Community based oral precancerous lesions/conditions : an analysis of associated factors.

Despite overwhelming evidence documenting the carcinogenic effects of tobacco, the per capita consumption of tobacco is alarmingly increasing. A base line survey has been conducted in 4 villages in central India. Tobacco users were identified and interviewed. The oral mucosa was examined for the clinical lesions. Odds ratios for the oral precancerous lesions/conditions were assessed utilising the woolfs method. Out of the 3088 rural pupulation examined, 21.6% were found to be habituated to tobacco. Out of 668 tobacco users, 492 (73.6%) were chewing tobacco with lime. Premalignant lesions (leukoplakia) was observed in 111 cases. Premalignant condition (oral sub mucous fibrosis) was found in 12 cases. Out of 138 adult tobacco chewers who began the habit at or before the age of 14 years, 68.8% chewed 10 grams or more of tobacco per day compared with 42.8% (51 out of 119) of those who started the habit when they were 25 years or older (P< 0.001).