BACKGROUND: The burden of tobacco use in India extends across its diverse demographic landscape, with tribal populations experiencing disproportionate vulnerability. In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, systemic poverty, cultural practices, and limited healthcare access exacerbate tobacco use among tribal students, presenting a pressing public health concern. Government ashram schools, established to support tribal children, are inadvertently becoming hubs for tobacco use. This research was conducted to develop and implement comprehensive tobacco control program for tribal children residing in Ashram Schools and Hostels, under Additional Tribal Commissionerate (ATC), Nagpur Division.
METHODS: An Observational, Analytical, cross sectional study was conducted among all students residing in 197 tribal Ashram Schools and Hostels, under ATC Nagpur Division. Universal sampling method was employed. Each team consisted of faculty, a postgraduate students and interns. The dental faculty and the PG students carried out the screening for oral pre cancer and cancer. After screening, medication were distributed to patients having for oral precancer or cancer. Patients requiring surgical treatment were referred to Government Dental College and Hospital Nagpur. Tobacco cessation counselling was carried out for students with tobacco habit.
RESULTS: A total of 23.080 students were screened, among which 12.104 (52.44%) students had habit of tobacco or related products and 3487 (15.10%) were found to have precancerous lesions or conditions. All diagnosed students were provided medicinal treatment whereas 812 undergone laser surgery at Government dental college and hospital Nagpur.
CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the biggest study ever done about the prevalence of tobacco habits, oral precancer-cancer among marginalized populations like tribal school students. The outcome of this novel project has opened newer dimensions for strategic planning of comprehensive national oral health policy to meet the oral health requirements of this indigenous population. Also, innovative methods used in current research to curb tobacco burden in tribal areas will set a benchmark at global level.