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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Satvir Kaur, MPH, Kavita P. Ahluwalia, DDS, MPH, and Sheenu Goel, BS. Community Health, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, 154 Haven Avenue, First floor, New York, NY 10032, 2123421821, sk2677@columbia.edu

The high incidence of oral cancer in South Asians (40% of all malignancies) is associated with the use of areca nut and smokeless tobacco products. Although South Asians (SA) are a rapidly growing group in the US, their oral cancer risk has not been comprehensively assessed. It is important to assess risk behaviors, knowledge and health services utilization in order to develop effective interventions for the prevention and management of oral cancer. Given the cultural and religious significance of areca products in this population, understanding access to and utilization of areca is vital. A pilot study designed to assess oral cancer risk in SA seniors was conducted in NY/NJ. Cross-sectional data were collected by administration of a survey questionnaire distributed through community and religious organizations to a sample of SA adults (n=150, ≥50), who migrated to the US directly from India/Pakistan/Bangladesh. Preliminary data suggest a high prevalence of current areca use (30%) and past areca use (53%). Average age of first use was <15. Men were more likely to use areca and tobacco products than women. 2/3 of subjects believed areca leaf and areca nut are not risk factors for oral cancer. Although 61% are college graduates, only 34% understand the risk of areca nut use. An alarmingly high of number of individuals did not have dental insurance (50%) or health insurance (33%) suggesting that access to care is low; the need for health education and disease prevention is high, and cannot primarily be delivered through health care settings.

Learning Objectives: