ABSTRACT
Introduction: Unfortunately, indicators of tobacco dependence are present even after low levels of exposure in young smokers. Early emergence of these signal risk for subsequent chronic smoking and nicotine dependence is negatively associated with cessation in young adults. One important yet understudied modifiable predictor of intention to quit among smokers is smoking rationalization. Smokers often subscribe to smoking rationalisation beliefs, also known as self?exempting beliefs, to justify or rationalize their smoking behaviors. Smoking rationalizations can predict a lack of intention to quit. Objective: To assess the correlation between smoking rationalisation, tobacco dependence and intention to quit among Indian adults and adults. Methodology: A cross?sectional pilot study was carried out among 18–60?year?old subjects. Data were collected for tobacco dependence, smoking rationalisation and intention to quit (no/yes) by structured interview. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS statistics for windows, version 16 (IBM Corp, Armork, NY.) The independent t?test and one way ANOVA and binary logistic regression were performed for inferential statistics. Results: Smokers with no intention to quit and high tobacco dependence scores had significantly higher smoking rationalisation than those to quit and low dependence scores. Logistic regression models demonstrated that all types of rationalisation beliefs were consistently inversely associated with the intention to quit and low tobacco dependence. Conclusion: Findings suggest that smoking rationalisation plays an important role in the lack of intention to quit among Indian smokers. Future interventions should tackle smoking rationalisation beliefs as a strategy to promote smoking cessation.
ABSTRACT
Bad breath causes embarrassment and affects interpersonal social communication. Morning breath odor is a commonly encountered oral problem which should be rectified with effective oral hygiene measure. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the effectiveness of different oral hygiene regimens on the reduction of morning bad breath, plaque formation, and gingivitis in healthy young adults. Settings and Design: A four-step, crossover clinical trial was conducted among 40 young adults aged 18–22 years residing in one of the nongovernmental organizations in New Delhi. Materials and Methods: Study participants were divided into four groups, which underwent intervention for 7 days each. Group 1: tooth brushing; Group 2: tooth brushing and mouthwashing; Group 3: tooth brushing and tongue scraping; and Group 4: combination of all. A washout interval of 14 days was employed in between the groups. Breath scores were measured at three time intervals whereas oral health status was recorded at the beginning and the end of each interventional period. Statistical Analysis Used: Appropriate tests such as paired t-test, ANOVA test, and Pearson correlation tests were used in the study. Results: The highest reduction in mean value of breath scores (2.03 ± 0.69) was found in Group 4 followed by Group 3. Similarly, Group 4 showed the highest reduction in mean value of plaque score (0.79 ± 0.19) and gingival score (0.54 ± 0.23) followed by Group 2. Conclusion: Combination of mechanical and chemical oral hygiene measures is an effective regimen for the reduction of morning bad breath.