21.4%). Gul is one such Smokeless Tobacco (ST) product that is manufactured commercially as a dentifrice to be applied to the teeth and then to gums many times during the day, making it a cheap and easy tobacco source. Hence, the aim of the present study was to estimate the usage of Gul and its social determinants among adults in the capital city of India, Delhi. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 1300 adults across 27 Delhi government dispensaries across 3 districts of Delhi through multistage stratified random sampling. A structured, close-ended, validated questionnaire inquiring about the tobacco practices was used for all the participants and a specially constructed, structured, close-ended, validated proforma was used for Gul users to assess practice and pattern of use. The overall prevalence of Gul users was found to be 4.9% with a mean usage duration of 6.28 ± 6.75 years. The usage was found to be more among males (67.7%) and unskilled workers (45.2%). 74.9% started using Gul to treat dental pain with 93.47% of them reporting pain relief. Gul usage is an emerging menace in Delhi. Awareness programs and initiatives are the need of the hour to bring this tobacco product under the tobacco control policy radar and at the same time educate people about the actual contents and ill effects of Gul usage.

Period prevalence of hypertension and risk factors in an urban slum of Maharashtra

Background: One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure and proportion increases with age. Detecting high blood pressure is easy. Hence a study for prevalence of hypertension was conducted in an urban slum of Pune, Maharashtra.Methods: The study was conducted in an urban slum field practice area exclusively under the community medicine department of a tertiary care hospital during the period of February 2014- July 2014. Overall 1043 people fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were interviewed, and anthropometric measurements were taken, followed by blood pressure readings and awareness of own hypertensive status. Data was compiled, edited, classified, and analyzed. The prevalence of hypertensive patients was obtained and physical and behavioral risk factors were analyzed for association.Results: The prevalence of hypertension in adults above 18 years of age was 25.6% with mean age of hypertensive patients was 48.58±15.75 yrs. Hypertension was significantly associated with age, habit of adding extra salt to cooked food, family history, BMI and consumption of smokeless form of tobacco among the study participants. Hypertension was not significantly associated with gender and religion of the participants. Of the 267 hypertensives, 40.82% were aware of their hypertensive status and amongst those aware 61.46% were on anti-hypertensives.Conclusions: Hypertension is a public health problem affecting slum population as well. It is significantly associated with risk factors, which are modifiable. The awareness of hypertensive status is low, the under treatment is lower. The population in slum, with its poor literacy, low awareness and income levels provides an opportunity to make an intervention necessary as well as challenging.

Prevalence of periodontal status among nicotine dependent individuals of 35-44 years attending community dental camps in Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh.

Background:Tobacco is the second driving reasons for mortality worldwide and its broad utilization in the smoking and smokeless form have added to the expanding weight of non-communicable disease.Aim:To study the prevalence of periodontal status among nicotine dependent individuals of 35-44 years attending community dental camps in Ghaziabad District, Uttar Pradesh.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 individuals with the age range of 35-44 years. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information about the sociodemographic profile and the pattern of substance use. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence-Smokeless Tobacco (FTND-ST) and for smokers; Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) for testing dependence. Periodontal status was assessed by Community Periodontal Index (Modified CPI WHO 2013) and loss of attachment (LOA). Statistical analysis was done by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0.Result:The prevalence of periodontal disease was found to be 78.5% with maximum disease prevalence among males of 42-44 age. Majority of male consumed a smokeless form of tobacco (50.23%), followed by smoke (14.19%) form whereas females predominantly consumed smokeless form (37.36%). The mean number of teeth with pocket (3.37 ± 1.86) and mean of loss of attachment of more than 9 mm (0.67 ± 0.88) was higher among smokeless form of tobacco users as compared to other habit groupsConclusion:Higher prevalence of periodontal disease was seen among nicotine dependent individuals. A model for a comprehensive program in the dental office including the five A's and five R's for tobacco counseling must be applied at every institute.

