Prevalence and risk indicators of oral mucosal lesions in adult population visiting primary health centers and community health centers in Kodagu district

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Utilization of primary health center (PHC) and community health center (CHC) could be one of the few practical approaches in early detection of oral cancers and potentially malignant disorder (PMD). This study was designed to estimate the prevalence and distribution of oral mucosal lesion (OML) and its associated risk factors among the adult population of Kodagu district. METHODOLOGY: 1048 patients, 18 years of age and above, attending the outpatient department of PHC and CHC in Kodagu district comprised the study population. The World Health Organization Oral Health Assessment Form, cinical examination, and demographic factors were recorded using a proforma. Chi-square test and contingency coefficient and logistic regression were applied to check statistical differences. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of OML was found to be 18.89%. Prevalence of PMD was 5.63%. Prevalence of PMD was highest among the elementary occupation (15.63%). Two cases of oral cancer were identified. There was a significant association of PMD with the age group of 41–60 years. Leukoplakia was strongly associated with male gender [odds ratio (OR) 2.83, P < 0.001]. Smoking and chewing were significant risk factors associated with leukoplakia (OR 11.05, P < 0.001) and oral submucous fibrosis (OR 4.63, P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of OML in the study population was 18.89%. A high prevalence of PMD in the population could be attributed to the associated risk factors such as smoking, chewing habits, and alcohol use. Utilization of PHC and CHC could be a useful strategy to detect previously undiagnosed OML including PMD and cancerous lesions among the population.