Contents
pdf Download PDF pdf Download XML pdf Download Full Text
306 Views
168 Downloads
Share this article
Research Article | | Volume 13 Issue: 7 (December, 2024) | Pages 151 - 156

Prevalence and Pattern of Tobacco-associated Oral Lesion among Migrant Construction Workers in Chennai: A Cross-sectional Study

 ,
 ,
 ,
1
Department of Public Health Dentistry Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India
2
Department of Periodontics Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India
Under a Creative Commons license
Open Access
Received
Sept. 15, 2024
Revised
Oct. 9, 2024
Accepted
Nov. 21, 2024
Published
Jan. 5, 2025

Abstract

Objectives: Tobacco use is a leading risk factor for oral potentially malignant and malignant lesions, particularly among low-income populations. Migrant construction workers represent a vulnerable group due to occupational stress, lack of healthcare access and socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the prevalence and patterns of tobacco-associated oral lesions in this demographic to inform targeted interventions and policy measures. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 1,671 migrant construction workers in Chennai using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Data on demographic details, tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) and oral lesions were collected through questionnaires and clinical examinations, adhering to WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was performed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Among the participants, 84.8% used smokeless tobacco, while 15.2% were smokers. The prevalence of tobacco-associated oral lesions was 36.8%, with leukoplakia (8.6%) and oral submucous fibrosis (7.8%) being the most common. The buccal mucosa was the most affected site. Significant correlations were observed between tobacco use and lesion prevalence, with younger age groups (28–38 years) and males being the most affected. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence of tobacco-associated oral lesions among migrant construction workers, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention programs. Recommendations include workplace-based tobacco cessation initiatives, regular oral health screenings and culturally sensitive awareness campaigns. Future studies should address long-term impacts, barriers to healthcare access and integration of findings into national oral health strategies.

Keywords
Tobacco-associated lesions, migrant health, occupational health, oral cancer prevention, socioeconomic determinants
Recommended Articles
Research Article

AlphaFold2 and STRING-Based Mapping of REJ-Mediated Interactions in PC1 Uncovers Intracellular Roles in ADPKD

Published: 05/09/2025
pdf Download PDF
Research Article

The Impact of Oral Health Status on Daily Performances Using the Child-OIDP Index Among 12-14-Year-Old Children in Residential Schools of Bangalore

...
Published: 05/09/2025
pdf Download PDF
Research Article

Implementation of School-Based Sugar Monitoring Program and Its Impact on Caries Incidence

Published: 05/09/2025
pdf Download PDF
Research Article

The Role of CYBB Gene Mutations in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Exploring Immunogenicity and Immune Deficiencies

...
Published: 05/09/2025
pdf Download PDF
Copyright © Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences until unless otherwise.