Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of University Students Regarding the Impact of Smokeless Tobacco, Areca Nut, E-cigarette Use on Oral Health.

Background:  The prevalence of smokeless tobacco, areca nut, and e-cigarette use among university students has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on oral health. Assessing students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward these substances is necessary. Understanding these factors can inform targeted interventions and policies promoting oral health among this population. This study aims to investigate the awareness levels, attitudes, and behaviors of university students regarding smokeless tobacco, areca nut, and e-cigarette use and their potential effects on oral health. Identifying gaps in knowledge and misconceptions will help guide educational initiatives and public health interventions tailored to the needs of university students.

Methodology:  The study employed a designed questionnaire, comprising 20 closed-ended queries, administered via the Google Forms platform. This survey was disseminated among college students in Chennai to gather insights for the study.

Results: Of the 500 college students included in the study, almost 85.5% (427) were aware of the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco on oral health. Additionally, 74.6% (373) recognized that chewing areca nut contributes to poor oral health, while 59.8% (299) acknowledged the negative impact of e-cigarette use.

Conclusions: The present study concluded that 11.1% (6) used smokeless tobacco, 18.9% (94) chewed areca nut, and 1.9% (10) used areca nut along with tobacco. Regarding e-cigarettes, 3.9% (19) indulged in vaping as a substitute for smoking regular cigarettes and 12.1% (61) used it along with tobacco cigarettes. It was also noted that 27.8% (139) were trying to quit and 12.6% (63) have tried but could not succeed. Therefore, although there was awareness of the ill effects of these deleterious habits on oral health and the increased risk of oral cancer, there remains a need to educate individuals and provide support for quitting these habits. Our study will provide insights into the present scenario of the awareness of the association between oral health and tobacco/areca nut consumption among college students in Chennai city.