Oral malignancies and tobacco related habits among Aranadar tribals in Kerala, India: a population based study
Background Aranadar tribals also known as Eranadar are tribal people living in the Nilambur forests of Malabar Kerala. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of oral malignancies and also to assess the practices on tobacco and alcohol related habits. Methods The study was conducted dur...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2018-03-01
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| Series: | Tobacco Induced Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.journalssystem.com/tid/Oral-malignancies-and-tobacco-related-habits-among-Aranadar-tribals-in-Kerala-India,84195,0,2.html |
| Summary: | Background
Aranadar
tribals also known as Eranadar are tribal people living in the Nilambur forests
of Malabar Kerala. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of oral malignancies
and also to assess the practices on tobacco and alcohol related habits.
Methods
The
study was conducted during the time period of 2014-2015. A cross sectional
study design was done by selecting different age groups and gender. The Oral
health Status were measured using WHO format and data on practices related to
tobacco and alcohol practices by were collected using a pre-tested
Questionnaire. Dietary patterns were recorded in a dietary chart.
Results
We
examined a total of 3685 people from all the age groups and gender. The study
population consisted of 67% of total Aranadar tribals in the Nilambur forest
region. The prevalence of Oral Malignancies was found to be 27% in the study
population. Cancer of tongue (45.5%) and buccal mucosa (39%) was found to be
more common in these population. Pre-malignant lesions like leukoplakia(18%),
erythroplakia(7%) and lichen planus(3.2%) were also reported among these tribal
people. 68% of the 10-15 year old male children were found using tobacco products
in one or the other forms. 34.7% of the women reported the use of tobacco. The
most common cancers among the youngest age group are those of tongue and buccal
mucosa (51.26%). Alcohol use were reported in 57% of the study population. There was strong association with tobacco and oral cancer in
tribal people and it was statistically significant (p< 0.05).
Conclusions
The prevalence of oral cancer was found to very
high in these tribals people compared to other semi-urban and urban
populations. The study reveals that awareness regarding the harmful effects of
use tobacco and local arrack among these
Aranadar tribals were very less. |
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| ISSN: | 1617-9625 |