Hazards Of Tobacco Use Research Articles

Snuff Usage and Knowledge Regarding Its Effects Among Pakistani Male Students of Public Medical University, Peshawar

In Pakistan, snuff, locally known as Naswar, was introduced decades ago, and is usually processed into a loose moist form, and its use is widespread in the country. The evaluation of carcinogenic risks of smokeless tobacco by the International Agency on Research for Cancer (IARC) has confirmed that smokeless tobacco is carcinogenic to human and the main target organ being the oral cavity where the products are applied locally. So, this study is done about snuff usage and knowledge regarding its effects among Pakistani Male Students in Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Descriptive cross sectional institutional based study with sample size of 400 was done from 5251 the study population (Pakistanis male students at the Khyber Medical University, Peshawar) during the academic year 2018-2020, in which random sampling technique was used. Data was collected using self-administrated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) (IBM v. 25). The overall knowledge level was very high within non-snuff dippers i.e., 92%, which was very high according to Likert measure, whereas the knowledge level among snuff dippers was (76.4%) which was also high. The prevalence of snuff usage among Pakistani male students was 174 (43.5%) n = 400. The greatest predisposing factor was the friend’s effect (81.5%), whereas the least predisposing factor was the advertisement effect (23.8%). There was a significant relationship between knowledge level and snuff usage. In conclusion, snuff usage prevalence among students was high, the overall knowledge level was very high, effect of friends was the most common risk factor for snuff usage, so there is an urgent need for intervention by providing tobacco prevention program for raising awareness regarding to the health hazards of tobacco use and counselling to help and encourage users for cessation and to prevent tobacco initiation.

Socialization of the Bad Effects of Smoking on Youth in Mountainous Areas, India

The purpose of this research was to examine how well group outings can teach young people in hilly regions about the hazards of tobacco use. The research project included a wide range of educational events, such as seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns, all aimed at spreading the word about the dangers of smoking. Fifty teenagers (15-24) from the mountains participated in this study. Knowledge and perspective about smoking were assessed by giving participants pre- and post-tests. The outcomes indicated that participants gained substantial knowledge and exhibited a positive attitude shift regarding smoking. Findings from the study point to the potential importance of socialization activities in reducing adolescent smoking in mountainous regions. As a result, it is suggested that similar campaigns be maintained in order to educate the younger generation on the dangers of smoking and encourage them to adopt better lifestyles.

Cross-talks between gut microbiota and tobacco smoking: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundConsiderable evidence has been reported that tobacco use could cause alterations in gut microbiota composition. The microbiota-gut–brain axis also in turn hinted at a possible contribution of the gut microbiota to smoking. However, population-level studies with a higher evidence level for causality are lacking.MethodsThis study utilized the summary-level data of respective genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 211 gut microbial taxa and five smoking phenotypes to reveal the causal association between the gut microbiota and tobacco smoking. Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) design was deployed and comprehensively sensitive analyses were followed to validate the robustness of results. We further performed multivariable MR to evaluate the effect of neurotransmitter-associated metabolites on observed associations.ResultsOur univariable MR results confirmed the effects of smoking on three taxa (Intestinimonas, Catenibacterium, and Ruminococcaceae, observed from previous studies) with boosted evidence level and identified another 13 taxa which may be causally affected by tobacco smoking. As for the other direction, we revealed that smoking behaviors could be potential consequence of specific taxa abundance. Combining with existing observational evidence, we provided novel insights regarding a positive feedback loop of smoking through Actinobacteria and indicated a potential mechanism for the link between parental smoking and early smoking initiation of their children driven by Bifidobacterium. The multivariable MR results suggested that neurotransmitter-associated metabolites (tryptophan and tyrosine, also supported by previous studies) probably played a role in the action pathway from the gut microbiota to smoking, especially for Actinobacteria and Peptococcus.ConclusionsIn summary, the current study suggested the role of the specific gut microbes on the risk for cigarette smoking (likely involving alterations in metabolites) and in turn smoking on specific gut microbes. Our findings highlighted the hazards of tobacco use for gut flora dysbiosis and shed light on the potential role of specific gut microbiota for smoking behaviors.

