A comparative study to assess general health status and oral health score of tobacco users and nonusers in geriatric population in central India

BACKGROUND: Globally about 5 million deaths every year can be ascribed to tobacco use. It leads to many systemic and oral diseases. These diseases in geriatric population are common and more hazardous. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted in rural area of a teaching hospital to assess general health status and oral health scores of 500 geriatric age group tobacco users and non users. Data analysis was done with SPSS version-20. Chi square test and Mann Whitney U rank test were applied. RESULTS: Poor self assessed health status was found in tobacco users as compared to nonusers. Significant limitation was found among the tobacco users as compared to nonusers. Significant association was found between the presence of diabetes, COPD, and tobacco use. Tobacco use was found to be significantly associated with poor oral health. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant poor general and oral health was found in tobacco users than nonusers.