Prevalence and correlates of tobacco chewing among construction site workers: A cross-sectional study in Delhi

Abstract Background Tobacco usage in various forms such as smoking and smokeless are prevalent in the various strata of the study. This habit not only affects an individual’s health but also the overall well being. The worst hit by this habit are the low socioeconomic strata, who succumb to this habit and finally to its detrimental effects on their health. Aims The present study was planned with the objective: 1. To assess the prevalence of smokeless tobacco among construction site workers. 2. To assess the intra oral soft tissue and dental problems in the users. 3. To study the correlates of tobacco chewing among the construction site workers Settings and Design Crossectional study comprised 172 Construction workers both males and females who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Methods and Material A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data about socio demo-graphic details, knowledge, attitude, practice of workers regarding tobacco consumption. Intra oral examination was conducted and both intra oral hard and soft tissues findings were recorded. Statistical analysis The data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0 version. The results were reported as percentages, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Chi square test was used to assess significance and p value Results The odds of having SLT users in illiterate was 3.042 times more than the literates. Statistically significant difference existed between SLT users who were aware of the deleterious effect of tobacco (26.4%) as compared to those with no awareness (73.6%). Subjects with a positive family history of tobacco usage showed higher incidence of addiction at 60% as compared to 40% of those with no family history of the habit. The odds of oral lesions was 11.226 times greater in SLT users than the non users.