A Retrospective Analysis of the Prevalence of Distribution of Oral Mucosal Lesions (OMLs) among the People Of Delhi NCR

INTRODUCTION: The presence of Oral Mucosal Lesions (OMLs) in one’s oral mucosa can lead to unwanted consequences and mostly are due to tobacco use. AIM: To  document the prevalence of OMLs among patients of Delhi NCR and provide health education counselling to those under the grip of this evil practice.  MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of a total of 402 subjects visiting various screening camps in Delhi NCR and recalled a total of 174 patients, out of which 161 reported back to us for further diagnosis and screening of OMLs. The examination of patients in the camp were an ADA type III examination. All patients we given a health education while tobacco users were also given a specialized one-on-one health education regarding the tobacco and its ill effects as well as techniques for cessation. A descriptive analysis of the sample was first performed using means (±standard deviation (SD)) for continuous variables  and frequencies (proportions) for categorical variables. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis and to find significant difference, if any. RESULTS: Among the 402 subjects screened, the mean age was 33.24±6.74 Years and most of the study population belonged to the age group of 25-60 Years [178(44.3%)]. 301(74.8%) of the study population were males. The main chief complaint was periodontal problem [187(46.5%)], while 15 patients (3.73%) came for regular check-up. The prevalence of leukoplakia was found to be 8.70% and OSMF was found to be 6.21%. A significant difference was seen among gingivitis with respect to age and gender (p<.05), leukoplakia and frictional keratosis was seen significant in relation to gender. In all significant cases, Males were more prone to get these OMLs as compared to females CONCLUSION: It is advised that regular Oral Health Drives and counselling sessions be arranged for the people of elhi NCR to reduce the burden of the OMLs