Analysis of various risk factors affecting potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer patients of Central India

Context: The use of tobacco/betel quid can alone lead to death. India is the fourth largest consumer of tobacco/betel quid in the world and the third-largest producer of tobacco/betel quid after China and Brazil. Aims: A case-control study was carried out to assess the prevalence and various risk factors among potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral cancer patients of central India. Settings and Design: A total of 100 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed PMD and oral cancer patients were selected for the study. Materials and Methods: A histopathologically confirmed 100 patients who were suffering from PMD and oral cancers were selected and an equal number 100 healthy controls who were age-and sex-matched at par with the cases were also examined and interviewed. Chi-square (chi(2)) test and adjusted odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the suspected risk factors for PMD and oral cancers by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in the age group, socioeconomic status (SES), duration, frequency, exposure time and synergistic effect of tobacco/betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol drinking in our study population. Conclusions: Chewing tobacco/betel quid is a strong risk factor in the development of PMD and oral cancer. Also age, gender, SES, education, and occupation influence the development of PMD and oral cancer.