A case control study to identify the risk group of precancerous oral lesions and to correlate with predisposing factors and to implement a need based awareness programme on oral cancer among adults residing in selected rural settings at Madurai District

Abstract

Cancer is a universal and non-communicable disease that affects people without regard to race, gender, socio economics status or culture. Cancer is the second most common killer disease in the world. Oral health is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, other diseases and disorders that limit individual s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing. newlineObjectives: newline1. To identify the prevalence of precancerous lesions among adults residing at selected rural settings at Madurai. newline2. To describe the predisposing factors of pre cancerous oral lesions among tobacco using adults in cases and controls groups. newline3. To find correlation between precancerous oral lesions and pre disposing factors among adults in cases and controls. newline4. To implement a need based awareness programme on oral cancer among adults residing in selected rural settings at Madurai district. newlineThe research design adopted for this study is Quasi- Experimental Case Control Design. The study was conducted in the rural settings of Madurai District in south Tamil Nadu. The sample size was made using Power Analysis and was 1040. According to Cytological results 207 samples were identified with precancerous oral lesions. They were considered as Cases. Remaining 833 samples were considered as controls. newlineTotally 207 (100%) of cases had leukoplakia which is one of the ideal precancerous lesions. Majority 72.9% of Cases and 89.7% of Controls were having Pigmentation in the labial buccal mucosa and vestibule. newlineThe main conclusion of the present study is that many adults with the habit of smoking, smokeless tobacco, alcoholism and other substance abuse were unknowingly affected with pre cancerous oral lesions. If it is detected earlier prevention from oral cancer is possible. Identification and rectification of pre disposing factors will reduce the risk of oral cancer. newline newline