Publication:

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.