Abstract
Background:Parental influence may be a strong modifiable risk factor in the initiation of Tobacco habits among young adults. Parenting style may modify the risk of initiation of Tobacco use.Objective:To examine the intergenerational transfer of Tobacco habits amongst the urban and tribal populations in Kerala. Methodology:A hospital based unmatched case control study was undertaken in urban and tribal health centres in Kerala, India. 239 cases (19-30 years of age using any form of Tobacco, 64.10% males) and 256 controls (35.90% males) were enrolled. Parental Tobacco exposure ascertainment was done by conducting in depth interviews using a validated structured questionnaire, parent bonding instrument and life grid technique. Multiple logistic regressions were performed.Results:The odds of a case initiating the habit of Tobacco use was nearly four times more when the parent was a Tobacco user [adjusted OR 4.26 (95% CI 2.39 – 7.58)] as opposed to controls. Among other covariates examined, low parental bonding with subject (especially father- warmth/care) was a strong risk factor for Tobacco usage [OR 2.17 (95% 1.11 – 4.23)]. The cases had nearly four times the probability of Tobacco uptake compared to controls if the mothers had no formal schooling [adjusted OR of 3.93 (95% CI, 2.12 – 7.26)]. Conclusion:Parental use of Tobacco influences the uptake of Tobacco habits in their children, with the father’s parenting (low paternal warmth) being a strong risk factor.
Highlights
The initiation of Tobacco use in young adults is influenced by cultural and social factors (Conrad et al, 1992)
Stratified analysis given in table 2 showed that when parents were smokers, cases were three times more likely to smoke as opposed to controls [odds ratios 2.79]
We found a strong association between parental Tobacco use and the uptake of the same among their children
Summary
The initiation of Tobacco use in young adults is influenced by cultural and social factors (Conrad et al, 1992). Significant among these are parent to child transmission, pressure from peers and perceived benefits of smoking (Talip et al, 2016). In rural Indian communities, family members often seek help from children to purchase chewable Tobacco products from stores (Kakde et al, 2012) This trigger in early formative years, may be responsible for the child to perceive Tobacco use as acceptable. Parental influence may be a strong modifiable risk factor in the initiation of Tobacco habits among young adults. Conclusion: Parental use of Tobacco influences the uptake of Tobacco habits in their children, with the father’s parenting (low paternal warmth) being a strong risk factor
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