Modifiable risk factors of noncommunicable diseases in urban adolescents of Girdhar Nagar, Ahmedabad: A cross-sectional study

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major health burden globally. The four main NCDs (heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers and chronic respiratory diseases) share four modifiable risk factors: Tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet. To minimize the burden of NCD epidemic, main risk behaviors common among young people must be curbed. Measurement of NCD risk factors is necessary to plan out the interventions and would also serve as a stepping stone in achieving primordial prevention of NCDs. Objective: The objective of the study was to measure the modifiable risk factors of NCDs among school-going adolescents of urban Ahmedabad. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to January 2017 among two schools of Girdhar Nagar ward, Ahmedabad. 581 adolescents of a private and a government-run school, studying in class 8th–10th, of ages 12–16 were interviewed using GSBHS tool after taking informed consent. Appropriate anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken. Statistical analysis: Epi info ver. 7.0 and MS Excel 2007 used for analysis. Chi-square test, t-test, and multiple regression were applied. P < 5% was considered significant. Results: 52% (303) of the subject studied were boys and 48% (278) were girls. Among all, 66% (384) were physically inactive, 88% (511) were not consuming ≥5 servings of fruits and vegetables/day, 65% (376) and 78% (452) regularly consumed soft-drinks and fast food, respectively. 1.5% (9) of the subjects smoked and 3%(15) consumed smokeless form of tobacco. No student admitted consuming alcohol. 11% (65) were overweight and 13% (73) were obese. Raised systolic BP (>140 mmHg) was found in 3% (18) and raised diastolic BP (>90 mmHg) was found in 0.5% (3) of study subjects. Conclusion: One or more risk factors were found to be prevalent in all subjects. The presence of one or more modifiable risk factors in every adolescent point toward the dire need of school-based interventions for the prevention of NCDs in future adults.

Prevalence of Tobacco Consumption Among Coal Mine Workers in Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: There is a dearth of literature on prevalence of tobacco consumption among coal mine workers. Aim: To assess the prevalence of tobacco consumption among coal mine workers in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 603 coal mine workers in Cuddalore District. Simple random sampling method was used to recruit the subjects. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on tobacco consumption. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet. SPSS software version 20 was used and descriptive statistics was used. Results: All 603 subjects were males. The mean age of the participants was 35.01 (±8.77). Totally, n=197 (32.67%) subjects reported smoking habit. Of those who reported of smoking habit, cigarette smoking was reported by n=172 (87.2%) subjects. Bidi smoking was reported by n=25 (12.8%) subjects. None of the smokers reported of using smokeless form of tobacco. Conclusion: High prevalence of tobacco smoking was observed among the workers. Combined and organized initiatives by the health care professionals, management and the people should be taken to reduce the tobacco consumption. Common risk factor approach and behavior counseling can be advocated to change their attitude toward tobacco consumption. To start tobacco cessation clinics to aid the workers in cessation of tobacco consumption. To advertise about the ill effects of tobacco by displaying pictures and information in public area and work places.

A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of tobacco abuse among adolescents in urban field practice area under Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute

Background: Worldwide tobacco usage is described as the single most important preventable cause of mortality and morbidity. Its rapid spread and widespread acceptance characters the addition. Only the mode of delivery has changed. In spite of the knowledge and proven association of major diseases with tobacco, its continued use is an important public health issue. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco abuse among adolescent age group in urban field practice area under Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at H. Siddaiah road, urban field practice area under Bangalore Medical College &amp; Research Institute (BMC &amp; RI), Bangalore during the period of August 2016- October 2016 among adolescents (both boys and girls) residing in that area. Sample Size was calculated to be 115. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire by interview method. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.Results: Out of 115 study individuals, 71 (61.73%) have used some form of tobacco. 64 (55.65%) individuals have used a smoking form of tobacco, of which 42 (65.62%) were boys and 22 (34.37%) were girls. 28 (24.34%) individuals have used a smokeless form of tobacco, of which 19 (67.85%) were boys and 9 (32.14%) were girls.Conclusions: Tobacco has posed a major threat to the upcoming generation. Health education should be given to the adolescents regarding health hazards due to tobacco use.

Assessment of readiness to quit tobacco among patients with oral potentially malignant disorders using transtheoretical model.

BACKGROUND:Tobacco use is a disease of addiction and a behavior choice. It is valuable to understand the psychosocial dimension of disease.OBJECTIVES:The research aimed to assess the (I) behavioral determinants and pattern of tobacco use (II) readiness to quit tobacco among patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) using transtheoretical model (TTM) approach visiting the dental college in Goa, India.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 300 patients over 3 months. Information about sociodemographics, determinants including age and reason of onset, behavioral stages, and the presence of OPMDs was collected using specially designed pro forma. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS 18.0.RESULTS:Smokeless form of tobacco 199 (66.34%) was most prevalent followed by smoking 79 (26.33%) and dual tobacco use 22 (07.33%) in males. Majority belonged to low socioeconomic class. Peer influence was the most-cited reason. Around 1/3rd of the participants had OPMDs associated with tobacco use. Significant association was observed between the presence of OPMDs and TTM behavioral stages. Patients with OPMDs are more motivated for tobacco cessation (odd's ratio = 2.30, P = 0.002), that is, they are more in preparation and action stages.CONCLUSION:The findings reflect that smokeless tobacco use is more prevalent in males with low level of education and socioeconomic class. Readiness to quit tobacco increases among patients with OPMDs using TTM.

