Overall Prevalence Of Tobacco Use Research Articles

Tobacco use, secondhand exposure and knowledge of secondhand and third-hand smoke among medical college students in Western Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the prevalence of tobacco use, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and knowledge about SHS and third-hand smoke (THS) exposure among students in a medical college...

Determinants of tobacco use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model.

Although it is known that maternal tobacco use during pregnancy substantially declined in higher-income countries, information on the magnitude and determinants of tobacco use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains limited. Establishing evidence on maternal tobacco during pregnancy is crucial for guiding targeted interventions in SSA. This study aimed to determine the overall prevalence of tobacco use and its determinants among pregnant women in SSA countries. The study used data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 33 countries across SSA from 2010 and 2021. Our analysis included a total weighted sample of 40,291 pregnant women. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with maternal tobacco use during pregnancy. The measure of association between explanatory variables and the outcome was reported using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The pooled prevalence of tobacco use among pregnant women in SSA was 1.76% (95% CI: 1.41, 2.12). Our findings showed that pregnant women in the age groups of 25-34 years (AOR 1.44; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.82) and 35+ years (AOR 2.18; 95% CI: 1.68, 2.83) had higher odds of tobacco use during pregnancy. Pregnant women who attained primary education (AOR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.70) and secondary or higher education (AOR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.53) were associated with lower odds of tobacco use. Similarly, pregnant women who resided in households with a high wealth index (AOR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.55 0.90) and those with media exposure (AOR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.99) were less likely to use tobacco during pregnancy. This study revealed that the overall prevalence of maternal tobacco use during pregnancy was relatively low in SSA, but some countries exhibited higher estimates. To address this, it is crucial to implement targeted smoking prevention and cessation strategies, particularly for young pregnant women, those facing socioeconomic disadvantages, and those with lower educational status.

Tobacco Use and Associated Factors Among Men in Tanzania: Further Analysis of the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey Data.

Background: Tobacco use is a significant public health challenge, contributing to preventable diseases and premature deaths globally. We aimed to determine the prevalence of tobacco use and associated factors among men in Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey. The study population comprised men aged 15-49 years. Weighted logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with tobacco use. Results:A total of 5763 men with a mean age of 28.6±10 years were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 11.1%, with 95% of users consuming smoked products, 17.1% using smokeless products, and 12.1% using both smoked and smokeless products. Older age was associated with increased odds of tobacco use, with odds of tobacco use increasing with each higher age group. Similarly, alcohol consumption was associated with greater odds of tobacco use. On the other hand, having a secondary education or higher, lack of occupation, being the head of the household, and owning a mobile telephone were associated with lower odds of tobacco use. Geographically, men from the Eastern zone and Zanzibar exhibited greater odds of tobacco use, while those from the Southern highlands zone had lower odds. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant prevalence of tobacco use among Tanzanian men and was associated with different individual, interpersonal, and community factors. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions considering age-specific risk factors and geographical variations.

Social determinants of tobacco use among tribal communities in India: Evidence from the first wave of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India.

Evidence on tobacco use among indigenous communities is scarce with available literature based either on a specific region or a particular tribe. Considering the large tribal population in India, it is pertinent to generate evidence on tobacco use among this community. Using nationally representative data, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use and assess its determinants and regional variations among older tribal adults in India. We analysed data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), wave-1 conducted in 2017-18. A sample of 11,365 tribal individuals aged ≥ 45 years was included in this study. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT), smoking, and any form of tobacco use. Separate multivariable regression models were executed to assess the association of various socio-demographic variables with different forms of tobacco use, reported as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was around 46%, with 19% of smokers and nearly 32% smokeless tobacco (SLT) users. Participants from the lowest MPCE quintile group had a significantly higher risk of consuming (SLT) [AOR: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.04-1.92)]. Alcohol was found to be associated with both smoking [AOR: 2.09 (95% CI: 1.69-2.58)] and (SLT) [AOR: 3.05 (95% CI: 2.54-3.66)]. Relatively higher odds of consuming (SLT) were associated with the eastern region [AOR: 6.21 (95% CI: 3.91-9.88)]. This study highlights the high burden of tobacco use and its social determinants among the tribal population in India, which can help tailor anti-tobacco messages for this vulnerable population to make tobacco control programs more effective.

Prevalence and trends in tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure at home and household solid fuel use among women in 57 low- and middle-income countries, 2000-2018.

