Assessment of tobacco consumption patterns and the sociodemographic and behavioral determinants in adults residing in rural areas of Kamrup, Assam
Himashree Bhattacharyya, Rashmi Agarwalla, Siva Chowhan
A
BSTRACT
Background:
Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in India, particularly in the North-Eastern region. Assam has a high burden of tobacco consumption, with smokeless tobacco being the predominant form. Understanding the pattern of tobacco use and factors influencing consumption and cessation is essential for effective public health interventions.
Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two randomly selected villages under the Bezera block of Kamrup district, Assam. Adults aged ≥18 years who had used tobacco on at least one day in the past 30 days were included. Data from 170 adults were collected through house-to-house surveys using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and tests of association.
Results:
The mean age of study participants was 42.58 ± 15.9 years. Smokeless tobacco use was predominant (79.9%), and Gutka was the most commonly consumed product (52.7%). The mean age of initiation was 20.17 years, and nearly half of the participants (48%) used tobacco within 30 min of waking, indicating nicotine dependence. Although 60% were aware of the harmful effects, only 30% had attempted to quit in the past year. Strong cravings, stress, and withdrawal symptoms were major barriers to cessation.
Conclusion:
Smokeless tobacco use is highly prevalent in the studied rural population, with early initiation and low cessation rates. Targeted community-based interventions focusing on early prevention, cessation support, and awareness are essential to reduce the tobacco burden in the region.