Tobacco Use: Quitting Plan, Attempts and Obstacles for Cessation- A Cross-Sectional Study from A Sub-Urban Neighbourhood of Chennai-Tamil Nadu

Introduction: Tobacco consumption is a preventable public health problem. GATS -2 survey in Tamil Nadu shows that 20% of adults use tobacco, 40% had plans to quit and 48% had made quit attempts. The purpose of the study was to assess factors associated with tobacco use; quitting plan, attempts and identify obstacles for to-bacco cessation. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was done among 300 tobacco users in a suburban neighbourhood of Chennai and data was analysed using SPSS software. Results: Ninety five percent were smokers and 86% smoked cigarettes. 70% knew that it causes cancer and res-piratory diseases. 60% planned to quit, 69% made quit attempts. Those with quit plans and health problems had an increased odds (AOR of 1.02 and 1.004 respectively) of making quit attempts. Advice from health profession-als (48%) and family (52%) triggered quit attempts. Stress and work pressure were obstacles for quitting (70%). Availability of therapy and professional help for tobacco cessation was known only to 49% and 14.7% respec-tively and none availed it. Conclusion: Awareness of health hazards of tobacco use was high. Quit attempts have increased but with high failure rates due to lack of information and access to tobacco cessation services. Provision of community and fa-cility-based tobacco cessation services and integration with existing health programmes is the present need.

Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Regarding the Hazards of Tobacco Use and Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act among Parents Visiting Pediatric Dental Clinic: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Survey.

Aim“Today's adolescents are tomorrow's citizens.” Tobacco use in children and adolescents is reaching pandemic levels as they are the most vulnerable population to initiate tobacco use. It is well established that most of the adult users of tobacco, start the use of tobacco either in their childhood or adolescence. Parents are the best route to reach a child and can help lead to bring better outcomes for children. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding the hazards of tobacco use and Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) among the parents visiting pediatric dental clinic.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding the hazards of tobacco use and COTPA law. Samples size of 400 parents of adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years visiting to the department of Pediatrics and Preventive Dentistry were included in the study, data thus obtained was subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsSmoking tobacco product known to the parent population in the present study is cigarette (88.8%) and smokeless tobacco product is pan masala (65.2%). The tobacco health hazard known is cancer by 70.5 and 85.3% parent populations were aware of mandatory display of pictorial health warnings in COTPA law. Strict implementation of COTPA law was opted by 61.8%.ConclusionKnowledge, attitude, and behavior of parents is required to educate and motivate adolescents. Parents have given their positive attitude regarding the strict implementation of COTPA law in India and realize the role of tobacco as a causative factor for health hazards both in children and adults. COTPA law should be made aware for both young and old to educate and motivate and to prevent the use of tobacco in India.How to cite this articleKattimani S, Thimmegowda U, Nagarathna C. Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Regarding the Hazards of Tobacco Use and Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act among Parents Visiting Pediatric Dental Clinic: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Survey. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):47-53.

The pattern of tobacco use and the associated socio-demographic factors among Transgenders living in Chennai city of Tamil Nadu, India.

The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, which kills more than 8 million people a year around the world. Transgenders are prone to use and abuse substances including tobacco and alcohol as a coping mechanism to manage minority stress experienced due to high levels of discrimination and lack of acceptance by society. Among transgenders living in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, (1) we aimed to estimate the prevalence and describe the pattern of tobacco use and (2) identify the sociodemographic factors associated with tobacco use. A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 734 transgender adults living in the Chennai city of Tamil Nadu. A pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule was used. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and proportions were used for categorical variables. Chi-square test was applied to find the significance of the association between tobacco use and sociodemographic factors. The prevalence of the current use of any form of tobacco products among transgenders was 64.4%. About 27% had tried to stop using tobacco during the past 1 year. Education status, socioeconomic class, and occupation were significantly associated with the current use of any form of tobacco and trying to quit tobacco use. The prevalence of tobacco use among transgenders is alarming. The present study findings highlight the need to increase awareness activities by health authorities and non-government organizations (NGOs)/community-based organizations (CBOs) to generate awareness about the health hazards of tobacco use among transgenders. Tobacco control programs focussing on transgenders are essential.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding the Hazards of Tobacco Use Among the Drivers in Selected Areas of Lucknow

Background of the Study: Several countries have taken measures to control the consumption of tobacco with usage and sales restrictions as well as warning messages printed on packaging. Additionally, smoke-free laws that ban smoking in public places such as workplaces, theaters, and bars and restaurants reduce exposure to second hand smoke and help some people who smoke to quit, without negative economic effects on restaurants or bars. Tobacco taxes that increase the price are also effective, especially in developing countries. Even though the Government took many steps to decrease tobacco use like MPOWER, tobacco use is increasing day by day especially among the weaker sections of the society due to the lack of awareness regarding the hazards of tobacco consumption. So, the researchers decided the need of this study to be carried out. Objective of this study is to assess the knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco use among drivers. Materials & Methods: Descriptive research design was adapted for this study. The study was conducted at auto stand of Kursi road and St. Mary’s Polyclinic Road, Lucknow. 60 drivers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected as samples for study, using purposive sample technique. The data collection instrument consists of three sections. Section A include personal data, Section B include clinical variables and Section - C consists of standardized questionnaire with 25 questions to assess the knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco consumption. Results: Findings of this study revealed that 36.67 % of the rickshaw drivers were having adequate knowledge regarding the hazards of tobacco use, 53.33 % of rickshaw drivers having moderate knowledge and the remaining 10 % of them were having inadequate knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco use. Conclusion: The study findings showed that samples who participated in this study predominantly have good and moderate knowledge regarding the hazards of tobacco use. Regardless of having good or moderate awareness related to the hazards of tobacco use, prevalence of tobacco use is very high among auto/rickshaw drivers.

Impact of common tobacco products on human health and environmental pollution in Bangladesh

Worldwide, tobacco is one of the leading causes of disability and death. Over a million of pounds of toxic chemicals are released by tobacco products. This study aims to explore the effects of tobacco toxicants on human health and environmental pollution. Four districts (Dhaka, Kushtia, Chattogram and Rangpur) were selected where most of the tobacco product grown. Total 468 respondents were interviewed face-to-face using structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge about toxicant content in tobacco and health and environmental hazards of tobacco use. Survey results revealed that about 44.4% respondents used smoking tobacco products and 38.5% used smokeless tobacco, while only 17.1% used both. About two third (74.3%) of smoking tobacco users started smoking when they were between 15 to 24 years old and majority (61.6%) of smokeless tobacco users started tobacco when they were between 30 to 35 years above. Tobacco product has large impacts on health of young smokers. Smokers are suffering from various acute and chronic diseases. Among the respondents, 38% indicated that they were suffering from hypertension. The second most affected disease was COPD/Asthma (31.6%), while cancer was the least suffering disease (0.4%). Majority of the respondents were not aware about the presence of toxicants (i.e. nicotine, tar and metals) in tobacco products. However, 85.1% tobacco users had an idea about environmental pollution. There is a lack of knowledge among the survey respondents about toxicants in tobacco products that are linked to health hazards and environmental pollution. These results are important in strengthening existing policy considering adverse health effects of toxicants examined.
 Progressive Agriculture 31 (3): 130-143, 2020

TOBACCO CESSATION: DO SMOKERS NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP TO QUIT?