A study on the pattern of tobacco use and its implications on the health of patients, attending Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi

Background: Tobacco use plays an important role in the causation of various health issues. Although numerous efforts are being done to increase the awareness among people regarding its proven role in disease causation, it remains as one of the important public health issues in our country. Information regarding the tobacco habits in patients and its relation to their health status is scarce. Thus with this objectives, the present study was conducted in Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire based study was conducted among the outpatients of Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences during July 2017. Information was collected regarding the form of tobacco used, duration of use and their health problems. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.Results: The tobacco use was reported among 93 patients (44.3%). Among the tobacco users, majority of them were males (80.6%), and in the age group of 31-60 years (67.7%). The smokeless form of tobacco was the most common form used in both gender (44%). Health issues related to heart, respiratory system and oral cavity was seen more among the tobacco users than non-users.Conclusions: The study concludes that tobacco consumption among patients attending KIMS Hospital is high, which clearly has a negative impact on their health. Health care institutions also have a major role in imparting health education and motivating their tobacco addict patients to quit the habit.

Prevalence of substance use among adolescents in urban slums of Belagavi

Introduction: The recent years have witnessed a substance abuse epidemic with serious health, social, economic, and political repercussions. Initially, a problem of the developed countries, but now has assumed alarming dimensions even in developing countries. India too has been caught in this vicious circle of substance abuse. Materials and Methods: Six hundred adolescents of age group between 10 and 19 years in the area of UHC Ram Nagar and Rukmini Nagar were interviewed with the help of predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 600 participants, 505 were males and 95 were females. The prevalence of substance use was found to be 71 (11.8%), with females having the highest prevalence (17.9%) than males (10.7%). Smokeless form of tobacco (78.87%) being the most common substance use followed by smoke form of tobacco (15.49%) and least (2.82%) with alcohol and ganja. Conclusion: Smokeless form of tobacco and smoke form being the most common form of substance abuse among adolescents in urban slum. Females had a higher prevalence of substance use than males.

Comparative assessment of salivary cotinine level and psychological dependence among tobacco users.

The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between salivary cotinine level and psychological dependence measured through Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) questionnaire among tobacco users. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted on tobacco users. Participants with the present habit of tobacco chewing and smoking above the age of 16 years were included in the study. A standard questionnaire form of FTND revised version for smoking and smokeless form of tobacco were given to each participant. Each participant was asked to answer the questions as per their experience of tobacco consumption and calculate the total point score or FTND score. Salivary cotinine level assessment was done using commercial available NicAlert kit. When salivary cotinine level was correlated with different variables of both groups, it was observed that weak correlation between salivary cotinine level and FTND scoring in smokers group (r = 0.083) and also in smokeless group (r = 0.081). When two groups were compared for salivary cotinine level, statistically significant difference (P = 0.021) was observed, with smokeless group showing high level of salivary cotinine level as compared to smokers group. Salivary cotinine and psychological dependence through FTND scoring are not strongly correlating with each other. This indicates that dependence over tobacco is a separate phenomenon and cannot be assessed by salivary cotinine level. It is well accepted that salivary cotinine level is influenced by age of individual, duration of habit, and type of tobacco consumption.

Clinico-epidemiological study of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A tertiary care centre study in North India

IntroductionOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks 12th most common cancer in the world. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the OSCC. MethodsA retrospective study of 611 OSCC patients from January 2010 to December 2013 was carried out in Department of Surgical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. Details of patient's sex, age, tobacco habit and site of cancer were noted. Data were analyzed by Student's t test and chi-squire (χ2) test. ResultsThe prevalence of OSCC was significantly (p<0.001) higher in males (75.9%) than females (24.1%). The mean age of female patients was higher than males (p<0.001). In both the genders, the buccal mucosa and gingivobuccal sulcus were found to be the most affected sites. Moreover, the smokeless form of tobacco was found to be significantly associated with OSCC, especially in females. ConclusionThe study concluded that OSCC is more common in men as compared to women, probably due to habit of tobacco consumption. Smokeless tobacco use is an important risk factor, especially in females.

