Smokeless Tobacco Consumption Research Articles

Association of mass media exposure with combustible and smokeless tobacco use among Indian population: findings from a panel survey

BackgroundDespite introducing different policies and initiatives, India is recognized as one of the global players in the tobacco epidemic race. Our study explores the association between tobacco consumption and mass media exposure among the Indian population, considering the contextual factors affecting the clustering at the community and state levels.MethodsUsing two waves of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) conducted in 2005 and 2012 for 16,661 individuals, the present study explores the association of mass media exposure and tobacco consumption in the short-term and the long-term period of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) implementation, which came into existence in 2004. Bivariate analysis using the chi-square test for association showed the correlation of tobacco consumption with its respective predictors. Multivariable analysis using three-level random intercept logit models showed the adjusted association between tobacco consumption and its relevant covariates and the extent of clustering of tobacco consumption behaviour of persons in the communities and states.ResultsWe found that watching television (TV) [(OR:1.03; CI:0.92–1.15) in 2004–05 and (OR:0.99; CI:0.88–1.12) in 2011–12], listening radio [(OR: 0.99; CI:0.90–1.10) in 2004–05 and (OR:1.04; CI:0.94–1.15) in 2011–12] and reading newspaper [(OR:1.02; CI:0.91–1.15) in 2004–05 and (OR:0.96; CI:0.87–1.06) in 2011–12] did not have any significant effect on consumption of combustible tobacco. Similarly, no effect of mass media was found on smokeless tobacco consumption. Further, the clustering of combustible and smokeless tobacco usage was higher at the community level than at the state level. In both rounds, smokeless tobacco consumption was found to be higher than combustible tobacco.DiscussionThe present study provides evidence that COTPA has achieved its aim of nullifying the significant effect of mass media on combustible and smokeless tobacco consumption among the Indian population. However, the influence of state- and community- level clustering had failed in curbing the increment of smokeless tobacco consumption. There is a need for policy reforms to curb the significant impact of factors that promotes smokeless tobacco consumption in India. Further, initiatives must focus on specific communities from high-risk states, reducing the time and cost required for implementation.

Prevalence of the Usage of Smokeless Tobacco in Patients Presenting With Stroke in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BackgroundStroke is one of the leading causes of disability, long-term morbidity, and mortality. The key modifiable risk factors for stroke are largely driven by demographic changes and various social adaptations. Smokeless tobacco consumption is high in developing countries with less awareness of its potential health risks.AimThis study was designed to determine the prevalence of usage of smokeless tobacco in patients presenting with stroke in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Neurology of Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital in Karachi. A total of 192 patients were enrolled during the study period of six months, from September 2018 to March 2019. All consenting patients were recruited who presented with stroke and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All patients were assessed by a trained neurologist.ResultsA total of 192 patients with stroke were included. There were 146 (76%) males and 46 (24%) females with a mean age of 53 ± 6.1 years. The highest percentage (39%) of cases was illiterate. A majority (64%) of patients presented belonged to a lower socioeconomic background. Out of 192 stroke patients, 131 (68.2%) consumed smokeless tobacco. ConclusionThe frequency of smokeless tobacco consumption was found to be high in stroke patients who require the attention of the physician on modifiable risk factors.

Clinicopathological Difference Between Gingivobuccal and Oral Tongue Cancers: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study from a Tertiary Healthcare Centre in Northern India.