 Tobacco use is considered a risk factor for 6 ofthe 8 leading causesof death worldwide and isknownto cause diseasesaffectingthe heart and lungs1. Tobacco hasa definite rolein the etiologyofa number of dental morbidities, and is an established riskfactor for Oral Cancer and periodontitis. World health organization reported more than a billionsmokersworldwide. Thenumber ofsmokersis increasingand a shift ofincreasednumber of smokersin developing world is noticed. Tobacco isa bigkilleras more than 10% ofadultdeathsannually, fromallcauses are attributedtoit. Moreover,tobacco kills almost five and a half million annuallyand on the average 10 persons per minute2. Considering gravityof thesituation, a global and localtobacco controlstrategybecomes veryimportant. The Government ofPakistan hasincreased taxesontobacco products, bannedits use inpublicplacesto discourageits use. Thisstrategywould helpreducethe number of tobacco productsused byindividuals. But what’smissing isto focus on regular smokers, and assesswhethertheyneed professional help to quit tobacco. Most ofthesmokersfind it difficult to quit on their own, while some successfulquittersconsider motivation, willpower and commitment important factors. Howcan aregularsmoker be motivated isstillnot clear andneedsmore research3.Theself-quitproportion for regular smokersis 3-5%4,which isquite lowand most ofthe tobacco usersfind it difficult to quit, evenafter feelingthe effectsafteryearsofsmoking. The reason could be addictionto dailydose ofnicotineto the brain. Agood number ofsmokerswant to quit at some time, but it is alsonotedthat onlya limitednumber ofthesessmokers have ever tried5. Theclinical practice guidelinesfor treatment ofTobacco use and dependence, recommendstheuse “Five A’s”for tobacco cessation6. Thefirst stepofthissmokingcessation protocol is to “ASK” anindividual about current smoking statusand anypreviousattempt to quit smoking. The next step is to “ADVISE”,througha clearand strong personalizedmessage andhelp identifyaquitting date. This isfollowed by“ASSESS”, whether the smoker isreadyto quit. This isfollowedbythestep “ASSIST”, in which literature isprovidedto help thesmoker understand the benefits ofquitting. Thelast stepiscalled “ARRANGE”, whichmeans arranging a follow upvisit,usuallyafter 1 to2 weeksofquitting date. Health professionalsare consideredas acredible source ofinformation.Familyphysicians canplaya veryimportant part in helping their patients who are regular smokers. Bybringing “Five A’s” modelinto practice,a physiciancangivea better opportunityto asmoker to understand the health hazardsoftobacco use, andknowthe benefits ofquittingperiodically. Thiscan lead to a higherpercentageof successfultobacco quitters. Otherhealthcare professionals, who can playanimportant role in helpingsmokersquit, are the dentalprofessionals. Apatient would spend more time in a dental office and routine dentaladvice should alsoinclude quit tobacco, alongwith oralhygieneinstructions and dietaryadvice. Dentalassociations should encourage their membersto advisepatients about oral and systemic hazards of tobaccoproducts.

Recent trends of tobacco use in India

Tobacco use is associated with adverse health effects and is the prime cause of deaths globally, accounting for more than 7 million deaths annually. India is home to a substantial number of tobacco users, frequently characterized by people who are consuming smoke and smokeless tobacco, the synergistic effect of which accounts for a significant number. This study aims to highlight and compare the recent trends in tobacco use in India and other countries based on the impact of parameters such as age, sex, occupation, level of exposure to tobacco, and tobacco taxation laws. It also intends to indicate the health hazards of tobacco use among men and women, explicitly highlighting its consequences on the reproductive health of women. An organized literature review was executed using subject-specific research/review articles from the PubMed and NIH databases. Complete information on tobacco use prevalence was obtained using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) and the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) reports. In recent years, tobacco users have been significantly reduced in response to modest tobacco control efforts in India, but its use is still widespread among middle-aged adults, less educated individuals and people living in rural and tobacco-cultivating areas of India. Lack of awareness among people belonging to poor socioeconomic strata of the society, societal influence, and poor implementation of anti-tobacco laws could be the possible reasons for its widespread incidence. Hence, more rigorous anti-tobacco campaigns and widespread implementation of anti-tobacco regulations are the need of the hour.

A11589 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Tobacco among adults attending Outpatient Departments of Public Hospitals in Bangladesh

Objectives: The study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tobacco consumption. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where 1140 adults between 15 to 65 years were selected from the outpatient departments of government hospitals purposively chosen from seven divisions of Bangladesh in 2015. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using a semi-structured pretested questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of tobacco use among the respondents was 35.1%; among them almost half (47.5%) of the respondents used smoking tobacco, 43.0% used smokeless tobacco and 9.5% used both form of tobacco, smoke and smokeless. Most of the smokers (92.9%) smoked cigarettes whereas 67.8% smokeless tobacco users used jarda. The mean age of initiation of smoking and smokeless tobacco was 19.5 ( ± 4.5) and 26.03 ( ± 9.7) years respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in tobacco consumption were found for sex, age group, educational level and occupational status. Almost all respondents had knowledge of health hazards due to tobacco consumption, which they learned from the mass media. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for knowledge regarding health hazards of tobacco use by age group, educational level, occupational status, monthly income and expenditure. Influencing factors for smoking were family, friends, community and media. Female gender, productive age group 25–64 years, and monthly family income were associated (p < 0.05) with tobacco consumption. Conclusion: Almost all the respondents had very good knowledge on health hazards related to tobacco consumption irrespective of gender but they were not that much motivated which is reflected in their practices.