Predictors of Tobacco Use among Youth in India: GATS 2009-2010 Survey.

Tobacco use among youth in India is an increasingly rising burden. It is affected by various socio-demographic factors, which form predictors of use. Focus on these predictors can help policy makers in curbing the major morbidity and mortality due to tobacco among youth. To study the various socio- demographic variables associated with tobacco use among youth in India. The study was a secondary analysis of data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, India 2009-10, in the age group of 15-24 years. Predictors of smoking and smokeless tobacco were analysed using data on occupation, education, and other sociodemographic factors place of living. Epi Info used for conducting the analysis. The total population interviewed in GATS India -2010 was 69,926. Of these the youth population between 15- 24. The total number of tobacco users (smokers and smokeless) was 2,969 (22.%). There were 11 (3.05%) dual users. Smokeless form of tobacco (15.1%) was used more than smoked form among youth. Males and urban youth preferred smoked form of tobacco over smokeless form. Smoking among youth had an inverse relation with increasing education level. Majority of smokeless form of tobacco users and dual users belonged to poor economic classes. This productive age group is more susceptible to tobacco addiction, especially smokeless tobacco. Rural youth, students, female sex and poor socio-economic strata prefer smokeless whereas urban, male and lesser educated youth preferred smoked form of tobacco. Efforts should be directed towards discouraging tobacco use initiation among the young population in India.

Histological Effects of Smokeless Tobacco on the Endometrial Glands of the Orally Treated Female Swiss Albino Rats

Tobacco use is the leading cause of mortality all over the world. Smokeless tobacco contains higher quantities of nicotine than most cigarettes. Over the past few decades the use of tobacco among women of reproductive ages has increased. Exposure to the toxins present in the tobacco interferes with the endometrial receptivity, endometrial angiogenesis and uterine blood flow.Material and Methods: 30 adult female Swiss albino rats were randomly selected. They were divided into three groups (n=10 each). Group A was kept as control. Experimental groups B and C consisted of rats which were given 5 % and 10% of smokeless tobacco in their feed respectively. Feed and water were given ad libitum. On 31stday the animals were sacrificed. Uterus of all the animals were removed and weighed. The tissues were processed for histological examination under light microscopy using H and E and Trichrome stains.Results: A significant decrease in the weight of the uterus was observed (P value &lt;= 0.001). The histological changes in the uterus of experimental groups revealed severe cystically dilated sub mucosal glands. Endometrial glands also showed marked atrophy (P value &lt;= 0.001).Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that the smokeless form of tobacco causes adverse effects on the endometrium of the female Swiss albino rats. Long term use of this form of tobacco may lead to adverse reproductive outcomes or other pathological conditions of uterus.

Has the attitude of school students toward smoking changed after a decade since the framework convention of tobacco control?

Sir, Nearly 6 million people die globally due to tobacco use and more than 63% of all deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are related to tobacco use.[1] The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is an international treaty adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003. The WHO FCTC was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic.[2] WHO introduced the MPOWER measures which are intended to assist in the country-level implementation of effective interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco, contained in the WHO FCTC.[3] India is one the signatories of the WHO FCTC and also has introduced many of the intervention measures suggested by FCTC which include Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA)[4] and National Tobacco Control Program.[5] We intended to study the perception and attitude of school students toward tobacco use after a decade of efforts against tobacco use. A cross-sectional study was done between January and March 2012 in one of the higher secondary schools of rural Puducherry. Five schools in rural area within a 20-km radius from JIPMER were approached and only one school consented to participate in the study. The school was a private, English medium school with over 1000 students. There were a total of 233 students belonging to 8th, 9th and 10th(age group 13-15 years as included in Global Youth Tobacco Surveys) class. We included all the students who were present on the day of survey (N = 200) in the school from these three classes. Informed consent from the Principal of the school and Institutional Ethics Committee clearance was obtained for the study. On the survey day, the students were made to assemble in a hall and the Global Youth Tobacco Survey Core questionnaire (GYTS core questionnaire) was distributed to them. As the school's medium of education was English, the questionnaire was provided in English. Confidentiality and anonymity of the data collected were assured. Adequate time was provided for completion of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical package for Social Sciences) version 16. All proportions were reported as percentages. Of the 200 students, 183 returned complete data collection forms and hence only they were included for analysis. Girls constituted 58.5% (107) of the study population. It was found that current use of tobacco in any form was seen in 12.6% of the students (Boys: 23.7%; Girls: 4.7%). Current use of smokeless form of tobacco was found among 6.6% of the students (Boys: 11.8%; Girls: 2.8%). Just more than half of the students (53.6%) felt that cigarette smoking is definitely harmful to health (Boys: 56.6%; Girls: 51.4%). The rest were not too sure and said that it may probably be harmful or harmless. The proportion of students who felt that second hand smoke was definitely harmful was found to be only 41% (Boys: 38.2%; Girls: 43%). A higher proportion of girls (76.6%) said that they would not smoke a cigarette in the next 5 years when compared to boys (51.3%). Only a very small proportion (<10%) of the students felt that smoking would result in more friends or make a person more attractive or comfortable at social gatherings. However, at least one-fourth of the students felt that smoking status made no difference in the number of friends one would have or in the attractiveness of an individual [Table 1].Table 1: Attitude toward tobacco use among students of a school in rural PuducherryTherefore, 10 years after WHO FCTC, the prevalence of tobacco use is similar to the national average studied in 2006.[6] Even after a decade of interventions, a section of the students have still not grasped the harmful effects of tobacco use and have a neutral attitude toward smoking and smokers. Hence efforts toward tobacco control needs to be revisited. Thank You.

