A Cross-Sectional Study on Tobacco Consumption Pattern among Auto Rickshaw Drivers in Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Abstract

Introduction - Tobacco use is a major preventable cause of premature death and diseases, currently leading to five million deaths worldwide which are expected to raise over eight million deaths worldwide by 2030. Globally, this group of the population is under constant pressure and accounts for the workforce of the country so through this study we want to assess the prevalence of tobacco consumption and the associated factors involve in its consumption. Objective - The broad objective of study was To assess the prevalence of tobacco consumption pattern among the auto rickshaw drivers and to study associated factors involve in tobacco use as well as associated risk factors of tobacco use in Jaipur, Methodology - A cross sectional, descriptive study was done on auto rickshaw drivers of Jaipur city, Rajasthan. Study was done during April- May 2013 with a sample size of 94 with 95% of confidence level and 10% confidence interval. Results - Study finding shows that Prevalence among auto rickshaw drivers for consumption of tobacco products was very high (87%). Auto rickshaw drivers were mostly used tobacco in the form of Gutkha (72%) and bidi (40%) in comparison to other products. It also shows that they use cheap tobacco products. Most of the auto rickshaw drivers start using tobacco products in age less than 18 years (80%) and associated factors for tobacco use are due to friends and their influence (78%). Awareness level among auto rickshaw driver was high (70%) but still uses tobacco products because of its addiction (66%). In the opinion of auto rickshaw drivers increase in tax may reduce it consumption and the majority of drivers (70%) think that tobacco must be banned in Rajasthan. Conclusion - Prevalence among auto rickshaw drivers of consumption of tobacco products was very high. Auto rickshaw drivers were mostly used tobacco in the form of Gutkha (smokeless) and bidi (smoke) in comparison to other products.