Background: Tooth wear is an ever increasing problem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of tooth wear and its associated risk factors among industrial workers in Daman, India. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 613 industrial workers selected using simple random sampling. The clinical assessment of tooth wear was done using tooth wear index (TWI) developed by Smith & Knight. A specifically designed questionnaire was used to seek information on risk factors of tooth wear. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test, ANOVA and a multiple logistic regression model. Results: The overall prevalence of tooth wear was found to be greater in mandible (86.8%) as compared to maxilla (61.7%). In both maxilla and mandible, the most frequently affected teeth were incisors (55.8% and 83.7%) followed by canines (52.2% and 81.2%), pre molars (38.5% and 42.1%) and molars (37.8% and 38.8%). Among the risk factors, consumption of hard or acidic foods (p=0.01, OR=1.73) and use of hard toothbrush bristles (p=0.04, OR=0.04) in maxilla and clenching or grinding of teeth (p=0.01, OR=3.96) in mandible were significantly associated with tooth wear. However, work environment involving dust or acid gas was the only risk factor associated with tooth wear in both maxilla (p=0.004, OR=0.53) and mandible (p<0.001, OR=0.35). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of tooth wear among industrial workers. Thus, efforts should be made by dentists to increase awareness about tooth wear and plan a three-level prevention program based on analysis of risk assessment.

Social support has been identified as a significant factor in addressing treatment barriers and facilitating treatment adherence. Using a descriptive design, this qualitative study aims at sharing personal feelings and social support-related experiences among pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients in Western India. A semi-structured interview guide was designed, and thirty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted. Descriptive thematic analysis was employed for reporting the themes and the results. The participants highlighted diverse social support experiences like empathy, compassion, trust, neglect, tangible aid, strained relationships with in-laws, health provider's support, strength, and motivation which influences their treatment adherent behaviour. Contrasting differences of social support experiences among adherent and non-adherent TB patients were also reported. The study has important ramifications for developing patient-centric social support intervention strategies, TB policy, and practice. The study has shown, 'if not for this support', patients would have left the treatment, and it is mainly because this debilitating disease robs people of their physical, social, economic, psychological, and emotional well-being far beyond the period when treatment is being administered. However, we resonate that addressing social support is not the only way, and TB elimination overall will require an optimal mix of enhanced biomedical, social, economic, and policy interventions.

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Highlights India shares the highest burden of TB & MDR-TB cases in the world. Currently, pills/injections are two modes of treatment available for TB patients. Inhalants could be preferred and acceptable drug delivery method among TB patients. Exploration of diverse drug delivery options for TB patients is recommended.