Tobacco Cessation: Are Oral Cancer Patients Ready for It

Abstract

Aims: The objective was to examine the predictors of readiness to quit tobacco among oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and oral cancer (OC) patients in dental health care setting. Settings and Design: Two hundred and seven patients diagnosed with OC or OPMDs comprising 153 males and 54 females, with mean age being 52.2 years, with varying levels of addiction formed the study group. Subjects and Methods: Readiness to quit tobacco as measured by the ladder of change and the single-item readiness question was significantly correlated with measures of perceived risk. Statistical Analysis Used and Results: Pearson’s correlations showed that readiness to quit tobacco was significantly correlated with the participant’s perception of his or her health compared with other tobacco users of the same age ( P < 0.005). Readiness to quit was positively correlated with the degree to which participants felt that their oral condition is related to their tobacco use ( P < 0.001), how much their general health is affected by tobacco use ( P < 0.01), and how much quitting tobacco could influence their health positively ( P < 0.001). Post hoc analyses showed that readiness to quit was also significantly and negatively correlated with nicotine addiction ( P < 0.001) and decisional balance scores ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: There is an urgent need for tobacco risk assessment, intervention, and education with this population of patients, and hence, health professionals can play a significant role in motivating and assisting to quit.

Assessment of Nicotine Dependence Using Fagerstrom Test among Patients with Leukoplakia and Oral Submucous Fibrosis

“…Previous studies have shown a male predominance with tobacco use. [1,9,20]. Our study findings that males had higher prevalence are in accordance with the present study.…”

“…Oral cancer ranks the third amongst all cancers in India. The habit of using tobacco in all forms has a significant influence in the oral cavity [1,2].…”

“…The utilization of the appropriate mode of treatment is necessary for the individual to discontinue the habit and further prevent them from addiction. [1,11] To analyze the patient's mental status and the desire to quit the habit, the professional should have knowledge on the nicotine dependency levels , tobacco forms used and the reason for their habit. By regular counselling there are higher chances for individuals to quit the habit and transform the quality of life to a better living.…”

Community cancer screening at primary care level in Northern India: determinants and policy implications for cancer prevention

“…A significantly higher proportion of SPs had the intention to quit tobacco compared with screen negatives. Similar results were reported in previous studies, [42][43][44] possibly because they attribute their symptoms to tobacco use and the realisation that tobacco cessation can have positive health outcomes. 43 Awareness of the presence and consequences of potentially malignant disorders also motivates tobacco cessation.…”

“…Similar results were reported in previous studies, 42–44 possibly because they attribute their symptoms to tobacco use and the realisation that tobacco cessation can have positive health outcomes. 43 Awareness of the presence and consequences of potentially malignant disorders also motivates tobacco cessation. 42 However, due to the nature of the study design, we cannot establish a temporal relationship between screen-positivity and intention to quit tobacco.…”