Association between Oral Tobacco Consumption and Dyspepsia

Background: Dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by recurrent upper abdominal pain and discomfort, significantly impacting the quality of life and increasing healthcare burdens. While various factors such as infections, dietary habits, and psychological stress contribute to dyspepsia, emerging evidence suggests that oral tobacco consumption may also play a significant role. Objective: To assess the association between oral tobacco consumption and dyspepsia among patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This case-control study was conducted from March to June 2024 at Mekran Medical College, Turbat, Baluchistan. A total of 150 adults aged 18-65 years were recruited, including 75 cases with confirmed dyspepsia, as determined by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and 75 controls without dyspeptic symptoms. Data on demographic information, tobacco use history, and other lifestyle factors were collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Results: The mean of the patients was 38.89±7.5 years. Of 150 patients, 62 participants were males (41.3%) and 88 participants were females (58.7%). In univariate analysis, tobacco users were seen as likely to experience dyspepsia more compared to those who do not use tobacco (OR=4.57, 95% CI: 2.08-10.02, p=0.001). Even after adjusting for confounders such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status, oral tobacco users were significantly more likely to experience dyspepsia compared to non-users (aOR=3.9, 95% CI: 1.489-10.59, p=0.011). Conclusion: The study found a significant association between oral tobacco consumption and dyspepsia.