A descriptive study to determine the knowledge and practices related to tobacco cessation among clinicians attached to dental colleges in Bangalore City, India

Objective: Tobacco use cessation is critical in reducing the effect of a major factor for both oral &amp; systemic diseases. Its use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death worldwide with India accounting for probably a large chunk of these, due to its acceptance, both culturally and traditionally. Smoke and smokeless form of tobacco has become steady companion of today’s youth in India. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices related to tobacco cessation among practicing dentists a sample size of 366 with inclusion and exclusion criteria attached to various dental colleges in Bangalore city. Results: Comparison of knowledge and practice among qualifications revealed that the knowledge score was more among the MDS professionals with a mean value of 78.3±7.9 and the practice score was also higher among the same with a mean value of 33.3±9. Comparison based on duration of practice revealed that the knowledge score was higher in dentists with experience of 0-5 years by a mean value of 78.4±7.5 and a higher practice score was found in dentists with an experience of 6-8 years with a mean value of 33.5±8.4. Conclusion: Physicians and health care providers in association with their national medical and health professional associations must play a leading role in advocating for the implementation of a comprehensive tobacco control policy and implementation of tobacco cessation methods should be included in the dental curriculum.

Prevalence of tobacco use among adults in Ramanathapuram village of Pondicherry

Background: Tobacco use in any form has increased throughout the world. Total tobacco related deaths are projected to rise from 5.4 million in 2004 to 8.3 million in 2030 globally. In India, eight to 10 lakh people die due to tobacco related disease every year. The Global adult tobacco survey (GATS) in India in 2009-2010 revealed that 163.7 million use the smokeless form, 68.9 million smoke, 42.3 million use both smoking and smokeless form of tobacco. Aim and Objective: To find the prevalence, reasons for initiation, willingness to quit tobacco among adults (≥ 20 years) in Ramanathpuram village of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) rural health centre service area. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among adults >20 years (n = 315) in one of the four villages of rural field practice area of the JIPMER, Pondicherry. Considering prevalence of tobacco use as 25%, with 20% relative precision, sample size was calculated to be 300. Interns trained in interview techniques collected information using a structured questionnaire after taking informed consent. Data were collected on demographic parameters, current tobacco use, age at initiation, reasons for initiation, harmful effects of tobacco, sources of information and the willingness to quit. Result: Among the 315 people studied, 51.42% were males. Seventy-nine of them (20.6-30.1) used tobacco in any form. The proportion of females exceeded males in the use of smokeless tobacco. The age of initiation of smoking was found to be 22.6 ± 5.7 years, earlier than that for the smokeless form 27.5 ± 12.2 years (P = 0.032). The majority (50.6%) initiated tobacco use due to peer pressure, followed by influence of their family members (30.3%) and stress (17.7%). Although awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco was found in 64% (58.3-68.9) of the subjects, only 21.9% (13.06-32.2) of the tobacco users were willing to quit. Conclusion: About one-fourth of the study population used tobacco but only about one fifth of the users were willing to quit. Hence, targeted awareness activities will be needed for those unwilling to quit tobacco use.