Nonsmoked Tobacco Addiction Playing a Major Role in Oral Mucosal Changes in Northern Indian Population Over Smoked and Alcohol Use

Background: Oral cavity is prone for myriad of changes with advancing age as well result of environmental and life style related factors like consumption of tobacco (smoke or smokeless) and alcohol. Aim: The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the association of oral mucosal changes (OMC) with nonsmoked tobacco over smoked tobacco and alcohol. Methods: Data of 11,145 subjects from 106 health screening camps, organized in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan between April 2015 to June 2017 was analyzed to unveil and determine the mode of addiction and prevalence of OMC. Bivariate and multivariable models were tested for comparison and identification of factors associated with an increasing risk of developing OMC. Results: The primary symptoms were mouth ulcer in 5.6% and trismus (1.0%). The overall proportions of tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol addiction were 12.5%, 10.7% and 2.5% respectively. The highest prevalence of smoking noted in the age-group 55-64 years (14.4%), for tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption in the age-group 25-34 years was 15.6% and 4.2% respectively ( P &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of mouth ulcers were 20.7% among smokers and 27.8% among tobacco chewers ( P &lt; 0.001) while the percentage of trismus 26.1% among smokers and 53.0% among tobacco chewers ( P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Results of this study can be used for creating awareness among the population regarding the hazards of tobacco use. More number of studies needs to be conducted all over India to understand the prevalence and the biologic behavior of these oral premalignant lesions and its progression to invasive diseases.

The role of sexual identity in tobacco information–seeking behaviours and perceptions

Objective: To explore differences in tobacco information–seeking behaviours and perceptions between sexual minority and heterosexual (or ‘straight’) adults and to determine if these differences are mediated by tobacco use. Design: Cross-sectional national survey. Setting: Nationally representative probability-based surveys of adults 18 years of age or older in the US civilian non-institutionalised population. Methods: Data from respondents identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual (LGB; n = 156) or straight ( n = 4,964) in the US National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey Food and Drug Administration cycles 1 and 2 (HINTS-FDA 2015, 2017) were analysed. We compared the responses of sexual minority and straight respondents aged 18 years and older concerning tobacco information-seeking behaviours and perceptions. Results: Sexual minority respondents were more likely than their straight counterparts to seek out tobacco health information, to look for information about e-cigarettes and to use the Internet for health information searches. Some of these differences were mediated by tobacco use. Sexual minority respondents were similar to their straight counterparts regarding perceptions of trust and confidence in tobacco health information, as well as perceptions of the hazards of tobacco use. Conclusion: Because sexual minority adults have higher rates of tobacco use and higher rates of tobacco information seeking than others, tobacco health information campaigns should consider carefully tailoring the messages directed towards sexual minority populations.

Does awareness on health hazards of tobacco use promote quit attempt? An observational study from urban Pondicherry

Tobacco use is the most prevalent behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases. In rural Pondicherry, the willingness to quit is low despite higher proportion of tobacco users being aware of health hazards of tobacco use. Hence, this observational study was conducted with the aim to assess the awareness on health hazards of tobacco use and quit attempt among the tobacco users attending an urban health centre in Pondicherry. A total of 90 individuals above 15 years of age attending the centre for treatment were included in the study and interviewed after obtaining verbal informed consent. Socio-demographic details, awareness on health hazards of tobacco use, quit attempts and reasons for failed quit attempt were noted down using a semi-structured questionnaire. Majority (64.4%, 58/90) of the current smokers were aware of health hazards related to tobacco use. Only one third of the tobacco users had tobacco quit attempt. Tobacco quit attempt recorded to be significantly (p value &lt; 0.05) higher among people who were aware of health hazards (50%, 29/58) than the people who were not aware of health hazards (12.5%, 4/32). Creating awareness on health hazards and providing personalized counselling services to address reasons for failed quit attempt will improve the successful quitting of tobacco use.

