Prevalence and acquisition of tobacco use among rural women in reproductive age group-a community based cross sectional study

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Background and Objectives: Tobacco is world’s number one killer and it kills up to half of its regular users. Over one-third of tobacco consumption regionally is in smokeless form. Traditional forms like tobacco dentrifice or tobacco tooth powder and betel quid, tobacco and lime mixture are commonly used and also, the new products use is increasing not only among men but even among children, teenagers, women of reproductive age. The disease burden, health care costs as well as other social losses resulting from premature deaths attributable to tobacco consumption are rapidly increasing. This study was done to know the prevalence of tobacco consumption among the rural women in the reproductive age group and the factors that influence tobacco use initiation among them. Methodology and Analysis: A community based cross sectional study, conducted from January 2011 to December 2011 among 1200 rural women aged between 15 years to 49 years residing in Primary Health Centre (PHC) Vantmuri area, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Statistical analysis was done using rates and ratios. Results: Tobacco consumption was seen in 9.7% of the study participants. 84(71.8%) of the ever tobacco users were influenced by their family members to start the use of tobacco. Toothache was the main reason for initiating tobacco use among 67(57.3%) tobacco users followed by peer pressure 30(25.6%). Conclusion: Prevalence of tobacco consumption was 9.7%. There is a need for appropriate intervention to create awareness among the women about the hazards of tobacco use and to help them eventually to stop tobacco consumption. Keywords: Dentrifice, Initiation factors, Reproductive age group, Smokeless tobacco Tobacco use