Gingivobuccal and oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas are commonly considered together as a single clinical entity for staging and treatment purposes. Though there is data suggesting a significant difference between SCC of various oral cavity subsites, very few studies have compared clinicopathological characteristics between the tongue and gingivobuccal primaries. We retrospectively analysed 225 patients with biopsy-proven gingivobuccal (GB) and oral tongue (OT) SCC operated between April 1, 2018 and April 30, 2021 in All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India to compare their clinicopathological characteristics. Demographic, clinical and histopathological data were collected from electronic medical records. An independent sample t-test was used to compare means and Pearson chi-square test or Fisher exact test was applied to compare the distribution of categorical variables. A relative male preponderance (12:1 vs. 5:1, p = 0.036) and increased smokeless tobacco consumption (82% Vs. 69%, p = 0.003) was seen in GB-SCC. Significantly higher proportion of patients with OT-SCC presented with early primaries (T1/T2) (54.1% vs. 24.8%, p < 0.001). Similarly, a higher proportion of GB-SCC patients presented with palpable neck nodes (cN +) (81% Vs. 67%, p = 0.02). Due to early primary tumours at presentation, stage I/II disease was also significantly higher in cases of OT-SCC (36.5% Vs.13.7%, p < 0.001). No difference was noticed in age at presentation, neck node status, and other clinicopathological parameters. GB-SCC has a higher male preponderance than OT-SCC due to relatively higher consumption of smokeless tobacco in males. Oral tongue cancers presented at an earlier stage than gingivobuccal malignancies. No difference in neck node status, however, suggests a relatively aggressive disease behaviour and early regional metastasis in tongue cancers. Follow up data regarding recurrence and survival is required to further characterise the differences between these two common OSCC subsites.

Mapping of epidemiological determinants of confirmed COVID-19 cases among health-care workers of municipal corporation of Delhi: A roadmap to risk reduction.

BACKGROUND:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus which can spread from person to person. Health-care workers of any medical college and hospital are at more risk to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) than the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological profile of confirmed COVID-19 cases among health-care workers of Municipal Corporation of Delhi.METHODOLOGY:A cross-sectional study was planned among 422 health-care workers of Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The questionnaire consisted of questions about sociodemographic data, personal history, and clinical profile such as signs and symptoms and their duration. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21.0, and, Chi-square test and logistic regression were used.RESULTS:Mean age of study subjects was 41.1 ± 9.8 years, and males (57.6%) were more as compared to (42.4%) females. Out of total participants, about one-third (36.4%) of study participants were asymptomatic. Study participants with higher education status adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.43 (1.25–4.70), living in overcrowding AOR 3.74 (1.86–7.54), and having some comorbidity AOR 2.78 (1.57–4.92) were at higher risk of being symptomatic.CONCLUSION:This study concludes that about one-third of study participants were asymptomatic. Factors such as higher education status, living in overcrowding, presence of some comorbidity, and smokeless tobacco consumption were significantly associated with symptomatic COVID-19 cases. Hence, there is a need to identify these risk factors at an early stage in order to design prevention strategies for better control of such pandemics in future.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Non-Communicable Diseases in Assam, India

Background: Located to the south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys, Assam is thegateway to north east India. Covering an area of 78,438 km sq., the state is inhabited by a multi-ethnic, multi-linguisticand multi-religious society. In the present study we intend to throw some light on the prevalence of non-communicablediseases (NCDs) in this most important state of north-east.Method: The main objective was to examine the effect of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviour, householdstatus and contextual characteristics among adults (aged 30 and above) of Assam. We used data from Indian HumanDevelopment Survey (IHDS II). Logistic regression was applied to attain the study objective.Conclusion: Age and gender; education, smokeless tobacco consumption were found to be significantly associated withthe presence of NCDs. A lot of research has been carried out to understand the prevalence of NCD in India, but theeffect of various factors remains somewhat unexplained at the state level. There is need of more in depth studies to solvethe ever-growing burden of NCDs at the state level. The present study and its findings could be effectively utilized toconsider conducting similar studies for other Indian states as well.

