“A Comparative Study to Assess Oral Health Status among Tobacco Consumers and Non-Tobacco Consumers of Middle Age Adults in Selected Rural Areas of Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.”

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health is the practice of keeping the oral cavity clean and free of disease and other problems by regularly brushing teeth and practicing good hygiene habits. The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced to date. Tobacco use being a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases. It is one of the most important causes of death and disease globally.

Objectives: To assess oral health status among tobacco consumers and non-tobacco consumers of middle age adults in selected rural areas of bagalkot.

Methods: A cross sectional design was used  and a sample of 200 middle age adults were selected by convenient sampling technique. The data was collected by using Steps oral health module. The data was entered in MS excel sheet and transferred to SPSS 25 for statistical analysis.

Results: Among 200 samples 58% were males and 42% were females. Among 200 participants 62.5% used to consume tobacco and 37.5% did not consume tobacco. Among Tobacco users 34.4% were 55 & above years of age. A significant difference( P< 0.000) in mouth dryness , persistent wound and/or  swelling in the mouth for more than 3 weeks, a red or white patch in the mouth , felt tense because of problems with teeth or mouth , embarrassed about appearance of teeth, sleep is often interrupted due to oral health, during the past 12 months teeth, gums or mouth pain or discomfort and difficulty in chewing food was found between tobacco consumers and tobacco non consumers and a significant difference( P< 0.003 ) in avoiding to smile because of teeth or mouth due to oral health between tobacco consumers and tobacco non consumers was found.

Conclusions: Age, Gender, and Education, increase the risk of tobacco use. The tobacco consumer’s prohibitor strategies must be strengthened to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use among middle age adults.