A study to assess knowledge on oral cancer and the prevalence of tobacco habits among adolescents of age 13 to 16 years in selected government schools of Nalbari district, Assam

Abstract

Introduction: The reason for high prevalence of oral cancer in India is primarily because tobacco is consumed in the form of gutka, quid, snuff or misri. Rising tobacco use in India, where 40 per cent of the world's smokers live has contributed to this trend. In comparison, in US oral cancer represents approximately 13 percent of all cancers thereby translating into 30,000 new cases every year. Facts about oral cancer in India Problem statement: A study to assess knowledge on oral cancer and the prevalence of tobacco habits among adolescents of age 13 to 16 years in selected government schools of Nalbari district, Assam. Materials and Methods: Research Approach: descriptive research approach was used this study.Research Design was used descriptive survey designThe setting for this study was the selected hospitals in government schools of Nalbari district, Assam. Proportionate number sample was selected from four schools with simple random to select 200 subjects based on predetermined criteria. Results. The finding of the study revealed that out of 200 respondents Majority (56.5%) of respondents were found in the age group between 14-15 years. Majority (60%) of respondents were male. Majority (53.5%) of respondents were from class X. Majority (76%) of respondents were Hinduism. Maximum number (72.5%) belongs to nuclear family. Majority (28%) of the respondent father’s had class X pass. Majority (23.5%) of respondent mother’s had class X pass. Majority (43%) of respondent father’s were cultivator. Majority (89%) of respondent mother’s were housewife. Majority (31.5%) of respondents had monthly income below 3,000.Highest percentage (51.5%) got information from print media. Maximum number (52%) 104 of respondents had moderately adequate knowledge on oral cancer. Area wise highest knowledge scores regarding risk factors aspect was 40.98 percent. Maximum number (46.5%) 93 had moderate prevalence of tobacco habits.