An awareness study on oral Submucosal fibrosis amongst the general public of Chennai

AIM & OBJECTIVE: To assess the awareness amongst the general public of chennai on oral submucosal fibrosis. MATERIALS & METHOD: A questionnaire consisting of 12 questions on the topic, oral submucous fibrosis,was constructed and circulated amongst the general public of Chennai. The data retrieved from the survey was processed using Microsoft Excel. BACKGROUND: People are not aware of potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity and hence don't take adequate measures to prevent it from occurring. It is important to assess and understand the level of knowledge of the participants and create the awareness so that there is an initiative taken to reduce the likeliness of occurring. REASON FOR THE PROJECT: Oral submucosal fibrosis is a chronic, progressive disease that is becoming more predominant in South India due to the habits of the people. One of the main causes is excessive chewing of betel quid and Areca nuts. Oral submucosal fibrosis is also a disease which could progress into a malignancy of the oral cavity if left untreated for a period of time, or if there is continuous chewing of betel quid or areca nut combined with the effects of smoking and drinking. RESULT: The awareness of the public of Chennai on oral submucosal fibrosis is studied.