Assessment of effects of areca nut in the development of oral sub-mucous fibrosis amongst nursing students

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of areca nut on oral health of nursing students. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to gather information from nursing students. A random sample of 380 students (n = 380) November 2018 to January 2019. The self-structured questionnaire was employed containing items regarding usage of areca nut, reasons of chewing, effect on oral health and awareness among users and non-users. Subjects were consented and data was obtained at their respective settings. RESULTS: There were 53.4 % (n = 203) male and 46.6 % (n = 177) female, mean age of the students was 2.09±1.13 ranging between 16 to 40 years. The respondents identified of areca chewing habit including both genders were 82 % (n = 312). Subjects suffering from oral lesions after using areca nut on self-reporting were 30.3% (n = 115), while the frequency of consuming areca nut made products decreases as the age’s increases. CONCLUSION: Areca nut consumption among nursing students found in both urban and rural areas whether they take it as habitual or just like its taste. Resembling other professions, nursing students also found as frequent areca nut user as habit with minimum oral health effects.