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.

Citation

Bantwal, P., Kulkarni, M. M., Kamath, V. G., Naik, A. K., Fogarty, A. W., Dhar, M., & Ahankari, A. S. (2024). Prevalence, regional patterns and socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India: A secondary data analysis. PLOS Global Public Health, 4(3), Article e0002999. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002999

• 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
• Keywords: India; Nicotiana; Smoking habits; Electronic cigarettes; Tobacco control; Nicotine; Religion; Smoking related disorder
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/32470449
• Publisher URL: https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0002999