Knowledge, attitude and practice of gutkha chewing among youth in Hiroli village of Kalaburagi district

ABSTRACT

Background: Gutkha is a preparation of crushed tobacco, lime, catechu, areca nut and flavouring agent. Gutkha chewing may lead to various diseases like cancer of oral cavity, gingival diseases, addiction, submucosal fibrosis and overall poor health of an individual. The use of gutkha in youths is highly prevalent due to a lack of awareness and education and has misconceptions, particularly in rural areas like chewing tobacco products aids in digestion, acts as germ-killer, mood enhancement and tension relief.Methods: The study was undertaken to know the knowledge, attitude and practice among gutkha chewers of Hiroli village in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, India. The study sample comprised a total of 479 participants.Results: The result of the study showed that the prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption is high in rural population (49.2%). And most of the participants (51%) agreed that gutkha chewing is injurious to health, but the knowledge of gutkha causing oral and throat cancer was limited (40.6% and 36.4% respectively).Conclusions: The result indicated to increase awareness programs on associated health risks that focus on improving the knowledge, attitude and practice of gutkha chewing.