Tobacco use, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and household solid fuel use in women of reproductive age can cause morbidity and mortality for both women and offspring. We aimed to determine the prevalence of tobacco use, SHS exposure at home and household solid fuel use among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and their secular trends between 2000 and 2018. We used the most recent data from the Demographic and Health Surveys in 57 LMICs (n=1,598,111) that were completed between 2010 and 2018 to assess the prevalence of tobacco use, SHS exposure at home and household solid fuel use among women of reproductive age (15-49years). We also used data from 41 selected LMICs that had data from two or more surveys completed between 2000 and 2018 to assess secular trends in the prevalence of tobacco use and household solid fuel use among women. In 2010-2018, the overall prevalence of tobacco use, daily SHS exposure at home and household solid fuel use among women in 57 LMICs was 3.2% (95%CI=3.1-3.3), 23.0% (22.8-23.2), and 65.6% (65.3-65.9), respectively. The prevalence of tobacco use was lower among pregnant women than non-pregnant women (2.1% vs. 3.3%), but the prevalence of daily SHS exposure at home (24.4% vs. 22.8%) and household solid fuel use (69.1% vs. 65.3%) was higher among pregnant women than non-pregnant women. About 16% of the women presented two or three simultaneous risk factors. Between 2000 and 2018, the prevalence of tobacco use decreased in 24 (64.9%) of 37 countries, and the prevalence of household solid fuel use decreased in 20 (50.0%) of 40 countries. Tobacco use among women was much low in LMICs, but SHS exposure at home was more common. Although the prevalence of household solid fuel use decreased over time in most LMICs, these recent estimates remained unacceptably high.

Smoking in nursing students

The role of nursing students as future health promoters of healthy behaviors is influenced by their attitude towards smoking. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey was performed to analyze smoking prevalence among undergraduate the nursing students who attend nursing faculties in 2 European countries (Spain and Portugal) during academic period 2015 to 2016. A total of 1469 subjects were surveyed (response rate of 79.8%). An 80% of the students were female with a mean age of 21.9 (4.8) years. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 18.9%, with an average percentage of 16.2% in Portugal and 18.3% in Spain. Statistical significance was observed in relation to smoke and previous studies (16.4% vs 27.1%; P < .001). Only 1.1% of the students reported using electronic cigarette. 15.8% of smokers started smoking while at university with statistical gender and previous studies differences (P < .001). Fagerström and Richmond test showed low nicotine dependence (2.8 ± 2) and moderate motivation to stop smoking (4.9 ± 3), respectively. Smoking prevalence among nursing students was slightly higher than the general European population. For that reason, measures to reduce tobacco use have to be focused on students and university policies on tobacco control should be a challenge in the future.

Pattern and associated socio demographic factors of tobacco use among health care staff in a tertiary care setting at Faridabad

Background: This study aimed at assessing prevailing pattern and risk factors of tobacco consumption among health care workers of tertiary care centre, in Faridabad.Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used. A sample of 306 participants included housekeeping and nursing orderly. Participants were interviewed during their lunch time. Semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection.Results: The overall prevalence of tobacco use was found to be 42.8% (n=306), of which (30.7%) prevalence among housekeeping’s compared to nursing orderlies (12.7%). The consumption of smokeless tobacco was higher among housekeeping staff. Khaini (45%) was the main consumption type, followed by hookah (21%) and cigarettes (19.5%) among the current tobacco user (n=133). The consumption of tobacco was found to be associated with gender (male), education, and nature of job (designation) at the hospital setting.Conclusions: Tobacco use is very common in hospital staff in Faridabad as reflected by results of our study. We should build on success encountered in banning smoking in educational institutions and healthcare facilities. This is important for their health and also overall health of patients also as they can influence the behaviour of people that surrounds them.

A cross sectional study of tobacco use among the college students of B. G. Nagara, Karnataka

Background: Tobacco is a leafy plant grown around the world with its addictive substance nicotine. It becomes the need of the hour to provide enough evidence on the correlates of tobacco use in the community to assist government policy makers, health professionals and the public in developing realistic models towards effective tobacco control to cater to sections of community in need. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and the pattern of tobacco use among the college students and to find out the reasons for the tobacco use among the college students.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among various college students of B. G. Nagara with 1003 subjects selected. Data was collected with a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analysed. Results were expressed in percentages and proportions.Results: The overall prevalence of tobacco use among the study subjects was found to be 5.8% and was exclusively among male students only. Cigarette smoking was the most commonly used form of tobacco, used by 89.7% of the tobacco users and the major reasons for initiation of tobacco use were due to friends (58.6%).Conclusions: Present study showed that the prevalence of tobacco use (5.8%) was lower when compared to state and national average. But since majority of users were in the age group of 19 to 21 years and were away from their homes, strict measures should be enforced in hostel and college premises banning its use and sale.

