Abstract
Background: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) and areca nut have now become a socially and culturally acceptable trend. Evidence has shown that it is causally associated with the development of oral precancerous and cancerous lesions which now has become a public health concern.
Aim: To determine the relationship between lesions in oral cavity and smokeless tobacco and to find the factors that are related to the impact of its usage among the target population.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was done at Gulyana village, Pakistan. A sample of 323 adults was selected for the study. Data collection tools were structured questionnaire and oral cavity examination form. After taking informed consent, oral examination of respondents was done with the naked eye by using a wooden spatula in a good source of light. Logistic regression was applied to explore the coalition between smokeless tobacco use and oral lesions by using SPSS version 17.
Results: Out of 323 individuals, 120 were ST user. 67.5% were males and 32.5% were female. The prevalence oral lesions among respondents were 31.7%. The use of ST and areca nut was 37.2% and 30.9% respectively. Odds of developing oral lesion among users was higher than non-users (Adjusted OR = 30.54, 95% C.I. = 11.87-78.59). Gender, low education status, use among friends and family were significant predictors of SLT use.
Conclusion: A significant association was found between smokeless tobacco and oral lesions. Interventions are needed to target vulnerable groups to control SLT usage.