Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among Granite Factory Employees in Nanjangud Taluk, Mysore

Abstract

Background: 'Occupational Environment' means the sum of external conditions and influences which prevail at work place and which have a bearing on the health of working population. A large number of labourers work in stone crushing and mining industry in India. The physically tedious work drives people consume alcohol and tobacco which deteriorates their oral health. Studies in the past among factory workers and miners have revealed the high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions which was related to their tobacco habits. Aims: To assess prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among granite factory employees in Nanjangud Taluk with general population and to suggest possible preventive measures. Settings and Design: A Descriptive Cross sectional survey was conducted in Nanjangud Taluk, Mysore. Materials and methods: Study was conducted on 453 employees from granite factories in Nanjangud Taluk. Simple random sampling was used to select 450 subjects for comparison from Thandavapura village. Oral mucosal lesions were recorded according to WHO oral health assessment (1997). Statistical analysis used: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions were higher among factory employees compared to general population. Prevalence of various tobacco habits were also higher among granite factoryemployees. Conclusion: Our study showed that factory employees are more affected by oral mucosal lesions which might be due to high use tobacco habits and stressful work environment and poor oral health awareness.