Prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders in workers of Udupi taluk

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of oral potentially malignant disorders (PMD) among industrial workers of Udupi taluk, Karnataka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of industrial workers aged >18 years from randomly selected industries in Udupi Taluk. A self-administered questionnaire was given to the participants to assess sociodemographic factors and abusive habits (Tobacco, Alcohol, and Betel quid) followed by clinical oral examination by single trained and calibrated examiner. RESULTS: A total of 396 completed all steps of the survey and were included for analysis. A total of 14, 11.4, and 14.4% were tobacco, alcohol, and betel quid users, respectively. A total of 8.6% (n = 34) have at least one PMD. A significantly higher number of participants with single (11.4%) or combined habits (60.4%) had oral lesions while none of the participants without habits reported any oral lesions (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of abusive habits and oral premalignant lesions or conditions was substantial among the workers. The cause and effect relationship and dose-response were also shown to be significantly associated. Prevention and early diagnosis through workplace screening are the major cornerstones for the control of oral cancer.