Tobacco Related Cancer Incidence - A Time Travel Comparative Analysis Before And After Implementation Of National Tobacco Control Programme In India

India's responsibility towards the arrangement, and progressively successful reduction in the usage of tobacco under “Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act” (COTPA) and “Framework Convention for Tobacco Control” (FCTC) prompted the introduction of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) in 2007–2008. This study aimed to compare the incidence of tobacco related cancers before and after implementation of NTCP in India. All the sources which have the statistics on cancer incidence in India were identified and the data was extracted to compare the cancer incidences. Secondary data from the sources such as National Cancer Control Registry, Global adult tobacco survey report etc. were collected and tabulated. The results showed that the usage of smokeless tobacco has decreased to 17.6% in 2015 after the implementation of NTCP from 23.4% in 2005. Same way the prevalence in the usage of smoked tobacco has reduced considerably from 18.3% in 2005 to 11.9% in 2009 after the implementation of NTCP. In Mumbai, the number of cancer patients due to tobacco usage has decreased from 7642 to 3625. But in Chennai, the total number have increased from 2000- 2014. By the analysis of incidence of tobacco related cancers and tobacco consumption in India, it is evident that the usage of tobacco products both smoke and smokeless tobacco consumption have decreased after the implementation of NTCP. KEYWORDS: National Tobacco Control Program, tobacco related cancers, Comparison, Tobacco, India

Prevalence and determinants of oral potentially malignant lesions using mobile health in a rural block, northeast India.

In a rural block in North East India, community health workers (CHW) empowered with a mobile phone-based application screened a total of 2,686 participants for Oral Potentially Malignant Lesions (OPMLs), and an oral medicine specialist recommended treatment remotely. Independent risk factors were determined using independent multiple logistic regression models. Nearly 700 (26%) participants were identified with OPMLs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values and accuracy of the CHW was 70.3, 88.4, 66.8, 89.9% and 83.7% respectively. Male gender, married status, smokeless tobacco, paan, areca-nut and alcohol consumption were independent predictors of OPMLs, the burden of which in North East India can be attributed to the high consumption of tobacco and non-tobacco products. Such programmes, with the recommendations from remote specialists, will facilitate early detection in remote settings.

To Assess the Knowledge and Providing Booklet Regarding Health Hazards of Spitting in Public Places among General Population

Background: Smokeless tobacco consumption, which is widespread throughout the world, lead to oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF), which is a long-lasting and disturbing condition of the oral cavity with the potential for malignancy. Mainly focus on the consumption of smokeless tobacco, such as pan and ghutkha the role of these substances in the instruction of OSMF and ultimately oral cancer. It was established using the finding tools provide. The continuous chewing pan and swallowing of ghutkha cause progressive fibrosis in sub mucosal tissue. Generally, OSMF occurs due to multiple risk factors, especially smokeless tobacco and its mechanism, such as betel quid, Areca nuts, and slaked lime, which are used in pan and gutkha. The incidence of oral cancer is higher in women than in men in the South Asian country.&#x0D; Objective: 1 To assess the existing knowledge regarding health hazards of spitting in public places among the general population. 2. To develop Information booklet regarding health hazards of spitting in public places among the general population.&#x0D; Material and Method: &#x0D; Research Design: Pre experimental research design,&#x0D; Research Approach: Survey approach,&#x0D; Setting of Study: Rural population Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha district,&#x0D; Sample: The sample for the present study comprised of 100,&#x0D; Sample size: The sample size selected for this study was 100 sample, &#x0D; Sampling Technique: A convenience sampling technique.&#x0D; Result: After the complete analysis, this study lead to the following result that the mean knowledge score in pre-test was 6.61±2.30 and in post test it was 11.68±1.45 and mean percentage of knowledge score in pre test was 44.06±15.33 and in post test it was 77.86±9.70.&#x0D; Conclusion: After the conclusion of the study it is exposed that the most of the knowledge are gained by providing the booklet and it is most effective result are occurred to provide the same information about the splitting.

Prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption among women of rural Telangana

Background: Tobacco kills approximately 1 million people annually in India and is responsible for almost half of all cancers in men and quarter of all cancers in women. Smokeless tobacco (SLT) is one such form that is culturally and socially acceptable by women especially in rural India. The study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption among women, prevalence of exposure to second hand smoke and to determine the factors associated with it.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done among 190 women in the rural field practice area of department of community medicine of Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal during the period of October 2019 to December 2019. Data was collected using simple random sampling. A semi structured questionnaire was prepared with the help of global adult tobacco survey proforma. The data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 20.00.Results: Prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption was 57% and the most common form of tobacco being consumed was tobacco with pan (40.3%). The prevalence of exposure to second hand smoke at home was 61%. The most common reason for initiation was peer pressure. High prevalence of consumption of smokeless tobacco was seen in unemployed and illiterate women.Conclusions: The prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption is higher among women in this study and this indicates the lack of awareness and the need for better strategies to reduce the burden.

Smokeless tobacco quitting during COVID-19: A mixed-methods pilot study among participants screened for a cessation trial in India

IntroductionCOVID-19 and subsequent country-wide lockdown has impacted smokeless tobacco (SLT) product availability in India. We aimed to examine SLT quitting during COVID-19 lockdown among SLT users who consented to be enrolled in a cessation programme. MethodsBetween January–March 2020, we screened 227 exclusive SLT users to be enrolled in a randomized-controlled feasibility study on SLT cessation. However, all activities were suspended due to national lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine the quitting intention and behaviour during COVID-19 lockdown, we re-contacted these individuals telephonically; during September–October 2020. ResultsOf 227 participants, 87 (38.3%) could not be contacted on phone. We conducted telephonic qualitative interviews and assessed the SLT use status, willingness to quit and participate in the SLT cessation trial among the remaining 140 participants. Among these, 12.1% (17/140) showed no willingness to participate in the study due to migration. Since COVID-19 lockdown, 32.1% (45/140) participants reported quitting SLT due to non-availability, increased cost of products, shifts in community norms and family pressures. ConclusionsCOVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for tobacco cessation as stringent bans and isolation from social circles enabled tobacco cessation. It also triggered improvement in dissemination of public health information at an unprecedented scale, particularly related to the vulnerability of tobacco users to co-morbidities and harm from SARS CoV-2 infection. Implementation of strict bans on sale and consumption of SLT and strengthening of cessation support may lead to sustainable tobacco control. This study provides insight into effective policy strategies to reduce SLT use; which need to be substantiated with adequate cessation support.

An insight into the world of sports dentistry.

Dental trauma in the field of sports is the major linking channel between sports and dentistry. Sports dentistry is the branch of sports medicine that deals with the prevention of oral or facial athletic injuries, oral diseases and manifestations. Sports dentistry is also related to mild traumatic brain injuries during games and erosive lesions due to continuous intake of highly acidic sports and energy drinks. Stress among sportsperson has also been depicted to impact their athletic performance leading athletes to the intake of drugs. Smokeless tobacco consumption and sponsorship is also found among athletes. Therefore, it is emphasized the need for a "team dentist," initiating from high schools to professional teams. The sports or "team dentist" assists athletes in the effective prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of various types of oral injuries. Sport-related orofacial injuries can be prevented by wearing primary protective devices such as properly fitting helmets, face masks and/or mouth guards. They can also enlighten athletes about the benefits of practicing yoga, as it reduces stress and improves performance. Hence, the dentist can perform an imperative role in informing parents, athletes, coaches and patients about the importance of preventing orofacial injuries in sports.

Quantitative assessment of micronuclei in oral exfoliative buccal squamous cells in smokers, chewers and healthy individuals using Giemsa Stain and Papainicolous Stain

Context: The main reason for oral cancer is tobacco consumption in various forms, such as chewing and smoking. Micronuclei in oral exfoliated cells are markers of chromosomal damage caused by toxic genetic agents from tobacco-related substances, alcohol, etc. The number of micronuclei indicates the cell's genotoxic effect and can be used as a biomarker to assess the changes in the cellular changes. Recently research is focused on determining early genotoxicity changes using exfoliative cytology in human buccal epithelial cells. Aim: Quantitative analysis of micronuclei in oral exfoliated oral, buccal mucosal cells using Papainicolous stain with Giemsa stain in tobacco users in the form of chewing and smoking in comparison with healthy individuals. Materials and methods: A total of seventy-five cases were selected for this study. Among seventy-five participants divided into three groups based on habits tobacco smokers (n=25), tobacco chewers (n=25), and healthy individuals (n=25). Results: The mean number of micronuclei in Giemsa stain was 255.2 ± 78 compared with PAP stain155.12 ± 78.5. The increased mean number of micronuclei in chewers 273.24 ± 80.7, and different stain comparison Giemsa stain showed highest in chewers. A mean number of micronuclei showed statistically highly significant (p≤0.05). Pair-wise comparison of micronuclei inter and intra groups in all three groups, smokers and chewers showed highly statistically substantial (p≤ 0.0001) compared with healthy individuals. Conclusion: Micronuclei provide evidence that consumption of smokeless tobacco may be developing oral cancer, and micronuclei assay can be used as biomarkers of genotoxicity and carcinogenesis progression. Key word: Cytological smear, Genotoxicity, Micronuclei, Oral cancer, Tobacco chewers

Smokeless tobacco consumption and its consequences on oral health status among the elderly women in selected slum areas of Dhaka city

Smokeless tobacco consumption and its consequences on oral health status among the elderly women in selected slum areas of Dhaka city

Prevalence and Social Contextual Factors of Smokeless Tobacco Use: Insights from Schools of Delhi, India.

Background:It was observed that adult users start tobacco use in childhood or adolescence. The influence of digital and print media, social acceptance among peers, and in order to mimic role models from films attracts youth towards tobacco. Hence this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among school-going adolescents with the assessment of the influencing factors such as exposure at school, home, and public places along with the role of various media in SLT use by adolescents. Methods:Cross sectional study was conducted with 860 students of class 9th -12th enrolled in schools. Purposive sampling of three schools was done from the study area to reach desired sample size. All the students of class 9th - 12th within selected schools were given chance to participate in the study. Data collection was done using pretested modified Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) questionnaire. Results:Consumption of smokeless tobacco (SLT) was observed in 79 (11%) of 714 subjects. Significantly higher proportion (18.4%) of study subjects consumed SLT who were exposed to tobacco at school premises and 19.1% of study subjects who were exposed to teacher using SLT in schools compared to non-exposed group. (p=0.016). It was observed that 8.1% of subjects without any exposure to tobacco at home and 9.8% of subjects without exposure to tobacco at outdoor public space consumed SLT. Consumption of SLT use was highest (16.7%) among subjects exposed to tobacco advertisement or promotion through social media (p=0.04). Conclusion:High prevalence of SLT was detected among adolescents in school. Factors such as exposure to tobacco at home, public places, school and school teacher using SLT, exposure of tobacco advertisement and promotion via different modes of media was found to be significantly associated with the use of SLT in the adolescents of school.

Microorganisms: crucial players of smokeless tobacco for several health attributes.

Global consumption of smokeless tobacco (SLT) reached 300 million users worldwide majorly from middle-income countries. More than 4000 chemical compounds represent it as one of the noxious consumable products by humans. Besides toxicants/carcinogens, the heavy microbial load on smokeless tobacco further keeps human health at higher risk. Several of these inhabitant microbes participate in biofilm formation and secrete endotoxin/mycotoxins and proinflammatory-like molecules, leading to several oral diseases. Tobacco-associated bacteria exhibit their role in tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) formation and acetaldehyde production; both are well-documented carcinogens. Moreover, tobacco exhibits the potential to alter the oral microbiome and induce dysbiotic conditions that lead to the onset of several oral and systemic diseases. Traditional cultivation approaches of microbiology provide partial information of microbial communities of a habitat; therefore, microbiomics has now been employed to study the metagenomes of entire microbial communities. In the past 5 years, few NGS-based investigations have revealed that SLT harbors four dominant phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) dominating Bacillus spp. and/or Pseudomonas spp. However, functional characterization of their genetic elements will be a more informative attribute to understand the correlation between inhabitant microbial diversity and their relatedness concerning abundance and diseases. This review provides an update on the microbial diversity of SLT and its associated attributes in human health. KEY POINTS: • Heavy microbial load on smokeless tobacco alarms for poor oral hygiene. • Inhabitant microorganisms of SLT participate in TSNA and biofilm formation. • SLTs alter the oral microbiome and causes oral dysbiosis.

