Publication:

A cross-sectional study on tobacco addiction in a rural community of district Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh

Background Tobacco addiction is a major public health concern and is influenced by multiple socio-demographic factors. Cultural acceptance, widespread availability of inexpensive products, persistent misconceptions regarding perceived benefits, and highly addictive nature continue to hinder cessation efforts. Understanding its prevalence and determinants is essential for targeted prevention and control strategies.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,085 participants for a period of September 2025 to January 2026 in Nagdi village of Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Data was collected by means of house-to-house survey using simple random sampling technique via pre-designed, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered in MS-Excel, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using IBM-SPSS software v28.0.

Results The overall prevalence of tobacco addiction was observed to be 39.2%. Addiction was significantly higher among males, 49.11% in comparison to females, 28.41% with p=0.001. The prevalence increased with age, with peak at 61-70 years, 56.67% with p=0.001. An inverse association was observed with education, with highest prevalence among illiterate participants, 46.41% and lowest among graduates, 14.29% with p=0.001. Head of families showed a markedly higher prevalence, 63.70% compared to other family members, 31.04% with p=0.001.

Conclusions Tobacco addiction was common in the study population and showed significant associations with gender, age, educational status, and family role. These findings highlight the need for targeted health education and tobacco control interventions, particularly among males, older adults, less-educated individuals and head of households.