Impact of Tobacco Consumption During COVID-19 Lockdown: Insights from Employees at a Government Medical College in Gujarat

Abstract

Background: Tobacco consumption is consistently harmful to one's well-being, and for individuals with respiratory conditions, it can elevate the likelihood of contracting infections, raise the potential for complications, and enhance the probability of transmission. In this study awareness about the association and the impact of the lockdown on tobacco use among current tobacco users of Government Medical College, Gujarat was assessed. Objectives: To evaluate the level of insight regarding the connection between COVID-19 and tobacco use and to assess the influence of COVID-19 related lockdown measures on the rate of tobacco consumption among current tobacco users at Government Medical College, Gujarat. Methods: A study was conducted among Class 3 & Class 4 employees of Government Medical College using convenient sampling technique. Study population who was ready to participate in the study and had been actively engaged in the 10-month counselling program from January 2020 to November 2020. Data was gathered through a pre-tested closed-ended questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS software (version 22). Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute Ethical Committee, and written informed consent was acquired from all the participants. Results: A significant majority, comprising 68% of tobacco users, lacked awareness of the link between tobacco use and COVID-19. Among the 173 current tobacco users, 49 of them successfully abstained from tobacco use during the lockdown period. The primary reasons cited for this change were the unavailability and higher prices of tobacco products. Conclusions: The level of awareness regarding the connection between tobacco and COVID-19 played a crucial role in motivating tobacco users to discontinue their tobacco consumption.