English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco is a major risk factor of numerous adult chronic noncommunicable diseases. In India, the GATS Survey revealed that the prevalence of smoking is more than one-third in the adults (35%), the overall prevalence in males being 48% and among females it is 20%. AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the socio-demography of tobacco use in rural setting and to assess the knowledge, attitude & practices of tobacco use in the rural area. METHODS: All patients aged 18 years or above attending subcentre at village Panzinara of Block Sumbal. The data was collected on a semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: 71 patients attending the sub center for various health states were taken up for the study. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 58-68 years (23.9%). Males comprised 56.3%. 63.4% gave positive response to ever any tobacco use & amongst the tobacco users 80% were daily users. Tobacco use was significantly associated with male sex. 51.1% of the patients had started tobacco use in adolescent age of 10-19 years. 62.2% were Hookah smokers, 24.4% cigarette smokers. Tobacco being injurious to health was known by 39.4% patients, 21.1% knew it lead to some cancers, 4.2% were aware that it can cause hypertension, diabetes & cancers. 35.3% were aware that it is to be avoided. CONCLUSION: In spite of awareness about hazards of tobacco use & knowledge of non-communicable diseases, this high prevalence calls for more active psychological, social & medical interventions for tobacco users. Targeting the adolescent population for raising awareness would be additionally beneficial.