363P - Prevalence of smoking and awareness about anti-smoking acts among the general public in Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Abstract

Background: India is the world’s third largest tobacco-growing country. The Indian scenario as far as tobacco consumption is concerned is far worse because of the prevalence of the tobacco chewing habit which covers a wide spectrum of socioeconomic and ethnic groups and is spread over urbanized area as well as remote village. Tobacco use is alarming in terms of its current and projected future impact on global mortality. Recent shift in global tobacco consumption to developing countries indicate that an estimated 930 million of the world’s 1.1 billon in India alone. Despite the facts, that the harmful effects of tobacco chewing and smoking are widely known, many young people start smoking during adolescence, largely because they believe that smoking will boost their social acceptability and image. This study was contemplated with an aim to assess tobacco/smoking habits and awareness about anti-smoking act among the general public in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. Methods: A structured questionnaire consisting of 14 questions related to tobacco/smoking habits and awareness about anti-smoking act were asked to the general public and their response was recorded. Random sampling method was used and data was collected from a cross-sectional survey. Anti-tobacco counselling was given on the spot and followed. Results: The study population consisted of total 430 individuals, male 364 (84.65%) and females 66(15.34%). Then the questionnaires were asked and statistically analyzed. Around 286 (78.57%) from 364 males were indulged in some form of tobacco usage (smoker = 32.86%, tobacco chewer = 16.78%, both = 11.18%, alcohol +tobacco user = 21.67%). Conclusions: In the present study, most common cause of tobacco use was pleasure 40.5%, inducing factor were friends 53.1% followed by parents and siblings. 36.20% patients used tobacco as second hand exposure in job places. 54.8% were aware about the anti-smoking act in public places, so only 8.6% people from all males enrolled, were smoking in public places. Legal entity responsible for the study: N/A Funding: None Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.