Sexual health knowledge, sources of information, and associated attitudinal disconnects among university students.

Submucous fibrosis (SMF) is a well-recognized oral potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity and oropharynx with a high rate of malignant transformation (7–30%).[] Areca nut, containing the alkaloid arecoline, has been recognized as the primary etiological factor for SMF. Long term use of smokeless form of tobacco can lead to addiction and has a great impact on overall health and nutritional status in OSMF subjects.[] Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) assesses nicotine dependence based on the daily tobacco consumption behaviour of an individual.[] It consists of separate questionnaires for both smoked and smokeless forms of tobacco and grades the dependence as low, medium, and high. Long-term use of these habits can result in addiction and adversely affect overall health and nutritional status. Nutrition plays an important role in the progression of a disease by regulating immune responses to infective and inflammatory processes. Nutritional deficiencies worsen chronic metabolic disorders and can increase the risk of malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders.[] Non-invasive indicators including body mass index (BMI) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) are used for mass screening of nutritional status.[] Malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) developed by the British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition also aids in assessing the overall risk for malnutrition and implementing quality standards for nutritional support.[] Biochemical indicators for nutritional status like serum iron and vitamin B aid in identifying early changes in the body and also promote proactive intervention for high-risk groups.[] There is lack of sufficient research on the impact of nutrition on the severity and progression of SMF, particularly among the Indian population, where SMF has a high prevalence. Also, an assessment of the direct correlation between nicotine dependence and nutritional status is required. Thus, the current study was undertaken to correlate nicotine dependence and nutritional status with the severity of the disease in SMF.