Tobacco consumption and its association with various sociodemographic factors among females (15-49 years) residing in an urban slum of Pune, Maharashtra

Abstract

<b>Context:</b> Tobacco consumption among females is on rise and is increasing at an alarming rate. This epidemic among the females is emerging as an important public health problem especially in slums. <b>Aim:</b> Study was conducted to find out association between sociodemographic factors and tobacco consumption. <b>Settings and Design:</b> Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among females (15-49 years) in an urban slum of Pune during February 12 to April 13. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Sampling frame was prepared from records of urban health center. Required sample size was selected by simple random method. Data collected using pretested validated structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. <b>Statistical Analysis:</b> Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20, and Chi-square test was used for determining association. <b>Results:</b> Of 305 females studied, 31.5% of them were currently consuming tobacco. Most common form of tobacco consumption was smokeless that is, Mishri application 55.2%. About 64% females started using tobacco before 20 years of age. Most of them (32%) consuming tobacco for increasing concentration at work. Tobacco consumption was found to be significantly more common among ever-married and Muslim females. Lack of will power and ignorance about the harmful effects of tobacco were major hindrances (51%) for quitting tobacco <b>Conclusion:</b> Tobacco consumption was found to be prevalent in almost one third of females (15-49 years) residing in an urban slum of Pune. Most of them used smokeless tobacco, mainly Mishri. Tobacco consumption was directly associated with age, marital status and religion.