Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
Kundan Shah
shahkundan14@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is a serious public health concern affecting youths and adults. It is estimated that the vast majority of tobacco users start using smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT) products well before 18 years of age. This study aims to access the knowledge, attitude, and prevalence of SLT use among adult population in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult population visiting Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, Bihar from July to October 2021. A validated structured questionnaire was used to gather information regarding knowledge, attitude, and prevalence of SLT use. The data was entered and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences for windows 26.0. Results: Among 650 participants, 77.8% were tobacco users. The prevalence of SLT was 69.2%. Khaini (32.6%) was the commonest form of SLT used followed by gutka (31.4%). Other forms of SLT used were Gul and Betel Quid. Majority of the participants (85.3%) believed that SLT is non hazardous as compared to smoked tobacco and 56.8% knew that tobacco causes cancer. About 57.6% participants said that tobacco use should be prohibited in public place and 43.4% showed interest that they are willing to quit tobacco. Conclusion: Prevalence of SLT use is unexpectedly high in the study population. Khaini and Gutka were the most commonly used SLT. Education campaigns focusing on hazards of both smoked and SLT use through existing health care infrastructure should be strategized.

Keywords: Adults, Prevalence, Smokeless tobacco, Tobacco.