Chalo Smile: Oral Health and Substance Use among Public Transport Drivers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region during Swachhata Pakhwada 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5530/ajphs.2026.16.87Keywords:
Oral health, Public transport drivers, Tobacco use, Oral premalignant lesions, Community outreach, Tobacco cessationAbstract
Background: Public transport drivers constitute a high-risk occupational group due to prolonged working hours, occupational stress, irregular schedules, and limited access to preventive healthcare. These factors contribute to poor oral hygiene practices and a high prevalence of substance use, particularly tobacco, placing this group at increased risk for oral diseases. Objective: This study aimed to describe oral hygiene practices, tobacco and alcohol use, and the prevalence of oral lesions among public transport drivers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and to document the preventive oral health services delivered through the “Chalo Smile” outreach initiative during Swachhata Pakhwada 2024. Methods: A cross-sectional observational field study with a descriptive epidemiological focus was conducted from July 1 to July 15, 2024, as part of a community oral health outreach program. Using convenience sampling, 2,445 taxi, auto-rickshaw, and bus drivers were screened across 27 high-footfall transport locations in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Pen. Data were collected using standardized structured interviews and oral visual examinations conducted by trained dental teams. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Of the 2,445 drivers screened, 80.1% were male. Tobacco use was reported by 32.1% of participants (n = 785), with smokeless tobacco—predominantly gutka—being the most common form. Oral lesions were identified in 98 individuals (4.0% of the total sample), including 83 cases of white/red patches, 14 ulcers, and one case of oral submucous fibrosis; all lesion cases occurred among tobacco users. Brushing once daily was reported by 89.3% of drivers, while only 7.1% brushed twice daily or more. Alcohol use was reported by 10% of participants. Referrals were made for tobacco cessation counselling (n = 601) and biopsy (n = 184). Conclusion: The “Chalo Smile” project identified significant oral health issues and tobacco-related lesions among public transport drivers. The findings reinforce the need for regular screening, targeted tobacco cessation interventions, and sustained oral health education in high-risk occupational groups.
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