Prevalence of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders among Fishermen Population in and around Pondicherry, South India - A Cross Sectional Study

• Published in: Indian journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2023-07, Vol.27 (3), p.226-228
• Main Authors: Sekizhar, Vandana, G, Ezhumalai, C, Chanthrakumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alcohol; Cross-sectional studies; Fishing; Job stress; Surveys; Tobacco
• ISSN: 0973-2284; 1998-3670
• DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_255_22

Context: In India fishing is a traditional occupation second only to agriculture. Fishermen are a marginalized group with high levels of occupational stress predisposing them to develop addictions to tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut chewing. These habits are well-established causes of developing oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer. Aims: To determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders among the fishermen population in and around Pondicherry. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods and Material: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire to assess the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders among the fishermen population in and around Pondicherry. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were used with Pearson's correlation. Results: The study showed 24.8% of fishermen consumed tobacco, and 7.3% consumed both tobacco and alcohol. Oral potentially malignant disorders were seen in 16.79% of the population. Conclusions: The fishermen had a higher rate of addictions to tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut chewing and a higher prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders. Keywords: Fishermen, occupational stress, oral precancerous conditions