Prevalence of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders among Fishermen Population in and around Pondicherry, South India - A Cross Sectional Study

CONTEXT: In India fishing is a traditional occupation second only to agriculture. Fishermen are a marginalized group with high levels of occupational stress predisposing them to develop addictions to tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut chewing. These habits are well-established causes of developing oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders among the fishermen population in and around Pondicherry. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire to assess the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders among the fishermen population in and around Pondicherry. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics were used with Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The study showed 24.8% of fishermen consumed tobacco, and 7.3% consumed both tobacco and alcohol. Oral potentially malignant disorders were seen in 16.79% of the population. CONCLUSIONS: The fishermen had a higher rate of addictions to tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut chewing and a higher prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders.