Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) are precursors to oral cancer and are commonly associated with lifestyle risk factors, particularly tobacco and alcohol use. Identifying the prevalence and associated risk factors of OPLs in a tertiary care setting is crucial for developing targeted interventions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital. The prevalence of OPLs was assessed, and risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significant associations between risk factors and the presence of OPLs. RESULTS: The prevalence of OPLs was found to be 7.2%, with the highest incidence among individuals with tobacco and quid-chewing habits. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between tobacco use and the development of OPLs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the high prevalence of OPLs and their strong association with tobacco and quid-chewing habits. These findings emphasize the need for public health interventions targeting high-risk populations to prevent the progression of OPLs to oral cancer.