AWARENESS OF RISK FACTORS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS OF PESHAWAR FOR USING ORAL SNUFF (NASWAR) IN CAUSING ORAL CANCER

Abstract

Introduction:  Naswar (in Pashto, Snuff in English) is a known risk factor in causing oral cancer. Many domestic and international studies have shown it to be associated with increased risk of developing oral cancer. Naswar addiction in men and women of Southern and Northern districts of KPK is considered a risky factor in causing serious health problems. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness level among medical students of Peshawar about the association of naswar with oral cancer.

Material & Methods: It was a cross-sectional study based on online administered questionnaire in which perceptions were taken. A total of 50 medical students from different medical colleges participated to complete the online survey, developed using Google Spreadsheet form. SPSS version 15 was used for data analysis.

Result: Out of 50 students n=45 (90%) were aware about the oral cancer. 68% (n=34) of students believed that naswar caused oral cancer and majority of the students (76%) thought naswar as social. Tobacco leaves were considered the main ingredient used in naswar, also 66% (n=33) of the students believed that it is not safe to use tobacco in some other form.

Conclusion:  Majority of medical students were aware of oral cancer and health hazards of naswar and its association with oral cancer. However, lack of correct information was observed in both users and non-users of naswar. This has implication for raising the incidence of oral cancer and addiction rate among vulnerable population, especially children.