Trend of Tobacco Consumption in India

Abstract

Tobacco control is an integral part of the development agenda, contributing not only to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (target 3.a calls for strengthening implementation of the WHO FCTC in all countries) but also to the achievement of other targets, directly or indirectly impacted by tobacco growth and use. As per NFHS-5, around 38% of men and 8.9% of women consume any kind of tobacco in India. Among these, tobacco consumption in rural area is more than urban area for both men and women. In India, trend of use of Tobacco shows slightly declining among men from 57% (NFHS-3) to 44.5% (NFHS-4) to 38% (NFHS5). In Gujarat also trend of use of tobacco shows declining trend. As per GATS 2 (2016-17), 28.6% of adults in India and 25.1% of adults in Gujarat are consuming any of the tobacco product. Around 10.7% of adults in India and 7.7% of adults in Gujarat are smokers. These prevalence is in decreasing trend. In India, Khaini (11.2%) is the most preferred product for in chewing tobacco. Whereas in Gujarat, Gutka (12.8%) is the most preferred product. As per GYTS, Current tobacco users among youth is decreased from 14.6% in the year 2009 to 8.5% in the year 2019. Current tobacco smokers among youth is also declined from 8.1% to 7.3% during the period of 10 years. Though all standardised survey shows decreasing trend in the tobacco consumption, it is still at higher level that affects the community. Policy makers should channelize their efforts to use innovative ways for IEC and for controlling addiction.