Knowledge and awareness of tobacco user dental patients regarding effects of tobacco on oral health

Abstract

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Dear Editor,

Tobacco use has become a serious concern in Bangladesh in both forms of consumption – smoked and smokeless^1,2^. Despite the fact that it is linked to periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer, awareness of its specific oral health consequences is limited. According to earlier research, even though the general health risks are established, knowledge of the oral effects is often inadequate^3,4^. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 355 tobacco-user dental patients at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Dhaka Dental College Hospital from January to December 2022. During in-person interviews, information was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire, employing convenience sampling. Knowledge scores were grouped into three categories based on total scores (good 7–10, average 4–6, poor 0–3). Data were analyzed using SPSS with descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Pearson correlation.

Among the 355 participants, 63.1% were male and 52.1% were aged 38–57 years. Most (54.6%) used smoked tobacco, 41.1% used smokeless, and 4.3% used both. Peer influence (82%) was the main reason for initiation. Knowledge levels were: 67.9% good, 20.0% average, 12.1% poor (mean score=6.9 ± 2.38). Younger participants (18–37 years) had highest good knowledge (75.8%), followed by 67.9% in those aged 38–57 years, and 56.4% in those aged 58–77 years. Males had higher knowledge (76.3%) than females (53.4%). Mean awareness score was 5.0 ± 1.35. Females had slightly higher awareness than males (mean score: 5.19 vs 4.88, p=0.034). Knowledge correlated positively with awareness (r=0.133, p=0.012).

In this study, we found that dental patients had good knowledge but limited awareness of oral health risks in Dhaka city. In line with other research^2^, we observed that peer influence was the main initiation factor. Women showed slightly higher awareness, while younger, educated participants had better knowledge. Since knowledge does not always change behavior, targeted interventions for older and less-educated groups are needed. However, the cross-sectional design restricts causal interpretation, and the hospital-based convenience sample may limit generalizability. Despite these limitations, the study highlights persistent gaps in oral health awareness among tobacco users. In conclusion, tobacco-using dental patients in Dhaka city have good knowledge of tobacco’s oral health effects, yet awareness remains inadequate. Tailored educational programs focusing on older adults, women, and less-educated groups are crucial to strengthen awareness and support cessation efforts.