Prevalence of Tobacco Use in Health Care Workers Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 14 guidelines stress that health care workers (HCW) should set an example by not using tobacco, however the overall prevalence among HCW worldwide is unknown. We present prevalence estimates of tobacco use among HCW by country income level, gender and occupation. Methods: We searched five electronic databases; Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL Plus, CAB Abstracts, and LILACS for original studies published between 1 January 2000 and 14 March 2016 that included HCW and tobacco use data from 2000 onward. We performed random effect meta-analyses to obtain estimates by World Bank income level, occupation, and gender (Prospero number CRD42016041231) Findings 282 studies met our inclusion criteria, including 157 studies from high-income countries (HIC), 92 from upper- middle- income countries (UMIC), and 33 from Lower Middle and low Income countries (LMLIC). The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 22% (95% CI 21-23). Smoking prevalence was highest in the UMIC 25% (95% CI 22-28%), higher in males compared to females (31% vs 17%) and highest in nurses, 25% (22-27%). Heterogeneity was high (I2 > 90%) in all sub-group analyses. There was borderline significant reduction in the overall tobacco use prevalence between 2000 and 2014 (p=0·06). Interpretation: HCW continue to use tobacco at high rates. Tackling tobacco use in these groups requires urgent action as they are at the front line for tackling tobacco use in their patients. Funding: UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies. Declaration of interests: We declare no competing interests.

Study of perceived reasons for initiation and continuation of tobacco use among rural population

Background: Tobacco consumption is a major public health issue and is the major risk factor for causes of death. In India, 90% of the oral cancer patients were tobacco chewers. No of women chewing tobacco is also increasing leading to stillbirth, preterm baby and LBW babies. No of children using the tobacco in their early age is an urgent issue to address. Study was done with an objective of exploring the perceived reasons for initiation and continuation of tobacco usage among rural population Kuppam in A.P. Methods: Prevalence study was done at field practice area of Kuppam in A.P. Results: Total 1500 individuals above 15 yrs were studied. The overall prevalence of tobacco use among the subjects was 61.3%. The age at initiation of tobacco use was less than 20 years (54.4%). In our study reasons to start and continue the tobacco usage were, peer pressure 50.4%, influence of family members 16.4%, to overcome the hunger and thirst was 9.6%, relaxation 3%. Conclusions: Hence it is essential for community based smoking cessation activities, health education, behavioral change communication, focus group discussion, legislative measures should be considered as preventive measures.

The Prevalence of Tobacco Use at Federally Qualified Health Centers in the United States, 2013.

We explored tobacco use across federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and compared data on state-level tobacco use between FQHC patients and the general population. We used data from the Uniform Data System (UDS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to generate estimates of 2013 prevalence of tobacco use among adults aged 18 years or older. According to UDS data, the overall prevalence of tobacco use was 25.8% in FQHCs compared with 20.6% in the general population represented by BRFSS data, an average of 5.2 percentage points (range, −4.9 to 20.9) higher among FQHCs. Among FQHCs, the burden of tobacco use and the opportunity for offering cessation assistance is substantial.

Prevalence of tobacco in Darbhanga district: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Chewing tobacco, smoking, and consumption of alcoholic beverages have become common social habits in India. No study has been conducted so far in this part of Bihar regarding the prevalence of tobacco. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use, its influences, triggers, and associated oral lesions. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients who consume tobacco in any form were selected and were interviewed through a pretested structured questionnaire in relation to their tobacco habits, its influences, and triggers. In addition, clinical examination was carried out to check for any tobacco-related oral lesions. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 16.69%, out of which 14.48% were males and 2.21% were females. The most affected age group was from 19 to 50 years. 13.45% were below 18 years of age. 43.40% males and 77.42% females having the tobacco habit were illiterates. The majority of individuals were addicted due to peer pressure and friends, some acquired it, due to loneliness, stress, and for adapting themselves in the work place. Females frequently used smokeless for cleaning teeth. The most common oral mucosal lesion in both males (53.26%) and females (18.55%) was tobacco hyperkeratosis. The present study reflects the high prevalence rates of tobacco use among various sections of society. Apart from mass against tobacco products, authorities should focus on strict enforcement of law and promote research for creating new and harmless replacement products.

