Evaluating Tobacco Cessation Readiness in OPMD Patients Using the Transtheoretical Model in a tertiary care setting in Northeast India

Abstract

Background: Oropharyngeal cancers pose significant global health challenges and addressing public awareness, early symptoms, and risk factors, alongside promoting tobacco cessation among individuals with potentially malignant oral disorders, is crucial for reducing the disease burden.
Objective: Evaluating the degree of public knowledge of oral malignancy & OPMD, initial signs & risk factors amongst patients going to a dental college in North East India, as well as readiness to quit tobacco amongst OPMD patient.
Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was undertaken at the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Tertiary care Hospital in Guwahati. 200 participants aged 15-65 years who consented were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Collected data underwent thorough checks for completeness and accuracy. To determine the odd's ratio (OR) and to summarise the data, descriptive & inferential statistics were used. To test the relationship, data were dichotomised. Oral lesions present or absent; behavioural phases were divided into two categories: (preparation + action) & (precontemplation + contemplation). P < 0.05 was used as the statistical significance threshold.
Results: Most participants were in the contemplation stage regarding tobacco's risks, neglecting other risk factors like alcohol & inadequate dental hygiene for oral malignancy/OPMD development.
Conclusions: The lack of knowledge of oral malignancy & potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) amongst North Eastern Indian communities, underscores the immediate demand for targeted education and health promotion campaigns. Emphasizing early symptom recognition, risk factors, and prevention measures, tailored to diverse communication preferences, is crucial.