The Determinants of Salivary Cotinine Concentration in Smokeless Tobacco Users

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco products due to their high nicotine content are highly addictive and ultimately lead to an increased risk of oral cavity, laryngeal and oesophagal cancer. AIM: This research was conducted with the aim of assessing the relationship between the salivary cotinine concentration and demographic characteristics and smokeless tobacco use for the first time in tradespeople in Chabahar, Iran. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 different tradespeople using smokeless tobacco in Chabahar who were selected through simple random sampling in 2018. In addition to the salivary cotinine measurement, data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire with demographic and behavioural items. The data obtained were analysed in SPSS-16 using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The mean salivary cotinine score was 887.7 ± 180.7 in men and 611.2 ± 139.7 in women, making for a significant intergroup difference (P = 0.043). The mean salivary cotinine score was higher in those who used two or more smokeless tobacco products compared to those who used one type of tobacco, and a significant difference was observed between the type of smokeless tobacco used and the salivary cotinine score in the participants (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the regression analysis, the type of smokeless tobacco used was a strong predictor of the concentration of salivary cotinine in the participants. It is, therefore, necessary for the government to adopt appropriate policies and take educational measures to reduce the vending and use of these substances.