Social Determinants of Health and Tobacco Use in Five Low - and Middle-Income Countries - Results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2011 - 2012

Tobacco consumption continues to be the leading cause of preventable deaths globally. The objective of this study was to examine the associaton of selected socio-demographic variables with current tobacco use in five countries that participated in the Phase II Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2011 - 2012. We analysed internationally comparable representative household survey data from 33,482 respondents aged ≥ 15 years in Indonesia, Malaysia, Romania, Argentina and Nigeria for determinants of tobacco use within each country. Socio-demographic variables analysed included gender, age, residency, education, wealth index and awareness of smoking health consequences. Current tobacco use was defined as smoking or use of smokeless tobacco daily or occasionally. The overall prevalence of tobacco use varied from 5.5% in Nigeria to 35.7% in Indonesia and was significantly higher among males than females in all five countries. Odds ratios for current tobacco use were significantly higher among males for all countries [with the greatest odds among Indonesian men (OR=67.4, 95% CI: 51.2-88.7)] and among urban dwellers in Romania. The odds of current tobacco use decreased as age increased for all countries except Nigeria where. The reverse was true for Argentina and Nigeria. Significant trends for decreasing tobacco use with increasing educational levels and wealth index were seen in Indonesia, Malaysia and Romania. Significant negative associations between current tobacco use and awareness of adverse health consequences of smoking were found in all countries except Argentina. Males and the socially and economically disadvantaged populations are at the greatest risk of tobacco use. Tobacco control interventions maybe tailored to this segment of population and incorporate educational interventions to increase knowledge of adverse health consequences of smoking.

Risk factor profile for non-communicable diseases in public institutions of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death globally, killing more people each year than all other causes combined. NCDs are caused, to a large extent, by four behavioural risk factors that are pervasive aspects of economic transition, rapid urbanization, and 21 st century lifestyles: Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, and the harmful use of alcohol. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in public institutions of urban field practice area of department of Community Medicine. World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS approach was used to find the prevalence of risk factors. The study was conducted in public institutions among working population aged 18 years and above. Results: A total of 350 participants were included in the study. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 23.4%. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 36%. None of the participant was consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Physical inactivity was seen in 51%. Total of 32.6% were found to be hypertensive. Conclusions: This study shows the high burden of risk factors for NCDs in the working population. Action should be oriented toward curbing the NCD risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce NCD incidence rates and push back the age of NCD onset.

Tobacco use and its Socioeconomic Impact among Adult Males in Rural Area of Bareilly: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction Tobacco use is one of the important preventable causes of death and a leading public health problem all over the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is the second major cause of death worldwide and is currently responsible for about 5 million deaths each year. This figure is expected to rise to about 8.4 million by the year 2020, with 70% of deaths occurring in developing countries. Objectives • To study the prevalence of tobacco use • To assess the socioeconomic factor of tobacco use Materials and methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural field practicing area of Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital (RMCH), Bareilly. Multistage sampling design was used and 400 males, aged above 15 years, were randomly selected belonging to the field practice area of RMCH. The data were recorded in predesigned and semistructured questionnaire. Results In the study prevalence of tobacco use, “current user” was 183 (45.75%) and past user was 19 (4.75%); thus, the overall prevalence of tobacco use was 202 (50.50%). Among the tobacco user, maximum participants belong to age group 15 to 24 years. The data were analyzed by applying chi-square test. How to cite this article Agarwal A, Khan S, Joshi HS, Upadhyay D. Tobacco use and its Socioeconomic Impact among Adult Males in Rural Area of Bareilly: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):103-105.

Tobacco use and associated factors among adults in Ethiopia: further analysis of the 2011 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

