ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study in Central District of Karachi [CDK] was to assess the prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions and to investigate associations which may exist between oral conditions and Betel nut [BN] chewing among the young school goingchildren
Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Dental Department, Baqai University, Karachi, from April 2011 to July 2011
Materials and Methods: Questionnaire based research was conducted. Three hundred and sixty students from 17 different schools participated in the study. The mean age was 13.86 +/- 1.2 years with the age range of 12 to 16 years. Out of these 360 students, 175 were females and 185 were males
Results: The results showed a high prevalence of the pre-cancerous lesion, oral submucous fibrosis among BN chewers [BNC] compared to non-chewers [NBNC][19% and 3% respectively]. The high prevalence of BN chewing [59% of the low socio-economic young population studied] should be addressed at local and government level through support for effective preventive programs and health promotion campaigns
Conclusion: Promotion of oral health and eradication of BN chewing are important goals for the prevention of oral cancer among this population