Enhancing Tobacco Cessation in Rural and Remote Areas: The Impact of Dental Students-Led Community Based Approach

The prevalence of cigarette smoking is higher in urban areas but the prevalence of all other smoking products is higher in rural areas. The prevalence of each of the smokeless tobacco product is higher in rural than urban areas. Cessation by tobacco users is the only way to avoid substantial proportion of tobacco-related deaths. Hence, there is an urgent need to bring tobacco cessation to their doorstep and break the social norms which enhance tobacco consumption.

The study will employ a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco cessation education provided by dental students in rural and remote villages. The selection criteria for this study involve identifying villages with a high prevalence of smoking and a demonstrated willingness to participate in the research. To ensure robust results, the sample size will include at least 3 villages, with each village contributing 30 participants. This sample size is determined based on power calculations designed to detect significant changes effectively. Then Participants will be divided into an intervention group, which will receive oral screening, targeted tobacco cessation education through pamphlets and interactive components, motivational interviewing and cessation techniques and a control group, which will receive oral screening and standard oral health education. Data collection will involve pre- and post-intervention surveys using pre-designed tested validated questionnaire to assess changes in tobacco use.Additionally,qualitative feedback from participants will provide insights into the intervention’s effectiveness and feasibility.