An Assessment of Awareness on Oral Cancer Among Smokeless Tobacco Users in Rural Skirts of Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Smokeless tobacco (ST) is tobacco consumed orally, not smoked. It has been in use for as long as other forms of tobacco consumption and its use have increased. The deleterious effects of smokeless tobacco use are perhaps not as well-known as those produced by smoking. Smokeless tobacco use has been recognized as a cause of cancer. In developing countries, tobacco is mostly chewed with other ingredients. Despite the claims by some tobacco companies and a few harm reduction proponents that using smokeless tobacco products is less harmful than smoking or that smokeless tobacco should be used as a tool to help smokers quit smoking (but continue using tobacco in the form of smokeless tobacco), the fact remains that using smokeless tobacco still exposes users to many harmful chemicals and still heightens a user's risk for many of the same health problems as smoking. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness of health hazards of tobacco among smokeless tobacco users in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology: The inhabitants of the villages in Kancheepuram district, who have completed 18 years were included in the study. Ethical clearance from the board, permission from the village panchayat leader and informed consent from the participants to conduct the study was obtained. Inhabitants of the villages aged 18 to 75 years and present on the day data collection and who were willing to participate in the study were included. Random sampling method was used and data were collected from a cross-sectional survey, using a pretested questionnaire, which included demographic data, tobacco habits, its frequency and form. Antitobacco counseling was given on the spot and followed. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 15. Results: The study population consisted of total 400 individuals, male 200 and females 200. From the results it is observed that more than 70% were unaware of the harmful effects of tobacco. Majority of the females use smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco was common among males. Most common cause of tobacco use was pleasure 32.5%, inducing factor were friends 43.7% followed by parents and siblings. Effectiveness of antitobacco counseling is greater among the females compared with males. Conclusion: The dangers from smoking and chewing tobacco are well documented within the literature but the public's lack of knowledge of the risks is a concern. Health professionals are encouraged to disseminate information on the subject as widely as possible and improve existing screening programs to ensure that the public is made aware of these risks, especially those within high-risk groups.