Prevalence, pattern, and cessation of tobacco consumption among older adults in India

ABSTRACT Background There has been a comparative decline in tobacco consumption; however, India still has the highest number of tobacco consumers in terms of absolute numbers. Objective This study aimed to examine the prevalence, pattern, and cessation of tobacco consumption among older adults in India. Methods Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) wave-I. Cross-tabulation and logistic regression analysis were used. Smokeless and smoked tobacco were the main response variables. Results The consumption of smokeless tobacco was higher among male older adults than in female older adults; however, a higher percentage of female older adults consumed smoked tobacco than their male counterparts. A higher percentage of urban older adults than rural older adults (45.35% vs. 41.67%) consumed smokeless tobacco; however, the prevalence of smoked tobacco consumption was higher among older adults in rural areas than their urban counterparts (48.46% vs. 46.81%). The odds of ever used tobacco (OR = 0.23, C.I. = 0.18–0.30) and smokeless tobacco (OR = 0.69, C.I. = 0.47–1.00) were lower among higher educated older adults than uneducated older adults. Conclusion There is a need to disseminate information about the ill effects of tobacco consumption among older men and women.

Structural changes, increased hypoxia, and oxidative DNA damage in placenta due to maternal smokeless tobacco use.

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption during pregnancy is a well-recognized health risk that causes placental damage including hypoxia and oxidative damage. Although consumption of SLT by women varies from region to region, majority of tea leave pluckers consume SLT for relieving stress and pain. Still, the effects of SLT consumption have not been evaluated in tea garden workers (TGW). While previous studies have attempted to report effects of cigarette smoke using in vitro model, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression in human placentae from pregnant women exposed to SLT has not been previously studied. This study was aimed to explore the effects of SLT consumption on placental structure, expression of HIF-1α and oxidative DNA damage in sample population of TGW. A total of 51 placentae were collected from SLT users and nonusers (n=30 and 21, respectively) with full-term normal delivery, who were involved in the plucking of tea leaves during pregnancy in tea plantation. Low birth weight (LBW, i.e., weight <2,500 g) and normal birth weight (NBW) groups among both SLT user and nonuser were compared for the stated parameters. Placental tissues were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study and immunohistochemical analysis for the expression of HIF-1α and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Altered ultrastructural characteristics were observed in the tertiary villi of LBW group among SLT users which included endothelial cells protrusion into capillary lumen, degenerated nuclei, significant thickening of trophoblast basement membrane and vasculo-syncytial membrane, abnormalities of the microvilli, swollen or damaged mitochondria, and dilatation in endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Furthermore, significant reduction in the perimeter, area, and number of the stromal capillary of the tertiary villi of placenta were found in LBW group as compared with NBW group from the SLT users. Enhanced expression for HIF-1α and oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) biomarker was observed in SLT users as compared with nonusers. Maternal SLT exposure during pregnancy may be associated with villus hypoxia and consequently oxidative DNA damage. It is presumed that deleterious effect of SLT exposure on placenta could result in impairment of placental barrier, and restrict nutrient and oxygen supply from mother to fetus, and thus could be a cause of fetal growth restriction.

