Background: COVID-19, short for coronavirus disease 2019 is responsible for causing coronavirus disease that has been declared as a pandemic. On 30 th January it was declared as the worldwide emergency crisis. It is very similar to its previous strain SARS-CoV that was known to cause an outbreak in 2002. Another strain MERS-CoV was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. COVID-19 is first identified in Wuhan, China then it spread to multiple countries and become a significant danger for the globe. On 26 th February 2020, the first case of coronavirus emerges in Pakistan. The predominant symptoms of this viral illness are fever and cough, but there is a range of symptoms, while some patients may be asymptomatic. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of the population regarding this deadly virus. To understand the public behavior, beliefs, their understanding regarding precautionary practice, their indulgent about the situation, and their attitude towards the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 31 st March to 6 th April 2020. Our study target residents of Karachi Pakistan, who were 18 or above, could read and understand English and had filled the complete questionnaire. The sample size was calculated using www. openepi.com with a confidence interval of 95% and absolute precision of 5%. Data was collected by a self-designed online questionnaire, consisting of 38 closed-ended multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire was divided into two sections 1) Demographic section 2) Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) related questions. A pilot study A pilot study was conducted to validate the questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Result: A total of 330 participants were included in the study, out of which 184 females (55.8%) and 146 males (44.2%). The maximum number of the participants (326; 98.8%) were aware regarding the origin of coronavirus disease, almost (326; 98.8%) participants agreed to the fact that COVID-19 is contagious and can be transmitted. Respiratory droplets (287, 87%) was considered as the most common route of transmission. An enormous amount of participants (318, 96.4%), knew that lungs are the major body part affected by COVID-19. Almost all (326, 98.7%) of our participants are practicing social distancing. Conclusion: Participants from Karachi have an overall reasonable knowledge regarding the COVID-19. But still, further awareness is needed to improve the condition and to stop the spread of the virus. Virtual awareness sessions should be arranged to provide maximum information to the public regarding handwashing steps, and to maintain a hygienic environment as well as encourage them to practice social distancing and avoid social gatherings.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of non-malignant oral lesions in a rural population attending a tertiary care centre in Lucknow, India. Method: A total of 340 patients presenting with oral lesions for more than 2 weeks were enrolled in the study. Patients with proven malignancy, white patch in the oral cavity which can be scrapped off, e.g. oral candidiasis and urban patients were excluded from the assessment. Demographic profile, adverse oral habits and dietary habits of patients were noted. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software. Data has been represented as number and percentages. Results: Age of patients enrolled in the study ranged between 18 and 75 years, median age was 32 years and mean age was 33.86±10.65 years. Majority were aged 26-50 years (66.2%), were males (55.3%), were farmers/labourers (58.6%), were illiterate/educated upto primary grade (57.1%). Oral pain and burning sensation was the most common presenting complaint (45%). All the patients have two or more of the following habits – areca nut chewing, tobacco chewing and smoking. A total of 41.5% patients had all the three habits. Alcohol and spicy food consumption were reported by 12.6% and 84.4% patients. On histopathology, a total of 191 (56.18%) cases had premalignant lesions and 149 (43.82%) had benign lesions. Major premalignant types were leukoplakia (n=87; 45.5%), OSMF (n=62; 32.5%) and Erythroplakia (n=18; 9.4%). Aphthous ulcer major (n=74; 49.7%), geographical tongue (n=43; 28.9%) and traumatic ulcer (n=23; 15.4%) were the major benign lesions. Conclusion: In a rural population presenting with non-premalignant oral lesions areca nut, chewing tobacco and smoking were the major etiologies affecting mainly young adults. The high prevalence of premalignant lesions showed a high potential of their transformation to malignant status. Preventive measures with modification of oral habits are recommended. Keywords: Non-malignant oral lesions, Leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, aphthous ulcer major, rural.