O-338 Risk factor assessment and screening for oral neoplasia among manual Labourers residing in Mumbai. (14th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulkarni, Vasundhara Y; Mishra, Gauravi; Pimple, Sharmila; Mehta, Ashok; Patil, Anil; Tiwari, Dharmendra; Bhagat, Vaishnavi
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 80(2023)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A75
• Page End: A76
• Publication Date: 2023-03-14
• Subjects: tobacco -- screening -- health education -- tobacco control; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/OEM-2023-EPICOH.186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Around 94% of India's working population is part of unorganized employment sector. This sector includes agricultural Labourers, domestic workers, barbers, vegetable/fruit vendors etc. Workload in this sector is sometimes burdensome and other times very light and minimal. Many consume tobacco and are at risk of oral cavity cancers. Objectives: To assess risk factor exposure, create awareness regarding harmful effects of tobacco and conduct screening for oral cavity cancers. Methods: This community based programme was conducted in BMC wards A and P-North. Eligible participants were enumerated by done to door survey and informed consent obtained. This was followed by sociodemographic and risk factor assessment and invitation for health education sessions. Screening for oral cavity cancers was conducted by trained primary health workers by Oral Visual Inspection. Screen positives were referred to Nodal Hospital. Results: 256 manual workers were enrolled amongst whom 158 (61.7%) were males and 98 (38.3%) were females. The mean age was 39.665 ± 14.028 years. 247 (96.5%) were tobacco users, 113 (44.1%) alcohol users and 247 both tobacco and alcohol users. 53 (14.1%) used smoking forms. Cigarette smoking was most common [36 (67.9%)] followed by Ganja (marijuana) [6 (11.3%)]. 215 (84.0%) consumed smokeless tobacco (SLT). Among 118 (54.9%) male SLT users 74 (62.7%) chewed tobacco followed by Gutka [63 (53.4%)]. 97 (99.0%) enrolled women were tobacco users. 59 (60.8%) used masheri and 35 (36.1%) chewed tobacco. Main reasons for initiation of tobacco were peer pressure and for time pass. All 256 participants were screened for oral cavity cancers, amongst whom 27 (10.5%) were screen positive and 23 (85.2%) oral pre-cancers were diagnosed. They are now availing treatment at nodal hospital. Conclusions: Prevalence of tobacco use is high among manual labourers. Health awareness, tobacco cessation and control programmes and oral cancer screening should be targeted for this population.