Clinical Evaluation of Qat Chewing on the Buccal Mucosa among Secondary Schools Students in Sana'a City, Yemen

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate qat chewing clinically on the buccal mucosa among secondary schools students in Sana'a city, Yemen. Methods: This study was conducted on (600) of secondary schools students,(300) male students and (300) female students with an age ranged from 16 -20 years. The sample was collected from five private and five public schools at Sana'a city, Yemen. Students were examined at schools, under natural day light with a disposable mouth mirrors, using gloves and gauze pads. Results: Normal buccal mucosa (88.8%%) was the most prevalent clinical feature, followed by linea alba was (8%), and the least prevalent clinical feature was whitish area (3.2%). Conclusion: Normal buccal mucosa was the commonest clinical feature and it was more common in female students than male students, while the least clinical feature was whitish area and it was more common in male students than female students.