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Delfin Lovelina Francis



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    P2.06 - Epidemiology/Primary Prevention/Tobacco Control and Cessation (ID 707)

    • Event: WCLC 2017
    • Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
    • Track: Epidemiology/Primary Prevention/Tobacco Control and Cessation
    • Presentations: 1
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      P2.06-002 - Tobacco Use and Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancers among Malayali Tribes, Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India (ID 7877)

      09:30 - 16:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Delfin Lovelina Francis

      • Abstract

      Background:
      India has the second largest tribal population of the world next to the African countries. Despite remarkable world-wide progress in the field of diagnostic, curative and preventive medicine, still there are large populations of people living in isolation in natural and unpolluted surroundings far away from civilisation, maintaining their traditional values, customs, beliefs and myths. Hence the present study was conducted to assess the oral health status, treatment needs among the Malayali tribes in the Yelagiri hills, Tamil nadu. AIM: To assess the prevalence of head and neck cancers among the Malayali tribes, Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. To assess the association of tobacco use with head and neck cancers among the Malayali tribes, Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India.

      Method:
      A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the tobacco use and head and neck cancer prevalenceamong 660 Malayali tribes in the Yelagiri Hills. Inhabitants of the villages aged 18 to 75 years who were residing for more than 15years were included. Data was collected using a survey proforma which comprised of a questionnaire and WHO Oral Health Surveys – Basic Methods Proforma(1997). The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis.

      Result:
      .Results showed that among 660 study population, 57.7% had no formal education, 64.5% had indigenous brushing habits. 58% had the habit of tobacco, of which 37% were males and 21% were females. The percentage of oral mucosal lesions observed were as follows: 19.09% leukoplakia, 29% ulceration and 6% malignant tumor. 37% of the study populations had other abnormal conditions like candidiasis and OSMF. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in the study population was due to tobacco usage and alcohol consumption and lack of awareness regarding the deleterious effects of the products used.

      Conclusion:
      The oral health status of Malayali tribes was poor with high prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries. Oral cancer and cancerous lesions were at a very high percentage. Regular oral examination by dental professionals, dental health education and motivation to maintain oral hygiene should be insisted to improve the oral health status of this community.

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    P3.06 - Epidemiology/Primary Prevention/Tobacco Control and Cessation (ID 722)

    • Event: WCLC 2017
    • Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
    • Track: Epidemiology/Primary Prevention/Tobacco Control and Cessation
    • Presentations: 2
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      P3.06-001 - Tobacco Use, Awareness and Oral Health among Kanchipuram Silk Weavers, Tamil Nadu, India (ID 7878)

      09:30 - 16:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Delfin Lovelina Francis

      • Abstract

      Background:
      India is one of the world’s largest producers of textile and garments. Kanchipuram is a city in Indian state of Tamil Nadu known for saree, which is traditionally made by weavers from kanchipuram popularly known as kanjivaram sari. The silk weavers are considered as the master weaver of Gods. The silk is also known for its quality and craftsmanship, which has helped earn its name globally. The people living around Kanchipuram take weaving as their main profession. Weaving being a sedentary work, tobacco has been used by this community as an entertainment factor to ward off boredom. Till date, there are no studies that have been conducted on the oral health status of silk weavers. Hence this study was contemplated with an aim to assess the tobacco use and its awareness among silk weavers.

      Method:
      A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the tobacco use, its awareness and oral examination among 400 silk weavers at kanchipuram, India. Silk weavers aged 18 to 75 years who were involved in this occupation for more than 5years were included. Data was collected using a survey proforma which comprised of a questionnaire and WHO Oral Health Surveys – Basic Methods Proforma(1997).

      Result:
      .Results showed that among 400 study population, 57% had no formal education. Of those who had tobacco habit - 26% smoked beedi, 10.9% smoked cigarette, 65% chewed raw tobacco, 18% chewed Hans and 28% had a combination of smoking and smokeless tobacco usage. 34% of oral precancerous lesions were observed. The reason for practicing these habits were as a measure to combat boredom, relieving stress and body pain after work, and the lack of awareness of the hazards of the materials used.

      Conclusion:
      From the results of this study it may be concluded that the silk weavers were characterized by a lack of awareness about oral health, high prevalence of tobacco use and limited access to health services. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in the study population was due to tobacco usage and alcohol consumption and lack of awareness regarding the deleterious effects of the products used.

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      P3.06-002 - Tobacco Use, Awareness and Oral Health Status among Seafarers in Voc Port, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India (ID 7879)

      09:30 - 16:00  |  Presenting Author(s): Delfin Lovelina Francis

      • Abstract

      Background:
      A sailor, seaman, mariner, or seafarer is a person who navigates waterborne vessels or assists as a crewmember in their operation and maintenance. Seafarers hold a variety of professions and ranks, each of which carries unique responsibilities which are integral to the successful operation of an ocean-going vessel. Seafarers are also frequently exposed to difficult working conditions and particular occupational risks. Seafaring is an exploratory profession with little research has been done to identify conditions that may lead to assess seafarer general health as well as oral health. Past research showed a prevalent use of tobacco and drug abuse among this population.

      Method:
      A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the tobacco use, cancer awareness and oral health status among seafarers in VOC port, Tamilnadu, India. Data was collected using a pretested Questionnaire, which included Demographic data, tobacco habits, its frequency, form and oral examination was done The data collected was analysed using SPSS version15.

      Result:
      Total of 360 subjects participated in the survey. Adverse habits show the overall 72.3% prevalence among the study population. The percentage of oral mucosal lesions observed were as follows: 29% leukoplakia, 35% ulceration and 3% malignant tumor. 27% of the study populations had other abnormal conditions like candidiasis and OSMF. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in the study population was due to tobacco usage and alcohol consumption.

      Conclusion:
      Findings of the present study suggest that oral health condition of seafarer community was relatively poor, with high oral lesions and poor periodontal health. This epidemiological survey has provided baseline information to underpin the implementation of oral health programmes.