Comparative assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding tobacco and areca nut use among visually impaired and normally sighted individuals: a questionnaire study

Apeksha Dhole; Anwesha Ramteke; Mukta Motwani; Rucha Pandhripande; Tapasya Karemore; Smriti Golhar; Zareesh Akhtar

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261401

Authors

Apeksha Dhole Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Anwesha Ramteke Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Mukta Motwani Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Rucha Pandhripande Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Tapasya Karemore Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Smriti Golhar Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Zareesh Akhtar Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261401

Keywords:

Tobacco, Areca nut, Visually impaired, KAP study, Braille, Oral health education

Abstract

Background: Aim was to compare the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding tobacco and areca nut use among visually impaired (VI) and normally sighted (NS) individuals across three age groups.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 participants (45 VI and 45 NS) divided into three age groups. A modified KAP questionnaire was used in Braille and print. Data were analyzed using SPSS; t-tests and ANOVA were applied.

Results: VI participants showed significantly lower KAP scores than NS individuals (Knowledge: 4.2 vs 6.9, attitude: 2.6 vs 5.3, practice: 1.8 vs 4.8; p<0.001). A gradual improvement with age was noted in both groups but VI scores remained consistently lower.

Conclusions: VI individuals have poorer awareness and practices regarding tobacco and areca nut use. Accessible health education tools like Braille and audio aids are essential for improving outcomes.

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