Pattern of Tobacco consumption among urban slum population in Jammu region: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Consumption of tobacco leads to a myriad of ill effects among the smokers as well as those in their proximity. The study related to tobacco consumption was conducted among individuals over 15 years of age, residing in urban slums. OBJECTIVE: To assess the pattern of tobacco consumption in urban slum population, using WHO standardized questionnaire which is Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS); questions related to tobacco from the surveys, which are the subset of GATS 2(nd) Edition key questions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was observational cross-sectional in nature which was conducted over a period of 6 months i.e., from September 2019 to February 2020 in urban slums of Trikuta Nagar, urban health training centre which is a field practice area of Postgraduate Department of Community Medicine, GMC Jammu. The information about the tobacco consumption was gathered by interview sessions after taking consent from all the participants. Totally, 718 individuals were met, out of which, 539 were over 15 years of age and 510 agreed to participate in the study. RESULTS: 36% (maximum) belonged to 36-45 year age group and lowest (3%) among individuals >66 years. 48% prevalence of active smoking; maximum indulgence (53%) observed in 36-55 year group. Highest exposure to passive smoking seen in 56-65 year group (75%). 45% prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption, highest in 56-65 year group (72%), lowest in 15-25 year age group (17%). CONCLUSION: Regular conducting of IEC activities for generating awareness with the strict implementation of tobacco control measures by the government needs to be carried out as urban slum population is a vulnerable group and most susceptible to the vicious cycle of disease and poverty.