Study of tobacco use and related factors among adolescent students of secondary school in south-eastern region of Rajasthan, India

Background: this study aims to estimate the level of tobacco use among school-going adolescents and also identify the factors that influence youth to use tobacco. Identification of the factors responsible for initiating tobacco use among adolescents will be useful for identifying the most effective interventions to prevent youths from taking up the tobacco habit.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted in adolescent students of grade 8, 9 and 10 from secondary schools within Kota city of Rajasthan. 2032 questionnaires (1228 from government schools and 804 from non-government schools) were included in the analysis. Results: About seven in ten (71.0%) adolescent students were living in the family where at least one member uses tobacco. Nearly one-third (31.0%) of the adolescent students were having good knowledge and less than half (42.7%) were having some knowledge about the hazards of tobacco use. About one third (32.3%) of adolescent students were exposed to pro-tobacco advertisements.Conclusions: Immediate action to reduce adolescents' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is necessary. Prohibiting tobacco use at school and monitoring the high-risk behaviors of adolescents in school is necessary. Strictly Announcing schools and other public places as “tobacco-free places” will help to minimize the exposure to tobacco smoke. It also helps to change social norms and ultimately to minimize the use of tobacco.

Assessment of knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco use among police personnel in Belagavi city: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Tobacco is a serious threat to health and ranks second as a cause of death globally, and it also ranks fourth in its input to years of life lost. The worldwide tobacco related mortality rate reached up to 4 million per year in 1998 and is expected to become 10 million per year in 2030. This is more than the total deaths from tuberculosis, malaria, maternal, and major childhood conditions combined. Objective: The aim is to assess the level of knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco use among police personnel in Belagavi city. Methodology: This study design was a cross-sectional study conducted in Belagavi city. Data collected from Civil Police Department of all 22 police stations, involving 120 police officers from different ranks from different police stations, the pilot study was done in one police station with 10% of total sample size. The duration of the study was August 2015 to February 2017. The study data were collected through pretested structured questionnaire from February 2016 to January 2017. Before collecting the data, the written informed consent was obtained from the police personnel. Based on the objective, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The 16.7% of police personnel had the average knowledge and 80.8% were had good knowledge about hazards of tobacco use. Conclusion: The majority police personnel had average and good knowledge about hazards of tobacco use.

Impact of pictorial warning labels on tobacco products among patients attending outpatient department of a dental college in Bangalore city: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and impact of pictorial warnings present on tobacco packets among patients attending outpatient department of a dental college of Bangalore city. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 patients through convenience sampling, using a structured close-ended questionnaire containing 35 questions. The participants were approached and invited to participate voluntarily. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and ANOVA. Mean age of the participants was 28.1 ± 7.06 years. Out of total 419 participants, 62.8% were tobacco users. About 40.6% of the participants had average knowledge and only 22.9% had positive attitude regarding the pictorial warnings. Nearly 77.9% of tobacco users had previously attempted decreased frequency of tobacco use and 63.7% had tried quitting the habit. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05 Chi-square test and ANOVA). The present study revealed that most of study participants have noticed the warnings on tobacco products, and most of them believe that they could understand warning labels. This study also showed that most of study participants believed that pictorial health warnings create awareness about probable health hazards of tobacco use and that these pictorial presentations on tobacco packs positively assist in reducing or quitting tobacco smoking.

Why Do the Youths in Northeast India Use Tobacco?

This study is an assessment of the influence of parent's tobacco use on prospective tobacco use trajectories among young offspring. The study is based on unit level data from District Level Household and Facility Survey-4 (2012-2013) comprising 27,706 youths in 15–24 years' age group from northeastern states of India and used multilevel regression to identify the potential risk factors of tobacco consumption. The likelihood of using tobacco was found to be 3.4 and 1.14 times more, respectively, for the youths coresiding with mothers who use tobacco and fathers who use tobacco, in comparison to youths staying with parents not taking tobacco. The significant effect of peers on tobacco consumption among youths was also observed. School-going youths had significantly lower risk of tobacco use. The estimated likelihood of a young person from a household to use any tobacco, use smokeless tobacco, and smoke was found to be 28, 12, and 17 percent, respectively. There is an urgent need to extend National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) to the community level involving civil societies and young and adult generations for spreading awareness about the health hazards of tobacco use, providing support and facilitating quitting tobacco use.

