Prevalence of tobacco use and its addiction among Malayali Tribes of South India.- A eight year follow up study

BACKGROUND:

“Tribals" refers to a group of people who live in isolation in natural, unpolluted surroundings far away from civilization, retaining their traditional values, traditions, beliefs, and myths, and are considered the land's autochthonous people. Globally, there are roughly 476 million indigenous peoples in 90 nations worldwide, representing a wide range of cultures, dialects, and spirits. India has the world's second-highest concentration of tribal people after African countries. Spread across 705 tribes accounting for 8.6% of the country’s population, over 104 million tribal people live; making India home to numerous tribes with diverse origins, customs, and societal practices. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and oral cancer among Malayali tribes of South India.

METHODS:

Following a study population of 660 in 2010, a larger study with 2185 people was conducted in 2018. The study comprised residents from the 14 villages of the Yelagiri highlands who were willing to participate. Data was gathered using a cross-sectional survey, clinical examination, and a pre-tested questionnaire that contained demographic information and tobacco habits. All users received brief tobacco cessation counselling. 

RESULTS:

Results revealed that 47% of the 2185 study participants had no formal education. Among those who smoked, 29% smoked beedi, 31% smoked cigarettes, 39% chewed raw tobacco, 33% chewed Hans, and 12% used both smoking and smokeless tobacco. Oral mucosal lesions are common. Tobacco use and a lack of understanding about the harmful consequences of the items used were responsible for 47% and 7% of the oral cancers in the study population, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

According to the findings of this study, the Malayali tribes were characterised by a lack of understanding about oral health, deeply ingrained dental beliefs, a high rate of tobacco use, and restricted access to health services. The 8-year follow-up and mass awareness programme have undoubtedly contributed to a decrease in tobacco usage in this community.