Prevalence of Potentially Malignant Disorders in Tobacco Consuming Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) among individuals in the northern population of India who have a habit of using tobacco. The study population consisted of residents over 18 years old from that specific area. Every patient included in the study had been diagnosed with OPMDs. A self-structured questionnaire was developed, which included details about the participant’s socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, medical history, oral health, adverse habits, and clinical profile. Out of the entire study population, 60 patients were found to have OPMD. The prevalence rates for leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) were 3.90%, 0.10%, and 4.02%, respectively. Significant factors among all tobacco users included the type of tobacco, age group, and gender, after adjusting for baseline characteristics and risk factors. There was a significant association found between the use of smokeless tobacco and OPMDs.