The association between smokeless tobacco use (“chewing tobacco”) and oral lesions
A group of dentists was interested in determining the association between smokeless tobacco use (“chewing tobacco”) and oral lesions. This association was investigated among 5,000 children in grades 7-12 in rural Minnesota. At the start of the study, 900 students had oral lesions and 4,100 did not. The students were then surveyed to determine who used chewing tobacco and who did not. The results of this survey found that 60% of students with oral lesions also chewed tobacco. Among those with no oral lesions, 15% chewed tobacco.
Complete the 2×2 table, labeling the exposure and disease boxes with the proper information. Show all your work for the calculations.
| Disease: Oral lesions
| No Disease: No oral lesions
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| Exposure: Chewing tobacco
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| No exposure:
No chewing tobacco | |||
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What kind of study is this and how do you know?
What is the disease and what is the exposure?
What is the proper measure of association? Calculate it. Interpret your results, indicating whether it is risky, protective or unassociated.
