Publication:

Tobacco chewing habits and barriers in cessation among tobacco users: a survey from Western Rajasthan, India

Background Tobacco chewing is a considerable public health concern leading to high mortality rates. In India, about 28.6% of the population consume one or another form of tobacco. Tobacco cessation is a very challenging process usually surrounded by various factors.  The current work intended to assess tobacco chewing habits and barriers in cessation of tobacco chewing among tobacco users.

Methods This study was conducted among conveniently selected 101 tobacco chewers residing at Pratap Nagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Data were collected through face to face interview by using self-structured barrier in tobacco cessation rating scale. Analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results Nearly 34% of tobacco users were chewing tobacco since 10-20 years. 68% of subjects consumed tobacco ≥5 times a day. All tobacco users tried to quit tobacco chewing at one or other point of time in life but quitting attempts were unsuccessful. Environmental barriers were more evident as compare to other barriers. Levels of barrier were found to have significant association with estimated amount of tobacco consumption per day number of attempts taken to quit tobacco chewing and history of smoking (p level <0.10).

Conclusions Tobacco remains preventable cause of mortality and morbidity in India. Despites of multiple attempts to quit tobacco chewing, most of tobacco users were not successful because of various barriers. There is need to have deep thoughtful deliberations on this concern. More visible and stringent awareness campaigns can be planned and implemented.