Abstract
BackgroundTobacco use leads to many health complications and is a risk factor for the occurrence of cardio vascular diseases, lung and oral cancers, chronic bronchitis etc. Almost 6 million people die from tobacco-related causes every year. This study was conducted to measure the prevalence of tobacco use in three different areas around Chennai city, south India.MethodsA survey of 7510 individuals aged > = 15 years was undertaken covering Chennai city (urban), Ambattur (semi-urban) and Sriperumbudur (rural) taluk. Details on tobacco use were collected using a questionnaire adapted from both Global Youth Tobacco Survey and Global Adults Tobacco Survey.ResultsThe overall prevalence of tobacco use was significantly higher in the rural (23.7%) compared to semi-urban (20.9%) and urban (19.4%) areas (P value <0.001) Tobacco smoking prevalence was 14.3%, 13.9% and 12.4% in rural, semi-urban and urban areas respectively. The corresponding values for smokeless tobacco use were 9.5%, 7.0% and 7.0% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of using tobacco (with smoke or smokeless forms) was significantly higher among males, older individuals, alcoholics, in rural areas and slum localities. Behavioural pattern analysis of current tobacco users led to three groups (1) those who were not reached by family or friends to advice on harmful effects (2) those who were well aware of harmful effects of tobacco and even want to quit and (3) those are exposed to second hand/passive smoking at home and outside.ConclusionsTobacco use prevalence was significantly higher in rural areas, slum dwellers, males and older age groups in this region of south India. Women used mainly smokeless tobacco. Tobacco control programmes need to develop strategies to address the different subgroups among tobacco users. Public health facilities need to expand smoking cessation counseling services as well as provide pharmacotherapy where necessary.
Highlights
Tobacco is used in forms either designed for smoking or for non-smoking routes
Prevalence of tobacco use was significantly higher (39.6%) among males when compared to females (5.0%) (P value,0.001)
A significantly higher prevalence of tobacco use was observed in slum areas (27.9%) when compared to that in non-slum areas (18.3%) (P value,0.001)
Summary
Tobacco is used in forms either designed for smoking or for non-smoking routes. Tobacco use alone is currently ranked fourth in the world in its contribution to years of life lost [1]. The smokeless forms of tobacco are used mostly in developing countries, especially those in south East Asia. Tobacco use is considered to be one of the chief preventable causes of death in the world. Smoking causes about 71% of lung cancer, 42% of chronic respiratory diseases and about 10% of cardiovascular disease. It is responsible for 12% and 6% of male and female deaths respectively [2]. In. Tobacco use leads to many health complications and is a risk factor for the occurrence of cardio vascular diseases, lung and oral cancers, chronic bronchitis etc. This study was conducted to measure the prevalence of tobacco use in three different areas around Chennai city, south India
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