Tobacco consumption and its association with various sociodemographic factors among females (15-49 years) residing in an urban slum of Pune, Maharashtra

• Main Authors: Dattatraya Ramkrishna Sinalkar, Rajesh Kunwar, Renuka Kunte, Madhuri Balte
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-01-01
• Series: Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University
• Subjects: Females; Pune; tobacco consumption; urban slum
• Online Access: http://www.mjdrdypu.org/article.asp?issn=0975-2870;year=2015;volume=8;issue=6;spage=724;epage=728;aulast=Sinalkar

Context: Tobacco consumption among females is on rise and is increasing at an alarming rate. This epidemic among the females is emerging as an important public health problem especially in slums. Aim: Study was conducted to find out association between sociodemographic factors and tobacco consumption. Settings and Design: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among females (15-49 years) in an urban slum of Pune during February 12 to April 13. Materials and Methods: Sampling frame was prepared from records of urban health center. Required sample size was selected by simple random method. Data collected using pretested validated structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20, and Chi-square test was used for determining association. Results: Of 305 females studied, 31.5% of them were currently consuming tobacco. Most common form of tobacco consumption was smokeless that is, Mishri application 55.2%. About 64% females started using tobacco before 20 years of age. Most of them (32%) consuming tobacco for increasing concentration at work. Tobacco consumption was found to be significantly more common among ever-married and Muslim females. Lack of will power and ignorance about the harmful effects of tobacco were major hindrances (51%) for quitting tobacco Conclusion: Tobacco consumption was found to be prevalent in almost one third of females (15-49 years) residing in an urban slum of Pune. Most of them used smokeless tobacco, mainly Mishri. Tobacco consumption was directly associated with age, marital status and religion.