author = {, Jagadishchandra. and Mudda, Jayashree. and Chandu, G.}, title = {{Betel quid, areca nut, tobacco habits and understanding of oral cancer risk among general population of Gulbarga City, Karnataka.}}, journal ={Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry}, volume ={7}, number ={14}, pages = {114-121}, year = {2009}, abstract ={Background: In India cancer registries have confirmed a high incidence of oral cancer and case-control and cohort studies have established that the high incidence is due to widespread habits of tobacco chewing and smoking. A variety of tobacco habits are prevalent in India and they differ from region to region. The use of tobacco in any form increases the risk of oral cancer. The most widespread is the chewing of betel-quid with tobacco and this has been demonstrated as a major risk factor for cancers of the oral cavity. Objective : To assess the prevalence of Betel quid (paan), Areca nut, and tobacco habits among general population of Gulbarga city, and to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards oral cancer risk factors and prevention among general population of Gulbarga city. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among general population of Gulbarga city, Karnataka, Simple random samples of 700 subjects were screened for the habits in that 400 were selected for the study. Subjects were interviewed first individually, and qualitative data was collected using a specially designed proforma. Results: Prevalence of habits was 57.1% in Gulbarga city. 12.5% respondents were with the habit of only Betel quid, 5.3% were having the habit of only Areca nut, 6.8% were consumes Betel quid & Areca nut remaining 75.4% were consumes tobacco either in smoke or smokeless form along with Betel quid or Areca nut. Conclusion : There is extensive misinformation and a general lack of awareness about the risk factors of oral cancer irrespective of age, gender and religion}, URL ={https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2009;volume=7;issue=14;spage=114;epage=121;aulast=Jagadishchandra,;t=6}, eprint ={https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2009;volume=7;issue=14;spage=114;epage=121;aulast=Jagadishchandra,;t=6} }