RESUMO
The study was conducted to determine the Frequency and determinants of oral substance abuse among patients seeking dental care at Department of Periodontology, Dr. Ishrat-ul- abad Khan, Institute of Oral health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. Across session study was conducted during January to June 2011.Atotal of 2259 patient were interviewed from a structured questionnaire at Department of Periodontology, Dr. Ishrat-ul- abad Khan, Institute of Oral health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. The questionnaire was based on demographic data along with risk factors resulting in use of substance abuse. The substance abuse included Pan and cigarettes, Niswar, betel nut, Pan, cigarettes, Niswar and Betel nut and gutka. The data was collected on the performa and analyzed using SPSS windows version 17. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables including age, gender, education, type of substance used. Stratification was done with substance user and non-user to see the effect on their oral health. Chi-square was used to compare the categorical variables at 5% level of significance between substance user and non-user. There were 2259 respondents consented for interview regarding use of substance abuse by them. Most of the patients 1362 [60.3%] belonged to younger age group 18-25 years. Female respondents were 1384[61.3%]. Most of the dental care seekers were graduates 984 [43.6%] out of 2259, there were 884 [39.1%] substance abuser. The type of substance abused mostly were pan and cigarettes both 1375 [60.9%] and cigarettes, niswar, beetle nuts all together in 483 [21.4%]. On examination the oral health status was good only in 582 [25.8%].Mostly substance abuse was started on self basis 433[49%] compared to others 45 [51%]. It was also found that unemployment 300[33.9%]was the major reason for substance abuse. The frequency of oral substance abuse was found in 39.1% of the patients seeking medical advice at the dental and oral institute. The commonest determinants of substance user were younger age group between 18- 25 years, commoner in male than female, one third were graduates and unemployed were found more addicted to substance use. The study found that the type of substance abuse at the time of interview were multiple variety of substance. Pan along with cigarettes was used by maximum number of participants. Pan and cigarettes along with Niswar and betel nuts were used by quarter of the sample