Prevalence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis in Children of Rural Areas of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Younger generation has been getting habituated to areca nut and its products are easily available in attractive pouches, i.e., sweet supari, ghutka, kharra, etc. Tobacco and its products, being cheap and convenient to carry, have become popular in school children, resulting in various alteration of oral mucosa, one of them being oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Aim:To assess the prevalence of OSMF in children of rural areas of Nagpur, Maharashtra (India). Materials and methods:Cross-sectional survey was carried out among 8-to 17-year-old school children in rural areas of Nagpur, Maharashtra. Thorough oral examination was carried out for recording oral changes related to OSMF, with questions regarding use of tobacco and its products. The data thus collected was subjected to statistical analysis. Results:Examination was carried out in 2,132 children; 7.3% children were found with the habit of chewing areca nut products, i.e., sweet supari, kharra, gutka, etc., and 2.9% children were found with OSMF. Conclusion:Onset of disease is seen early because of use of areca nut at an early age. Lack of awareness in rural areas, deficient oral health program, and areca nut chewing being the most common factors for OSMF.

The Prevalence of OSMF among Biscuit Factory Workers in Delhi NCR Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These results also draw our attention to the fact that the incidence of this condition is on the rise with Singh P et al documenting that OSMF prevalence was 2.9% in children aged 8-17 years in Nagpur, Maharashtra. 6 The male:female predilection for OSMF in the present study was 2.03, which is higher in comparison to Singla R et al…”

“…5 Shah G et al have stated that the use of paan and gutkha is difficult to control in most countries where it is widespread, with their excessive and extensive use leading to oral cancer as people become habitual to it and find it difficult to leave this habit. 6 Considered as a psychoactive substance, arecanut is commonly known as "supari" in India. It is important to note that India is also the largest producer and consumer of areca nut in the world.…”

Comparative assessment of the efficacy of an intralesional injection of placentrex, hyaluronidase and dexamethasone in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial

“…Given its potential for premalignancy (5.6%) and the severity of clinical manifestations, numerous studies have been conducted by various authors to investigate different facets of this condition, such as scleroderma, including its etiology, pathogenesis and treatment. However, the precise etiology and pathogenesis of OSMF remain unclear ( 1-3 ). Chewing areca nuts is the most prevalent causal factor for OSMF.…”

“…Furthermore, it can sporadically spread to the pharynx and esophagus and, on rare occasions, even to the larynx. It is characterized by a sub-epithelial inflammatory reaction followed by progressive fibrosis, leading to trismus and epithelial atrophy ( 1 ). It is commonly observed in individuals who are 20-35 years of age, and mostly in India and Southeast Asia (prevalence rate, 2.26%), where it is commonly associated with the use of areca nuts ( 2 ).…”

“…The chief concern of affected patient is invariably the reduction in mouth opening (trismus) and associated discomfort with the consumption of food due to the burning sensation. However, the main concern of clinicians is the potential of the disease for malignant transformation ( 1 ).…”