Prevalence, Regional Patterns and Socio-demographic Factors Associated with Poly-tobacco Use in India: A Secondary Data Analysis

Overview

Journal PLOS Glob Public Health

Specialty Public Health

Date 2024 Mar 15

PMID 38489306

Authors

Priyanka Bantwal

Muralidhar M Kulkarni

Veena G Kamath

Ashwath K Naik

Andrew W Fogarty

Murali Dhar

Anand S Ahankari

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is associated with early, intermediate and long-term complications throughout the life course. With an influx of newer products containing nicotine, poly-tobacco use is slowly emerging as a public health concern, that is defined as existing tobacco users currently using two or more tobacco or nicotine products. While many studies have investigated single use tobacco, there is a paucity of research on regional patterns and socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India.

Objectives: To assess prevalence of poly-tobacco use and determine the socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India.

Methods: Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 (GATS, 2016-17) was analysed, which included information on tobacco use among people aged >15 years. The pattern of current tobacco status was described using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression models were estimated to determine factors associated with poly-tobacco use.

Results: The prevalence of poly-tobacco use in India was found to be 9.8%. Among the current tobacco users, the prevalence was 33%. Significant socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use included younger age, male gender, religion and backward caste. North-eastern region reported highest prevalence of poly-tobacco use in the country, followed by the central region.

Conclusion: The number of poly-tobacco users in India is considerably high and a matter of concern, more so in north east and central regions of the country. There is a need to create awareness about dangerous effects of all types of tobacco products and strengthen implementation of tobacco control policies with special focus on regions with high burden.

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