Chewing tobacco/betel quid is a strong risk factor in the development of PMD and oral cancer. Also age, gender, SES, education, and occupation influence the development of PMD and oral cancer.

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Introduction:In recent times, with the increasing burden caused by the lifestyle diseases on the health sector, there has been a renewed interest in the relationship between food and health. Research regarding nutritional status in college students in western Maharashtra, India, has been found lacking. Therefore, this study was undertaken to ascertain the dietary habits in the undergraduate students of a health institute.Materials and Methods:This questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst 130 students from a health university regarding their dietary attitudes and lifestyle practices. The students had the option of choosing more than one answer based on the nature of the question. All the data were tabulated and relevant inferences were drawn.Results:A total of 130 students comprising 74 girls and 56 boys from a health university participated in the study. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was only 1–2 portions for 98 (75%) of the participating students. Twenty-four (18%) participants were noted to be underweight and 11 (8%) students were either overweight or obese.Conclusion:Thus, the findings of the study indicate that the diet and nutritional aspects of our future medical health professionals should be researched in further details and timely interventions initiated for ensuring the knowledge and practice of the WHO principles regarding the same to be incorporated.

The present study found that estimation of salivary glucose levels can be used as a noninvasive, painless technique for the measurement of diabetic status of a patient in a dental set up.

Introduction: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of individuals affected by anemia is observed in nonpregnant women aged 15–49.99 years. Though nutritional anemia can affect any age group, female medical students form a vulnerable population due to their hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours while staying in hostel for majority of times. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of anemia among the apparently healthy female students studying at a health institute. Methods: A cross-sectional study is conducted among 300 female students studying at a health institute in western Maharashtra after their written informed consent. A structured questionnaire elicits their general information, the knowledge about signs and symptoms of anemia, and dietary habits. Basal metabolic index and hemoglobin using the spectroscopy method are estimated for each participant. Results: Anemia prevalence in our population is 86 (28.6%). Based upon the severity of anemia, about 54 (18%) has mild anemia and 32 (10.6%) has moderate anemia. No case of severe anemia is noted in our study sample. Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight that anemia can affect even medical female students who are a vulnerable group unexpectedly suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this study highlights the need for interventional programs at primary health-care systems and colleges for improvement in the nutritional status of anemic students to reduce its complications.

Background:Tobacco use can alone lead to death worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. China and Brazil are the world's largest producer of tobacco. India holds the third place in producing, and it is the fourth largest consumer of tobacco and its products in the world.Objectives:A case–control study was carried out to assess the influence of risk factors on patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral cancer.Materials and Methods:Fifty cases diagnosed with PMD and oral cancer patients were selected for the study. An equal number 50 healthy controls who were also selected after age and gender matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the suspected risk factors for PMD and oral cancers. Chi-square test, Adjusted odd's ratios with 95% confidence interval were also used for the statistical analysis.Results:There is a statistically significant difference between the different age group, duration, frequency, exposure time, and synergistic effect of tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol drinking.Conclusions:Chewing tobacco is one of the major risk factors in the initiation of PMD which can lead to oral cancer.

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