Assessment of oral mucosal conditions among beedi workers residing in beedi workers colonies in Karnataka, India.

Background And Objectives: Beedi workers are an important part of our society. Due to their occupation of beedi making, they face different types of health hazards. This study was undertaken to assess the oral mucosal conditions among beedi workers residing in beedi workers' colonies in Karnataka.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 700 beedi workers in the age group of 18-60 years residing in five beedi workers' colonies in Karnataka. The information was recorded regarding personal history by personal interview by the investigator. The clinical examination was done using WHO 1997 "Oral Health Assessment Form." Significance is assessed at 5% level of significance.

Results: It was found that 26.9% of study population had different oral mucosal lesions.

Interpretation And Conclusion: The present study showed that oral mucosal conditions of beedi workers residing in beedi workers' colonies in Karnataka were relatively poor.