Influence of smokeless tobacco in development of oral submucous fibrosis among industrial workers: A cross-sectional study

Background: Tobacco usage in any form can contribute toward the development of various precancerous and cancerous lesions. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic precancerous lesion which has the highest rates of malignant transformation. Therefore, the present study was conducted among industrial workers to observe the effect of various forms of smokeless tobacco (SLT) usage and development of OSMF. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 3998 industrial after obtaining approval from concerned authorities. A self-administered questionnaire approved by specialists was used to collect data from the study participants. The clinical diagnosis (the presence of fibrous bands and blanching) was performed by trained examiners who were calibrated in the department. Mouth opening was recorded by Vernier caliper. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test and statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean age of the study population was 38.341 ± 9.89 years. OSMF was reported in 50.2% (1149) of participants who were consuming one or other forms of SLT. Fibrous bands were seen in 59.6% of participants chewing areca nut, 56.8% of participants who consumed pan masala, and 50.6% of participants consuming khaini. 48.9% of participants who chewed gutkha developed blanching over their intraoral mucosa. Fibrous bands and blanching of the oral mucosa were observed in 89.4% and 88.3% of participants, respectively, who consumed all four types of SLT. Conclusion: Consumption of SLT has a strong correlation with the development of OSMF, especially with the use of gutkha, pan masala, and khaini. There is a need for public education programs among such vulnerable population groups.