Oral premalignant disorders in housekeeping and security staff of a higher education institute in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha state, India.

Background: Oral cancer is a prevalent public health issue linked to tobacco consumption, which can be reduced through tobacco cessation and early diagnosis of premalignant disorders. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of oral premalignant disorders, consumption patterns of different forms of tobacco and alcohol use, and to assess the effect of tobacco cessation counseling on the nicotine dependence levels among the security and housekeeping staff of a higher educational institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Methods: Data were collected via clinic-based and outreach camp screenings, using a structured questionnaire. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence assessed physical nicotine dependence. Results: A total of 292 participants were screened for the study. Tobacco and alcohol prevalence were 58.56% and 47.60%, respectively. Females [OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.41] and people aged 45 and above [OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.97] were less likely to be tobacco consumers, while low family income [OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.08-2.77] was significantly associated with tobacco consumption. Oral premalignant disorder prevalence was 21.2%, with a significant association in tobacco consumers [OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.4-1.76] and alcohol consumption [OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.44]. The tobacco quit rate was almost 40% post-intervention, and quitting was significantly associated with very low and high levels of nicotine dependency. Conclusion: Tobacco cessation counseling and health education are vital for reducing oral cancer risk. Implementing targeted interventions in health and educational institutions can promote a tobacco-free workplace.