Frequency of betel nut chewing among non-teaching staff of bahria university medical and dental college

Abstract

Betel nut chewing habit is highly prevalent in South Asian region. Chronic use of betel nut/gutkha plays a major role in pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of betel nut chewing habit among non-teaching staff of Bahria University Medical and Dental College. The present cross-sectional study comprised of 118 subjects out of which 21(17.8%) were females and 97(82.2%) males. Informed consent was taken prior to oral examination. Data were entered into SPSS version 23. The study finding showed betel nut chewing habit was frequently seen in males as compared to females. The reasons of chewing was also investigated which revealed that pleasure was the dominating factor observed in Urdu followed by Punjabi speaking community. The next common reason was craving found in the same ethnic group, whereas boredom and unhappy were the reasons seen in Sindhi, Pakhton and Bengali communities with the (P>.994) which is statically insignificant. Presently betal nut chewing habit is a big challenge for developing countries because continuation of this habit may lead to serious consequences. Authors also recommend that more sample size is advocated to authenticate this finding. Finally, the government should focus more on oral health education programs to eradicate this habit from the community.