Prevalence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis in School Going Children Who Chew Betel Nut Versus Those Who Do Not: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study in Central District of Karachi (CDK) was to assess the prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions and to investigate associations which may exist between oral conditions and Betel nut (BN) chewing among the young school going children.

Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Dental Department, Baqai University, Karachi, from April 2011 to July 2011.

Materials and Methods: Questionnaire based research was conducted. Three hundred and sixty students from 17 different schools participated in the study. The mean age was 13.86 ±1.2 years with the age range of 12 to 16 years. Out of these 360 students, 175 were females and 185 were males.

Results: The results showed a high prevalence of the pre-cancerous lesion, oral submucous fibrosis among BN chewers (BNC) compared to non-chewers (NBNC) (19% and 3% respectively). The high prevalence of BN chewing (59% of the low socio-economic young population studied) should be addressed at local and government level through support for effective preventive programs and health promotion campaigns.

Conclusion: Promotion of oral health and eradication of BN chewing are important goals for the prevention of oral cancer among this population.