The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Background Smokeless tobacco and smoking are common addictions in India even in children . This study is a community project on tobacco control by the author.

Objective: 1) To assess the prevalence of and the impact of activities of health care workers and Medical students in the community on tobacco abuse. 2) To assess the prevalence of pre malignant / malignant oral cavity lesions and the impact of surgical / medical interventions

Methods: Period :-January 1995 – January 2005. All adults were included and separate data entry done for under 18. Questionnaire was prepared to assess the prevalence of tobacco abuse and to perform screening for Head and Neck pre malignant or malignant lesions Direct interactions, study classes, media campaign on ill effects of tobacco were used to educate the public. School children were targeted with the help of teachers and social workers. Screening for oral cavity done by trained health workers and medical students. Medical and surgical interventions on pre malignant lesions were executed by the author.

Results:

Out of 52468 adults, 60 % (31480) and 1136 (0.086%) less than 18 were habituated to tobacco. At the end of 10 years (69.5%) adults and by 7 years habituated children quit tobacco .1678 had pre malignant (0.053) and 676(2.16%) aggressive lesions necessitating excision.63 (0.2%) had oral cancer.121/1136(0.10%) of children developed Sub mucosal fibrosis Conclusions 69.5% of the population could quit tobacco abuse. Children are vulnerable to smokeless tobacco addiction. Tobacco eradication and reduction of head and Neck cancer incidence is possible by public education and screening.