Alcohol and tobacco: use and co-use in the North-Eastern Region of India, 2015-16

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives The study aimed at alcohol and tobacco use, co-use, and patterns among both men and women of age groups, i.e., legal and underage in North-East India. Methods The study is based on National Family and Health Survey-4(2015–16). The analysis is mainly done on a sub-population from the North-Eastern Region of India, using descriptive and bivariate analysis. Results Both alcohol and tobacco use is relatively higher among men compared to women. The co-use of both substances shows approx. 34% of men consume both of the substances, whereas women show only 2.3%. Generally, alcohol is popular among younger adults, whereas tobacco is seen among the 45+ age group with co-use among 35 and above age groups. The types of alcohol consumed show that country liquor is commonly used by both men and women, readily available and produced at many parts of these states as customs. The type of user tells us most of the respondents, men & women are light smokers, whereas 1/4 of the men are everyday alcohol consumers. Conclusion Along with alcohol and tobacco use, the co-use of both substances is also increasing, with underage drinking and tobacco use being prevalent in the states of North-East India.