Assessment of non-communicable disease related lifestyle risk factors among adult population in Bangladesh.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which can largely be prevented by controlling avoidable lifestyle-related risk factors, are rapidly penetrating the entire world, including developing countries. The present study aimed to assess NCD lifestyle risk factors among the adult population in Bangladesh. The data used in the study were collected as part of a population-based cross-sectional survey covering rural and urban areas of Bangladesh conducted in 2015-16 (N=11,982 adults aged ≥35 years). The lifestyle factors considered were diet (daily fruit and vegetable consumption and extra salt intake with meals), sleeping patterns, smoking, smokeless tobacco consumption, and physical activity. The study found that approximately 18.5% of participants had a non-daily consumption of fruit or vegetables, 46.6% used extra salt with their meals, 11.8% reported sleeping <7 hours daily, 25.7% smoked tobacco, 60.9% used smokeless tobacco and 69.7% were less physically active. The prevalence of improper lifestyle practices relevant to NCDs, such as an inadequate diet, poor sleeping pattern, tobacco consumption, and low physical activity, was significantly higher among older adults, women, the uneducated, the unemployed, urban dwellers, and people from rich households. The study found that NCD-related lifestyle characteristics were poorly compliant with standard guidelines among many adult populations in Bangladesh. The findings can inform preventative strategies to control the overwhelming NCD burden in Bangladesh, such as the promotion of physical exercise, healthy eating, and the cessation of the use of tobacco products.

Patterns of Periodontal Destruction among Smokeless Tobacco Users in a Central Indian Population.

Background: Findings of studies testing the association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and periodontal health have shown varying results in different populations. Considering the high prevalence of SLT use in India, the present study was conducted to understand the pattern of periodontal destruction within different areas of the dentition among SLT users. Methods: Age, gender, oral hygiene habits, the frequency and duration of SLT consumption, the type of SLT product used, and the site of retention of the SLT product in the oral cavity were recorded among 90 SLT users. Probing depth (PD), recession (REC), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at SLT-associated and non SLT-associated teeth of the mandibular arch were compared based on the site of retention of the SLT product, the type of product used, and the duration of the habit. Results: REC and CAL were significantly higher at the SLT-associated zones compared to non SLT-associated zones and at both interproximal and mid-buccal sites of SLT-associated teeth. Among individuals who had the habit for more than 5 years and also among those who had the habit for 5–10 years, PD, REC, and CAL were significantly higher at SLT-associated teeth than at non SLT-associated teeth. Significantly greater periodontal destruction was observed at SLT-associated teeth among khaini users and gutkha users. Conclusions: Smokeless tobacco consumption resulted in greater destruction of periodontal tissues. The severity of periodontal destruction at SLT-associated sites differed depending on the type of smokeless tobacco used, the site of retention of the SLT, and the duration of the habit.

“A HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF TUMORS OF ORAL CAVITY”

Background: The incidence of oral cavity neoplasms in the population has increased manifold over the years. Oral cancer is one of the common cancers in the world, common in India, and also in Bangladesh, Srilanka and Pakistan. Oral cancer is one of the few cancers, whose cause were known and hence it is possible to prevent. The real challenge in oral cancer lies in its prevention and early diagnosis. Objectives: 1.To study the morphological spectrum of neoplasms in oral cavity. 2.To study the age and gender incidence of various neoplasms. 3.To study the commonest sites of various neoplasms. 4.To evaluate or analyse the associated risk factors. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study of the cases attended to Government General Hospital, Vijayawada or Government Dental College Hospital Vijayawada, of oral cavity neoplasms. The biopsy of the tissues was carried out at the Department of Pathology, Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada. The study period was from June 2011 to August 2013 over a period of two years and three months. Results: The Study comprises a total of 74 surgical biopsies from oral cavity neoplasms received in the Department of Pathology, 52 of these were malignant lesions and 20 were benign tumour and 2 were premalignant conditions. The invasive squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent histological type of oral cavity neoplasms. Among the oral cancers, peak age th th incidence was the 5 and 6 decade of life. There was signicant male preponderance. Tongue was the most common site involved. Smokeless tobacco consumption was the commonest associated habit which leads to malignancy. Conclusion:In thisa study we observed that among the oral cavity neoplasms, high incidence of carcinomas are seen, among these squamous cell carcinomas are predominant.