Abstract
Introduction: In a recent review it was reported that 51.3% people in India consume SLT. This usage is highest in males living in rural areas and the most common forms of SLT consumed are Khani, Gutka, Beetle quid with tobacco and powdered tobacco. Aims and Methods: We aimed at 1) studying the prevalence and understanding the demographic variables associated with SLT consumption in patients presenting to our out patient department(OPD). 2) Evaluating the effectiveness of single psychoeducation session on tobacco cessation. After assessing patients based on our inclusion criteria, we administered a Fagerstorm Nicotine Dependence Test, Smokeless Tobacco (FTND-ST) at baseline. Subsequently they were given a structured session of psycho-education and they were then followed up after a month using the same scale and change in the score was recorded. Results: Our results indicate the following: 1) Maximum SLT consumption was seen in males coming from rural areas. 2) At baseline 39 % were in the category of mild dependence, 41% in moderate dependence and 20% in severe dependence and following up after the single psychoeducation session, 50% were mildly dependent, 47% were moderately dependent and 3% were severely dependent. (p<0.001). 3) Maximum reduction was seen in the time taken to consume SLT after waking up and the number of SLT pouches/cans consumed per day(p<0.001) Conclusions: The problem of SLT consumption is multi-factorial with social, economic and health repercussion. Though we did not see complete abstinence with our intervention, it served the purpose of reducing the consumption of SLT among our participants in a significant manner. There is no gold standard for tobacco cessation including pharmacological interventions. Thus our findings have to be viewed as a part of collective and long-term effort towards de-addiction.
Highlights
In a recent review it was reported that 51.3% people in India consume smokeless tobacco (SLT)
3)Maximum reduction was seen in the time taken to consume SLT after waking up and the number of SLT pouches/cans consumed per day(p
In another recent study conducted in Chennai on 7510 individuals to estimate the prevalence of use of SLT’s, it was found that maximum consumption of SLT’ s was in rural parts (9.5%) followed by a very similar proportion of 7% in semi urban and urban parts of the region [2]
Summary
In a recent review it was reported that 51.3% people in India consume SLT. This usage is highest in males living in rural areas and the most common forms of SLT consumed are Khani, Gutka, Beetle quid with tobacco and powdered tobacco. 32.9% of them are male users and 18.4 % of them are female users [1] In another recent study conducted in Chennai on 7510 individuals to estimate the prevalence of use of SLT’s, it was found that maximum consumption of SLT’ s was in rural parts (9.5%) followed by a very similar proportion of 7% in semi urban and urban parts of the region [2].
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