Change in socio-economic inequality of tobacco consumption among men in India: evidence from National Family Health Survey 2005-06 to 2015-16

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Despite a plethora of research on tobacco consumption and its ill-effects, minimal research has studied the socioeconomic inequality in the prevalence of tobacco consumption employing decomposition models. Objective: This study attempts to measure decadal change in the contribution of various factors to economic inequality in tobacco consumption among men. Methods: Data were drawn from third and fourth rounds of National Family Health Survey conducted in 2005–06 and 2015–16. Concentration Index and Concentration curve were calculated to measure the socio-economic inequality in smoked tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and tobacco consumption among men. Decomposition of Concentration Index was done to explore inequality in tobacco consumption. Results: Educational differences and regional disparity were the major contributory factors in explaining inequalities in consumption of smoked tobacco in both rounds of survey. Inequality in consumption of smoked tobacco decreased from 2005–06 (−0.135) to 2015–16 (−0.087), whereas inequality in smokeless tobacco consumption has increased from −0.155 in 2005–06 to −0.20 in 2015–16. Conclusion: Awareness strategies be designed innovatively and should be introduced to the poorer section of the society. There is a need for foster collaboration between State and local governments for proper administration and management to achieve desired results.