Tobacco use among elderly in rural population of western maharashtra

Introduction: WHO predicts that tobacco deaths in India may exceed 1.5 million annually by 2020. Tobacco is almost a risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death. Smoking and smokeless form of tobacco use is common in India.Community based rural studies have shown the prevalence of tobacco use as 31% - 42% in elderly rural population. According to WHO Global Report on Trends in Tobacco Smoking 2015 in India, 19.9% men and 1.7% women are smokers among adult population. According to Global Adult Tobacco survey 32.9% men and 18.4% women are using smokeless tobacco.
Aim: The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use among elderly in rural population of Western Maharashtra.
Methodology: Community based cross sectional study from Jan to June 2017. Elderly population with age of 60 years and above residing in rural area of Western Maharashtra during study period. Patients were interviewed through a pretested structured questionnaire in relation to their tobacco habits.
Results: Prevalence of tobacco use was 42.6%. Smoking was more common in males (33.6%) as compared to females (2.04%). Smokeless form of tobacco consumption was similar in both males (31.7%) and females (32.6%).Among females who consumed tobacco - 98% used a smokeless form. Mishri – roasted fine tobacco powder was the most common form of smokeless tobacco consumed by females (32.65%) as compared to males (1.92%).
Conclusions: High prevalence of tobacco in this rural area which is significantly associated with gender and alcohol consumption. This needs to be addressed immediately to prolong health. Myth of Mishri consumption that it cleans teeth should be dealt with appropriate IEC activity.