BackgroundTobacco is one of the leading preventable causes of non-communicable diseases. Previous studies gave due emphasis only for cigarette smoking with little attention given for other types of tobacco use. This study describes the prevalence of all common forms of tobacco use and identify associated factors among adults in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study used data from the 2011 Ethiopian demographic and health survey. An index was constructed from yes or no responses for common types of tobacco use. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression statistical models were employed to determine associated factors with tobacco using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe overall prevalence of tobacco use was 4.1 % [95 % CI: (3.93–4.37)]. The highest prevalence 16.9 % [95 % CI: (11.02–23.76)] in Gambella and the lowest 0.8 % [95 % CI: (0.48–1.29)] in Tigray regions were reported. The odds of tobacco use in the age group 20–24 and 45–49 years were [AOR = 2.3; 95 % CI: (1.60–3.21)] and [AOR = 9.1; 95 % CI: (6.06–13.54)] more likely to use tobacco, respectively, as compared to the age group 15–19 years. Traditional religion [AOR = 5.5; 95 % CI: (3.96–7.55)], Catholics [AOR = 3.40; 95 % CI: (2.03–5.69)] and Islamic followers [AOR = 2.8; 95 % CI: (2.31–3.32)] had higher odds of using tobacco as compared to Orthodox religion followers. Adults in the poorest wealth quintile were [AOR = 1.4; 95 % CI: (1.05–1.79)] more likely to use tobacco as compared to the richest wealth quintile. The odds of tobacco use among males were higher as compared to females [AOR = 13.08; 95 % CI: (10.24–16.72)]. Formerly married adults were [AOR = 1.71; 95 % CI: (1.20–2.34)] more likely to use tobacco as compared to never married. Adults who were professionally working [AOR = 0.49; 95 % CI: (0.29–0.85)] had less likely to use tobacco as compared to non-working adults. However, adults who were working in sales, skilled and unskilled occupations had [AOR = 1.6; 95 % CI: (1.18–2.24)], [AOR = 1.7, 95 % CI: (1.21–2.50)] and [AOR = 3.8 95 % CI: (2.27–6.23)] more likely to use tobacco, respectively, as compared to non-working adults. Individuals who had experience of child death were [AOR = 1.4; 95 % CI: (1.17–1.63)] more likely to use tobacco as compared to their counterparts.ConclusionThe overall prevalence of tobacco use seems low in Ethiopia. However, a significant regional variation of tobacco use was observed. A tailored public health interventions targeting regions with high prevalence of tobacco use is recommended.

Tobacco use and friendship networks: a cross-sectional study among Brazilian adolescents.

To determine the prevalence of tobacco use and its association with types of friendship networks, socioeconomic status and gender among Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of 905 students aged 15 to 19 years. Information on social networks and tobacco use was collected by the self-administered questionnaire 'Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test" and the question "What is your most important group of close friends?'. Socioeconomic status was assessed using an area-based social vulnerability index and type of school. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to test associations between tobacco use and the independent variables. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 18.9%. Female adolescents had 3.80-fold greater odds of reporting weekly to daily tobacco use compared to male adolescents. Participants who reported that their most important groups of close friends were from church had a lower risk of reporting weekly to daily tobacco use in comparison to those who reported that their best friends were from school. The prevalence of tobacco use was high and was associated with school-based (as compared to church-based) friendship networks, female gender and higher area-level socioeconomic status.

Prevalence of Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases in Working Population

Objectives: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death globally, killing more people each year than all other causes combined. NCDs are caused to a large extent by four behavioral risk factors that are pervasive aspects of economic transition, rapid urbanization, and 21 st century lifestyles: Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, and the harmful use of alcohol. The aim was to find out the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs in working population. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in working population aged 18 years and above in 10 public institutions. World Health Organization STEPS approach was used to find the prevalence of risk factors. The study sample was randomly selected by using random number generator. Results: A total of 350 participants were included in the study. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 23.4%. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 36%. Thirty three percent of the participants was consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Physical inactivity was seen in 51%. 33.1% of the participants were overweight, 6% were obese and 32.6%, 5.8% were hypertensive and diabetic, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows the high burden of risk factors for NCDs in the working population. Action should be oriented toward curbing the NCD risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce NCD incidence rates and delay the age of NCD onset.

The Role of Health Care Professionals in Providing Smoking Cessation Advice in Najran Armed Forces Hospital, KSA

Background: Smoking is an established risk factor for many diseases and is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. According to the WHO, medical and paramedical staff can influence positively or negatively the smoking habits of a community. Objective: To explore the predictors of providing smoking cessation advice by medical and paramedical staff. Methods: We have conducted a cross-sectional study from April, 2014 through May, 2014 in Najran Armed Forces Hospital. Data collection was done using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Results: The study included 128 health care professionals. The mean age and standard deviation of the study group was 33.8 ± 8.10 years. The overall prevalence of tobacco use among medical and para-medical staff amounted to 21.1%. The prevalence among male health care providers amounted to 37.5% compared to 9.4% among females. The highest prevalence of tobacco use was among physicians (33.3%) followed by technicians (24.2%) and nurses (11.3%). More than 16% of the medical and paramedical staff didn't at all ask patients about their smoking status and only 40 % of them do that from time to time. Nurses were found to be significant predictors in providing smoking cessation advice to patients compared to physicians (aOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.1–25.1). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of smoking habit is still higher among persons who understand the related problems of smoking. Nurses are more active than doctors in providing tobacco cessation advice to their patients.

Prevalence of Tobacco Use in Urban, Semi Urban and Rural Areas in and around Chennai City, India

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.