Potentially Malignant Oral Disorders among Community-dwelling Adults in Estate Communities in Galle District, Sri Lanka: Prevalence and Patient Characteristics.

Abstract

Background: Lip, tongue, and mouth cancers are one of the most common type of cancer in Sri Lanka mostly associated with, male gender, poor socio-economic status such as estate sector. This is the most common type of cancer among Sri Lankan males. Screening of potentially malignant oral disorders (PMOD) is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the burden of such cancers. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and patient characteristics of PMOD among community dwelling adults in tea estate communities of Galle district Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with the participation of 178 community dwellers of tea estate sector aged over 35 years in Galle district. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered while screening of PMOD was done by a dentist. The cluster sampling method was used when selecting the sample. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: sociodemographic data, nutritional status, habits for developing and related to PMOD and oral cancers, symptoms of PMOD and oral cancers, and observations related to the PMODs. Prevalence was mentioned as percentages, while the associated factors were identified using Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 56 years. The prevalence of PMODs was 4.49% (n=8). Among them burning sensation (3.4%, n=6), white lesions (2.2%, n=4), red lesions (2.8%, n=5) and non-healing ulcers (4.5%, n=8) were observed. PMODs were mostly seen among males (8.8%, 6/68), Tamils (5.2%, 8/154), aged >75 years (9.5%, 2/21). PMODs were more prevalent among the people who do not eat fruits daily (5.2%, 7/134). PMODs were common among those consume alcohol (7.5%, 4/53), smoke (11.1%, 3/27) and chew beetles (4.7%, 5/107). PMODs were more prevalent among the employed participants (6.7%, 6/90). Conclusions: The prevalence of PMODs among the estate community is very low. Screening of larger number of community dwellers is recommended and public health education and health promotion strategies for deprived communities to improve the oral health to prevent oral cancers is important.