Oral Hygiene Practice and Tobacco Habits among Garment Factory Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Anam Ahmed Associate Professor, Department of Dental Public Health, University Dental College, Dhaka https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7051-3990
  • Huda Mannan Associate Professor (CC), Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Dental College, Dhaka
  • Kamrun Nahar Shanta Associate Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, University Dental College
  • Manna Haque Akhanda Pedodontist and Consultant, BD Lab Health Center
  • Khandakar Nuruzzaman Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Dental College, Dhaka
  • Nusrat Tamij Lecturer, Department of Prosthodontics, University Dental College, Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jdas.v8i1.81763

Keywords:

Garment factory workers, Oral hygiene, Tobacco, Cross-sectional study, Cigarette smoking

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the oral hygiene practice and habits of tobacco consumption among garment factory workers. Methods: A descriptive type cross-sectional study conducted among 240 garment factory workers in Narayangonj district of Bangladesh. Data were collected from participants through convenience sampling techniques from October 2018 to December 2018. Face-to-face interviews employing a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire designed following WHO guidelines, included demographic and socio-economic characteristic, oral hygiene practices and use of tobacco among garments workers. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26 to present descriptive statistics of study variables. Results: Majority of participants were female (79.58%), aged between 18 and 32 years (54.58%), and earned a monthly income between 10000 and 15000 BDT (81.67%). In addition, a substantial proportion of participants (86.25%) brushed their teeth at least once daily, with the vast majority (97.92%) cleaning their teeth before breakfast. However, interdental cleaning was less common, only 35% of participants reporting regular practice. While toothbrushes are widely used (88.75% regular use). Whereas only, the reliance on water as a regular mouth rinse was about 42.5%. Regarding habit of tobacco consumption, cigarette smoking is relatively uncommon (5.83% regular use), but pan chewing, particularly with tobacco, is more prevalent (12.08% regular use). The use of gul is minimal (1.25% regular use). Conclusions: These findings indicate the need for targeted interventions regarding oral hygiene practice and habit of tobacco consumption among garment factory workers.

Journal of Dentistry and Allied Science, Vol. 8 No 1: 8-13

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Published

2025-07-21

How to Cite

Ahmed, A., Mannan, H., Shanta, K. N., Akhanda, M. H., Nuruzzaman, K., & Tamij, N. (2025). Oral Hygiene Practice and Tobacco Habits among Garment Factory Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Dentistry and Allied Science, 8(1), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.3329/jdas.v8i1.81763

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Original Article