How to stop tobacco use? Tobacco user's perspective

OBJECTIVES: To explore the tobacco-dependent subject's perspectives of what measures are likely to work for tobacco cessation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nicotine-dependent male subjects attending a tertiary level de-addiction center in North India were recruited. Demographic and clinical data was recorded. Open-ended questions were asked to know user's perspective about the measures by which tobacco use can be effectively stopped in the country. The subjects were allowed as many responses as they desired. RESULTS: A total of 46 subjects were recruited. The median age of the sample was 35 years, with median duration of tobacco use being 12 years. All subjects were males, and most were married, employed, and had urban residence. Supply reducing measures were the most commonly reported to stop tobacco (67.4% of subjects) followed by people quitting tobacco use by themselves (19.6%) and raising awareness through media (13.1%). CONCLUSION: This pilot study reflects the perspectives of tobacco users for the measures likely to be effective in tobacco cessation. Evaluating the effect of implementation of individual policies may help focusing towards measures that yield greatest benefits.