A study on nicotine dependence among the adult tobacco users residing in the rural field practice area of Medical College, Kolkata

Abstract

Background: Global adult tobacco survey-2 revealed that 42.4% of men and 14.2% of women reported currently smoking tobacco products. Every ninth adult in India (11.2%) uses khaini, the most popular tobacco product. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate the level of nicotine dependence among the adult tobacco users residing in the rural field practice area of Medical College, Kolkata, and to examine the relationship between nicotine dependence and the sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: This study was an observational, descriptive type of epidemiological study performed among the adult tobacco users residing the rural field practice area of Medical College, Kolkata. A pre-designed, pre-tested semi-structured data collection form was used to collect information regarding Nicotine dependence using the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence and Fagerström test for nicotine dependence-smokeless tobacco. Results: Mean score of Nicotine dependence was 4.62 ± 2.98. Statistically significant relation was found between Nicotine dependence with the type of family, education of the participants, marital status, age of initiation of tobacco use, frequency of tobacco use, and duration of tobacco use of the study participants. Conclusion: Appropriate plan for tobacco cessation should be undertaken as per level of nicotine dependence. Interventions include counseling and pharmacotherapy. Local administration, school authority, NGOs, and healthcare workers need to be involved in conducting regular information, education, and communication activities.