What Ails the Fishermen Community in Ennore Creek: A Socio - Demographic Analysis

Background/Objectives: Fishing communities are socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged. Their settlements are characterized by overcrowding with extremely poor sanitation. Information about the socio – demographic profile of these communities is essential to address the felt needs of this community. The aim of this study is to explore the socio – demographic profile of the fishermen community residing at Ennore Creek in East Coast of India. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: A cross sectional study was done among the fishing community in Ennore Creek of North Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The cluster sampling method was adopted and 30 clusters were randomly selected by the probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) method. The structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the socio – demographic details about the selected study participants and other family members. The study population included individuals who are living in the nine fishing wards of Ennore Creek for the minimum of six months period. Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the variables. Findings: In the 780 families with 3542 individuals it was found that about 60.6% lived in semi pucca houses, 100% of the households had electricity, 88.3% of the households had improved drinking water supply, 64.4% of the households had improved sanitation facility, 35.6% of the households practiced open air defeaction, 64.2% of the households had clean fuel for cooking and 12.2% of the households had health insurance. Population below the age of 15 years was 1110 (31.3%), adult population (15–49 years) was 1919 (54.2%) and 254 (7.2%) were above 60 years of age. Number of males to females was 1815 (51.2%): 1727 (48.8%) were females Male literacy was found to be 52.1% while the female literacy was found to be 47.9%. With regard to occupation, 30.5% were fishermen, 27.9% were fish vendors and 22% were involved in non fishing jobs. A sizeable segment (80.1%) of the adults aged between 15–49 years was married. Men (15–49 years) who got married before the age of 21 years were 27.8% and women (15–49 years) who got married before the age of 18 years were 36.4%. It was found that 54.1% of the participants hailed from nuclear families, 60.1% of them had the family size more than four and 65.1% of them belonged to the category of low standard of living. In this community it was found that the current users of any form of tobacco (smoked/chewed/snuffed) were 58.5% while the current consumers of alcohol consumption were found to be 65%. Application/Improvements: The settlements and environment of fishermen community is bereft of basic infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, public services and access to healthcare. Low literacy rates, practice of early marriages, declining income from fishing activity and hence inclination to seek non-fishing jobs, prevailing lower socio – economic status, rampant and indiscriminate use of tobacco and alcohol are the salient features that prevail among the fishermen community of Ennore Creek. Health education and health promotional activities to increase the awareness on the hazards of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, importance of environmental hygiene, hazards of open air defecation, importance and benefits of education especially female literacy should be provided to bring about a change in this community.

Epidemiological correlates of tobacco consumption among women in reproductive age group- a community based cross sectional study in the rural area of Belgaum District, Karnataka, South India

Background: Tobacco kills both men and women but sex-specific differences exist. The disease burden, health care costs as well as other social losses resulting from premature deaths attributable to tobacco consumption are rapidly increasing not only in men but even among children, teenagers, women of reproductive age group. The use of multiple forms of tobacco in India complicates the efforts to reduce its overall impact on public health. This study was done to know the socio demographic correlates of tobacco consumption among the rural women in the reproductive age group . Methods: 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, ratios and chi square tests. Results: Tobacco consumption was seen in 9.7% of the study participants. Amongst the users, tobacco consumption was more i.e. 38 (19.3%) in women belonging to the older age group of 45 to 49 years. A very high prevalence of tobacco use of 98 (15.9%) was observed out of 615 study participants who were illiterate suggesting that women with no education are at a higher risk of consuming tobacco than the women with high school education. A high proportion 100 (10.2%) of people consuming tobacco was seen in women belonging to Class V socio economic class . Conclusions: Prevalence of tobacco consumption was quite high. Poor and illiterate women living in rural area are at the maximum risk of using tobacco. There is a need for appropriate interventions to create awareness among the women about the hazards of tobacco use and to help them eventually to stop tobacco consumption. 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.