Prevalence, regional patterns and socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India: A secondary data analysis

Bantwal, Priyanka; Kulkarni, Muralidhar M.; Kamath, Veena G.; Naik, Ashwath K.; Fogarty, Andrew W.; Dhar, Murali; Ahankari, Anand S.

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is associated with early, intermediate and long-term complications throughout the life course. With an influx of newer products containing nicotine, poly-tobacco use is slowly emerging as a public health concern, that is defined as existing tobacco users currently using two or more tobacco or nicotine products. While many studies have investigated single use tobacco, there is a paucity of research on regional patterns and socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India. Objectives: To assess prevalence of poly-tobacco use and determine the socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India. Methods: Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 (GATS, 2016–17) was analysed, which included information on tobacco use among people aged >15 years. The pattern of current tobacco status was described using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression models were estimated to determine factors associated with poly-tobacco use. Results: The prevalence of poly-tobacco use in India was found to be 9.8%. Among the current tobacco users, the prevalence was 33%. Significant socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use included younger age, male gender, religion and backward caste. North-eastern region reported highest prevalence of poly-tobacco use in the country, followed by the central region. Conclusion: The number of poly-tobacco users in India is considerably high and a matter of concern, more so in north east and central regions of the country. There is a need to create awareness about dangerous effects of all types of tobacco products and strengthen implementation of tobacco control policies with special focus on regions with high burden.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 17, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 15, 2024
• Publication Date: Mar 15, 2024
• Deposit Date: Mar 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 19, 2024
• Journal: PLOS Global Public Health
• Print ISSN: 2767-3375
• Electronic ISSN: 2767-3375
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: e0002999
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002999
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/32470449
• Publisher URL: https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0002999