A correlative study on oral health status and knowledge on oral health hazards among tobacco consuming adults of selected communities of Gwalior, (M.P.)

Background: The majority of individuals view tobacco use as an adult issue. Most tobacco users start doing so before the age of 25. Use of tobacco negatively impacts oral health. This study aims to assess the current oral health status as well as their awareness of the detrimental consequences of tobacco usage on oral health. Objectives of the Study 1. To assess the oral health status of adults consuming tobacco using observational checklist. 2. To determine the knowledge on hazards of tobacco consumption on oral health. 3. To find an association between oral health status and knowledge on hazards of tobacco consumption on oral health. Research Methodology: A descriptive correlative approach was used. Study was conducted in Primary Health Centre, Gwalior, M.P. Total sample 100 tobacco-using people, including 50 smokers and 50 chewers were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule and observation checklist. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (unpaired t-test and chi-square test). Result: The findings revealed that there was no significance difference in knowledge scores between tobacco chewers and smokers (t 98= 0.7, p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between oral health status of the tobacco smokers and tobacco chewers (t 98 = 1.85, p >0.05). There was no correlation between knowledge on hazards of tobacco consumption on oral health and oral health status of the smokers. Chi square value showed significant association between occupation of tobacco smokers and oral health status (21 =9.09, p< 0.05). Interpretation and Conclusion: The study revealed that even though the adults had good knowledge on hazards of tobacco consumption on oral health they had poor oral health status. This confirms the necessity for undertaking educational programs to raise individuals' understanding of tobacco use and issues it causes in Youth.