Prevalence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis in Patients visiting Dental College in Rural Area of Jaipur, Rajasthan

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis among patients visiting dental college in rural area of Jaipur, Rajasthan aged 15 years and above. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to access the prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis among 6,800 outpatients at NIMS Dental College in rural area of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Subjects were interviewed using a structured proforma. The clinical diagnosis of OSMF was made when patient showed characteristic features of OSMF. The statistical analysis was done with SPSS software version 11.5. Results: The prevalence of OSMF in the study population was 231 (3.39%). Majority of subjects were males 188 (81.38%). The prevalence of OSMF was maximum in 15 to 24 years of age group 98 (42.42%). Conclusion: The observations and findings of the study clearly indicate that prevalence of OSMF and use of smokeless tobacco is on the rise in younger age group. Preventive measures like awareness programs should be started as early as possible. Tobacco counselling on various smokeless tobacco products, like gutkha, khaini, betel nut, cessation program should be periodically conducted.