"Oral Health and Hygiene Among Fishermen: Prevalence, Practices, and Awareness" - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being but is often neglected, particularly in high-risk occupational groups like fishermen. Poor oral hygiene contributes to dental caries, periodontal diseases, and related complications. This study assesses oral hygiene awareness, practices, and the prevalence of dental issues among fishermen in Kodimunai village, Kanyakumari district, India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 760 adult fishermen selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire (1993) and clinical examinations employing the Gingival Index, Plaque Index, and DMFT Index.

Results: The prevalence of gingivitis, dental caries, and dental plaque was 78.7%, 60.2%, and 87.3%, respectively. Although 95.1% of participants used toothbrushes and toothpaste, 71.6% followed ineffective horizontal brushing, and only 16.4% brushed twice daily. Awareness of oral hygiene products was low, with only 6.2% familiar with dental floss and 7.5% aware of mouthwash. Additionally, 11% smoked, 15.1% chewed areca nuts, and 38% sought treatment only when experiencing pain, reflecting a lack of preventive care awareness.

Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in oral hygiene awareness and practices among fishermen, emphasizing the need for targeted community-based oral health education programs. Socioeconomic and occupational factors contribute to poor oral health outcomes, necessitating accessible and culturally appropriate interventions to improve oral hygiene and reduce disease prevalence in this high-risk group.